Few opt to change courses

Fewer than 20 students opted to change course after their A levels were upgraded following phase one of the Tomlinson inquiry, it emerged this week.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service said that just 16 students had negotiated a change from the university or college to which they had originally been accepted.

Three switched institution and one switched course at the same institution for this academic year, and 12 will start at a new institution in autumn 2003. Eight others who had not been offered a place had obtained one for 2003 entry.

Tony Higgins, chief executive of Ucas, said: "Ucas's major concern has been for students who found themselves involved in this controversy. We were disappointed that people sought to fuel the situation with exaggerated forecasts about the scale of the outcome of the regrading exercise. Words like 'storm' and 'teacup' come to mind."