Decision follows turnaround on A-Level results.
The Government has lifted the cap on university veterinary science courses after a turnaround on A-level results saw a higher number of students meeting the required grades.
Caps were also lifted on medicine, dentistry, and teaching courses after concerns were raised about the limited places for students whose results had increased.
In a press release, the Government said that extra funding would be provided to increase capacity in medical, nursing and STEM subjects. The decision comes after doctors and university vice-chancellors urged for the cap on student numbers in medical schools to be removed amid the results chaos.
On Monday (17 August), education secretary Gavin Williamson backtracked on the controversial algorithm that had been used to grade A-levels, announcing that all students in England would instead receive their predicted grades. Unfortunately, this decision came too late for students that had already selected their university course based on the initial grade.
The Government’s Higher Education Taskforce said on Wednesday (19 August) that if students have met the required grades, they will now be offered a place at their first choice university. If maximum capacity has been reached, however, then students may be required to defer their place to the following year.
Universities minister Michelle Donelan said: ”This has been an incredibly difficult time for students and I want to reassure them that every effort is being made to make sure all those who planned to, can move on to higher education.
“I am delighted that the Government and the higher education sector have agreed that all students who achieved the required grades will be offered a place at their first choice university. I want universities to do all they can to take them on this year or offer alternative courses or deferred places where required.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
