Grade inflation at universities

The Office for Students (OfS) has said that the proportion of students awarded first-class degrees continues to increase, rising by 80% since 2010-11 It has warned that for almost three-quarters of universities, such increases in top grades are "unexplained". Susan Lapworth, director of competition for the OfS, said, "Worries about grade inflation threaten to devalue a university education in the eyes of employers and potential students." Over 40,000 more students graduated with "firsts" last summer than seven years before.

The study also looked at those awarded either first or 2:1s. At Bristol University 92% of students are awarded either a first or 2:1 and at Cambridge 94%. There have also been big increases in the proportion of students awarded these two top grades despite beginning university with relatively low A-level grades. Among those going to university with grades below DDD at A-level, seven years ago 40% were awarded the top two grades, this has risen to above 70%.