University of Bedfordshire opts to accept predicted grades in solidarity with students

It has been a tough and turbulent time for all school pupils but many anticipating their A Level results last week were met with disappointment and confusion with the government’s unpredictable algorithm described in the news as a ‘fiasco’.

It’s been reported that 40% of England’s teenagers are now set to appeal their grades.

In light of this, the University has decided to take a proactive approach to support students whose exam results were downgraded from the grades their school or college predicted.

Bob Cozens, Director of Admissions & Student Recruitment at Bedfordshire, said: “At the University of Bedfordshire, we are keen to support students who may have had their predicted grades reduced, so have chosen to make verbal offers based on applicants’ mock exam results or their teacher predicted grades.

“We will also hold places open for any pupils going through the appeals process.

“Our message to students whose exam results were not what their school or college predicted, we encourage you to still contact our admissions team now to discuss the options available to you, as we will consider all aspects of your application including wider experience when evaluating your potential to succeed.”

The University’s initial day of Clearing (August 13) saw contact from over 2,500 applicants via telephone and its live chat function, with a high level of calls received by the Clearing and Admissions support lines between 7am – 8pm.

Hundreds more students engaged with the Clearing team via social media, the chatroom and by submitting application forms directly through Bedfordshire’s website.

Due to the disruption of the pandemic, understandably many students may now be rethinking their application, study options and university experience. However, Bob Cozens urges students to stand their ground as 2020 is still a great time to pursue Higher Education: “Bedfordshire has a proud history of widening access to higher education and supporting students to achieve their potential.

“Students considering going to University this autumn should do so with confidence and the disruption of Covid-19 should not be a reason to put

your learning journey on hold.

“At the University of Bedfordshire, we have worked hard to ensure we have Covid-secure campuses so that students can still have an on-campus experience, which they will get a range of face to face teaching and quality on-line teaching materials, as part of our blended

learning offering.”

David Seaton, Assistant Director of Admissions & Student Recruitment, added: “My advice to applicants is to consider the long term situation. By starting Higher Education now you will be on the path to a graduate level job. Also, with the national employment market for 16-24 year olds turbulent due to Covid-19, and with the current travel restrictions in place, applicants need to consider very carefully what they would do with a gap year.

“If you have plans to make the most of your year out and can come back to your university application next year with an enhanced CV then delaying your entry could be worth doing.

“The truth though is that it’s now harder than ever to set up a career boosting gap year experience, so for most potential students deferment to avoid Covid-19’s impact on their university experience is not a good idea.”

The University of Bedfordshire’s key message to applicants at the moment is simply: “don’t panic”.

There are lots of course opportunities still available across a number of popular and inspiring subject areas, including Nursing, Education, Art and Design, Media, Law, Psychology, Engineering, Sport and Computing.

A full list of available courses can be explored online 24/7 and the team can be reached on

0300 3300 703: www.beds.ac.uk/clearing