The proportion of higher-grade grades awarded to undergraduate students in England could fall by almost 25% after universities say they want to reverse the grade inflation observed during the Covid pandemic.
The universities of the United Kingdom and GuildHE, which represent institutions in the higher education sector, have jointly announced plans to return to the pre- and 2: 1 pre-pandemic levels that will be awarded over the next two years.
Ministers and the higher education regulator have criticized universities for year-over-year increases in the proportions of the best grades awarded, and the Office of Students (OfS) accused universities of damaging the reputation of higher education.
By the end of this year, universities are expected to publish degree results statements explaining how they intend to align future awards with the proportion of first- and second-degree degrees awarded in 2019.
The impact of the measures would reduce the proportion of first-degree degrees awarded by about 25%.
Anthony McClaran, vice-chancellor of St Mary’s University, Twickenham and president of GuildHE, said: “During the pandemic we have rightly acknowledged the disruption that students have faced and have supported student success in being recognized in the most flexible way possible.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s time to redouble our focus on protecting academic standards and taking strong action to ensure they maintain broader trust and confidence in the system.”
Universities in the UK said measures to ensure students were “not unfairly disadvantaged during the unique circumstances of the pandemic” contributed to the sharp increases in premiums and 2: 1 awarded.
In 2021, almost 38% of undergraduate students in England received a first prize, more than double the 16% awarded a decade earlier, and well above the 29% awarded before the pandemic. Last year, 84% of all students achieved a first or a second second, compared to 67% a decade earlier.
The OfS analysis of the awards made in 2021 stated that more than half of first-class degrees could not be explained by “observable factors” such as student performance or social training.
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Steve West, president of UK Universities and vice-chancellor of UWE Bristol, said students who graduated over the past three years “should be proud and confident of the grades they worked hard to achieve” .
Michelle Donelan, England’s higher education minister, said she was “delighted” by the announcement.
“Just as the government is restoring the pre-pandemic rating to GCSE and A-level by 2023, today’s statement will ensure that universities also eliminate grade inflation that occurred during the pandemic, and with the same schedule, ”he said.
“Working students deserve to know that earning a first or second higher really counts and has weight for employers, who in turn should be able to rely on the high value and rigorous assessment of college studies.”