That’s a first! University bosses pledge to reverse degree inflation to pre-Covid levels so number of students getting top marks falls
- Top marks soared over the past two years as tutors made concessions for Covid
- Those achieving a 2:1 or better hit record 84 per cent – with 38 per cent on a first
- Universities yesterday pledged to bring grades down to 2019 levels by 2023
- End of ‘no detriment’ policies will ‘maintain the value of a degree’, body claims
Universities have promised to reverse degree inflation to pre-pandemic levels so that fewer students will get firsts.
Top marks soared over the last two years because tutors made concessions for students having to work remotely during lockdown.
Last year, those achieving at least a 2:1 reached a record 84 per cent, while the proportion getting a first was 38 per cent.
Yesterday universities vowed to bring grades down to 2019 levels by 2023. This is the first time universities have committed to reducing grade inflation to a specific target.
This would likely lead to an 8 percentage point drop in firsts, and a 5 percentage point drop in 2:1s, compared with 2021.
Universities minister Michelle Donelan said: ‘Today’s statement will ensure that universities are eliminating the grade inflation that occurred over the pandemic’
In the pandemic many universities adopted ‘no detriment’ policies. These tended to ensure students would not receive a final grade lower than their most recent assessment. In a statement, Universities UK and Guild HE, which represent vice chancellors, said: ‘We cannot lose sight of the need to maintain the value of a degree.’
Universities minister Michelle Donelan said: ‘Just as the Government is restoring pre-pandemic grading at GCSE and A-Level by 2023, today’s statement will ensure that universities are also eliminating the grade inflation that occurred over the pandemic, and on the same timetable.
‘Together, we are taking action to restore high standards across our education system.’
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