Cambridge calls for reform of 'inadequate' A-levels

Cambridge University has called for the "inadequate" A-level system to be reformed, claiming it is an unreliable indicator of students' abilities.

Dons responded to a draft Government inquiry into the fairness of university admissions by stating the main problem was the failure of A-levels to provide a true test of academic prowess.

They said a reformed examination process should promote "creative thought and potential as well as knowledge".

The Cambridge report said: " Regrettably the present secondary examination system does not adequately assess some of the aptitudes and skills (such as critical thinking, problem solving, essay writing, extended argumentation, etc) needed for successful study at leading universities."

The Government inquiry said in an interim report in April that universities were justified in demanding lower Alevel grades from state school pupils and that aptitude tests might give a better indication of a student's ability. However Cambridge dismissed the tests as "inappropriate" and "too generic".