Unions welcome applications overhaul

Unions have given a cautious thumbs-up to proposals for a post-qualification university application system. The Association of University Teachers and lecturers' union Natfhe are optimistic about suggested changes to the structure of the school year.

The Local Government Association's proposals would mean pupils sitting A-level exams in April. They would have results in July allowing nearly three months in which to apply to university. AUT general secretary David Triesman said: "The idea that people could make applications knowing what their exam results are is hugely attractive."