Entrance tests to be introduced by Cambridge University

Cambridge University is to bring in written tests as part of the application process, which will affect students applying for courses starting in 2017. The tests will be tailored to each subject and will be taken before or at interviews. A university spokesperson, Dr Sam Lucy, said the tests would provide "valuable additional evidence of our applicants' academic abilities, knowledge base and potential to succeed in the Cambridge course for which they have applied". He said, "This move is a result of responding to teacher and student feedback, a desire to harmonise and simplify our existing use of written assessments and a need to develop new ways to maintain the effectiveness and fairness of our admissions system during ongoing qualification reform." 

The university said that no advance preparation will be needed, "other than revision of relevant recent subject knowledge where appropriate". Most at-interview assessments will be an hour long and most pre-interview assessments no longer than two hours. Cambridge says it will schedule its pre-interview tests to coincide with Oxford's to make them easier for schools to administer. The at-interview assessments will take place during the December interview period, usually on the same day as the interviews. The university said that the new tests would complement existing assessment measures, which include a supplementary application questionnaire, examples of written work, teacher references and academic interviews.

The BTEC route to university is on the increase

UCAS figures show that more students are taking alternative qualifications, such as BTECs, alone or alongside A-levels. Last year 26% of students from England accepted on to degree courses held at least one BTEC qualification, compared with 14% in 2008. However, A-levels are still the most popular route, with 63% of UK 18yr olds applying for degree courses last year studying for three A-levels. 

James Kewin, deputy chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, has said that: "Study programmes that combine BTEC and A-level qualifications are becoming increasingly common and have proved to be a highly effective way of helping young people to progress to higher education and employment. Overall, we think the take-up of applied general qualifications and the new Tech levels is likely to increase as schools and colleges adapt to the introduction of the new-style A-levels." [source GTAssociates]

IT jobs within the Arts

It is estimated that the creative economy accounts for around 1 in12 of UK jobs. Within the film sector there is a rising demand for people with strong IT skills and significant skills shortages in this and other areas, such as production managers, costume supervisors, hair and makeup experts, prosthetics and sound recording. The visual effects (VFX) sector has particular skills shortages. The skills needed for film are readily transferable to stage, conference management, gaming, festivals, concerts, TV and other media outlets, and most workers will have a "portfolio career", across several sectors. 

There is a similar picture in terms of stage careers, with an increasing use of technology and a rise in the demand of people with good technical skills. For every actor there are 10 supporting staff. [source GTAssociates]