Uni hopefuls 'could benefit from fresh perspective'

Young people applying to university need advice from external sources as well as that of teachers and parents, says a schools expert.

Those with jobs in education may be interested to hear comments from Lesley Gannon, assistant secretary at the National Association of Head Teachers, who said students should seek guidance from impartial sources "either to confirm their views or offer a fresh perspective".

According to Ms Gannon, a "broader, more flexible state school curriculum with an emphasis on 'softer' skills including communication skills would also help develop students' confidence".

"State schools have a long history of supporting young people from all backgrounds into the broadest range of destinations," she added.

Her comments follow news suggesting bright pupils from state schools are less likely to apply to top universities than those who went to fee-paying schools.

Research from education charity the Sutton Trust found pupils from independent schools made on average twice as many applications to leading universities as those from state schools with similar grades.





Published On 14/08/2009