Following the A-level grading fiasco last Autumn which saw universities accepting more students than usual, some institutions are getting tougher on their recruitment this year. ‘High-tariff’ universities have experienced a surge of applications, but have made offers to a lower proportion of candidates – a drop for the first time in five years. In light of this, leading EdTech platform MyTutor has unveiled research that has been examining the nation’s attitudes towards further education.

The landmark research shows that more than 1 in 4 British parents agree their child feels their long-term university prospects have been damaged in the wake of the pandemic. With exams cancelled for the second consecutive year, grades will be awarded by teachers, with moderation by Ofqual. This has cause concern amongst parents and their teens, as almost 1 million university applications have not been converted to offers.

However, university is not the only route that will lead teens onto a successful career in the future. MyTutor also found that nearly two thirds – 62% – of parents say university is not the only path they are recommending to their child after their school career, as it is not essential for them to get a good job.

Key statistics:

26% agree that their child feels that their long-term university and career prospects have been damaged by COVID-19

62% agree that university is not the only path they are recommending to their child after their school career, as it is not essential for them to get a good job

43% agree their child’s self-esteem is linked to the grades they achieved at school and university

24% agree that to support their child’s professional and educational progression, they will integrate home-schooling permanently post-Covid

Bertie Hubbard, Co-founder of EdTech platform MyTutor, discusses how the pandemic has impacted university admissions and career prospects:

“UK parents are increasingly worried about the impact of school closures on their teens’ long-term career prospects. If they didn’t get their target grades from teachers’ predictions, the pressure to perform well in Autumn retakes is intense – especially following months out of the classroom. Teens have also missed out vital UCAS preparation with their teachers, and packing the process into the Autumn term gives them less time to get ready than previous cohorts. As a result, many teens fear they’ll have to lower their university choices, and their career ambitions as a result.
At MyTutor, our tutors are subject experts from UK unis and they have up-to-date curriculum and exam knowledge. Being just a few years older they can explain things in a way that teens really understand. In one-to-one lessons they guide teens through the curriculum and train them in exam technique so they can get the best grades in retakes and mocks. And because they’re at university, they also help with UCAS applications and double up as role models and mentors, all in one.”