A-level results day: Fears grow over unconditional university offers as some students stop attending school

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Fears about the rising use of unconditional offers by universities are growing after it emerged that some A-level students stopped going to school once they’d secured a guaranteed place at university. One school in the north of England saw its pass rate drop from 74 per cent last year to just 14 per cent this year – with 40 students being handed unconditional offers. The proportion of students gaining pass grades at A-level nationally dropped to its lowest point in eight years amid concerns that unconditional offers and exam reforms would have an impact. The Office for Students is closely monitoring the number being issued and we fully expect it as the regulator to take appropriate action.” Speaking to The Independent about unconditional offers ahead of results day, Michael Barber, chair of the Office for Students, said: “Some universities seem to be lowering the tariff because they are worried about not recruiting enough students.