English admissions tests introduced
Oxford University plan to introduce an entrance exam for students applying to study English. The results of the admissions exam will help tutors to determine who is invited for interview. Many head teachers have met the introduction of this test with concern, arguing that it places a stress on students already overburdened with many exams.
John Dunford, the General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said, “I am very concerned about the growing use of university admission tests in different subjects. It will discriminate against pupils from state schools because they can’t afford to put on extra classes in the way that independent schools can.” The University said ,“It will be testing aptitude rather than learned information.
It remains important to us that we can give applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their aptitude and potential in a range of ways.” English is the second most oversubscribed subject at Oxford, and last year there were 1100 applications for just 248 places. With a quarter of students in the UK gaining As at A Level, Oxford University are exploring further means of differentiating between applicants.
20th Apr 2006