Universities say A-levels lack creativity

Four out of five university admissions officers believe A-levels no longer encourage creative thinking, a survey shows.

The poll of admissions staff at 61 universities finds they believe the exam no longer allows independent thinking and creativity – the two qualities most sought after by universities. It shows they believe the Government's new diplomas are more likely to encourage independent thinking – 45 per cent saying they encourage creativity as opposed to only 21 per cent saying the same about A-levels.

The survey, by the ACS International Group of Schools – which offer the International Baccalaureate – follows research by the think-tank Reform which claimed A-level students were no longer allowed to think for themselves. A-levels are being revamped from this September, with harder essay-style questions.