Students would need English and maths GCSEs, or two A-levels at grade E, to enable them to access student loans in England under new proposals.
Ministers have set out details for new minimum university entry requirements, and there will also be a consultation on plans to limit the number of university places available in England.
The question regarding English and maths GCSEs reads:
“Do you think that a grade 4 in English and maths GCSE (or equivalent), is the appropriate threshold to set for evidence of skills required for success in HE degree (L6) study, managed through their eligibility for student finance? (Yes or No). Please explain your answer and provide reference to any pedagogical or academic sources of evidence to explain your reasoning.”
You can view the consultation document in full here
The Augur Review
The new government proposals are part of a response to the Augar review of post-18 education, published in May 2019. Planned reforms include making £2.5bn available for technical qualifications for adult learners through the National Skills Fund, a lifelong student loan entitlement for up to four years of higher education and the prioritising of funding for STEM subjects.
You can read Higher and Further Education Minister Michelle Donelan’s speech on the Government’s response to the Augur Review here
Find out more about English and maths GCSEs in 2022 here
The newly published Curriculum and Assessment Review recommends the introduction of new level 1 preparation for GCSE qualifications for English language and for maths.
Check out the Skills for Life Network E-News Update November 2025 for a round up of what’s new and what’s happening in maths, English, ESOL and digital skills in the FE and Training sector.
Google Gemini Storybooks uses AI to generate online storybooks based on your prompts. The books include graphics and sound. It works in multiple languages and is free to use.
English and maths GCSEs needed for student loans
Students would need English and maths GCSEs, or two A-levels at grade E, to enable them to access student loans in England under new proposals.
Ministers have set out details for new minimum university entry requirements, and there will also be a consultation on plans to limit the number of university places available in England.
The question regarding English and maths GCSEs reads:
“Do you think that a grade 4 in English and maths GCSE (or equivalent), is the appropriate threshold to set for evidence of skills required for success in HE degree (L6) study, managed through their eligibility for student finance? (Yes or No).
Please explain your answer and provide reference to any pedagogical or academic sources of evidence to explain your reasoning.”
You can view the consultation document in full here
The Augur Review
The new government proposals are part of a response to the Augar review of post-18 education, published in May 2019. Planned reforms include making £2.5bn available for technical qualifications for adult learners through the National Skills Fund, a lifelong student loan entitlement for up to four years of higher education and the prioritising of funding for STEM subjects.
You can read Higher and Further Education Minister Michelle Donelan’s speech on the Government’s response to the Augur Review here
Find out more about English and maths GCSEs in 2022 here
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