Universities' exam to deal blow to A-levels

Universities are to launch their own entrance exam in the latest blow to the credibility of A-levels.

In a pilot study in September, a full school year before they go to university, 1,500 sixth-formers will sit a generic three-part test at the same time as their AS-levels.

The test comprises 96 multiplechoice questions designed to measure quantitative and formal-reasoning, critical reasoningand verbal and plausible reasoning.

The results of the pilot scheme will be assessed against the students' first-year university examinations.

The tests, due to be introduced nationwide in 2008, would base university admissions on actual exam results rather than on predictedgrades, which many vicechancellors believe are unreliable.

But admissions directors said today that the new test - designed by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate and the Australian Council for Educat ional Research - would not work across all courses.

One said: "What is a generic test going to test?"