ISC Daily News Summary

Clare Marchant, the chief executive of UCAS, has urged students to come up with a "Plan B" ahead of A-level results day this week, amid warnings of a surge of students missing out on a university place. By Poppy Wood, iNews.

Addressing attendees at a webinar hosted by the Higher Education Policy Institute, Clare Marchant said this year's A-level results "were never going to be pain-free", as students are advised to prepare themselves for lower grades and increased competition for university places. By Sally Weale, The Guardian.

According to The Telegraph, A-level students from areas rated the "most advantaged" by universities are the least likely to have received an offer for the first time on record. By Louisa Clarence-Smith and Alex Clark. The article quotes Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council.

Ian Morgan, chief executive of the WJEC exam board, has said he is confident that pupils will receive fair grades this year. BBC News.

Speaking to The Guardian, four students expecting their grades this week describe how the pandemic has affected their studies. By Sally Weale.

Claire Green, the director of sixth form at Northampton School for Girls, writes in Tes offering advice on how to support A-level students who miss their grades.

An article in The Times considers the pros and cons of going to university. By Rachel Sylvester.

A new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies has found that the disadvantage gap at GCSE has seen "virtually no change" in 20 years and is now likely to increase following the COVID pandemic. By Matilda Martin, Tes.

The Times reports staff shortages and budgetary pressures are forcing children's nurseries to close, leaving many parents with no childcare provision. By Mario Ledwith.