Remove aptitude examinations (UCAT and BMAT) for Universities for 2020/21 entry.

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

Get rid of university aptitude examinations in the UK for 2021 entrance (UCAT, BMAT etc.) as it is adding too much stress for students. Aspiring university students are not in the right state of mind to be taking such formal and important exams.

This pandemic has been a very challenging time for everyone, some more than others. There is already so much stress on students in year 12 when it comes to applications and these examinations should have been cancelled as they are formal exams just like GCSEs and A-levels, which have been cancelled. There is stress for future applicants regarding predicted graded, personal statements, work experience etc. and this adds to the stress and is unfair. Nothing has been put in place to help students.

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

Decisions about university entrance exams are a matter for exam boards and individual universities, and are not a matter for the UK Government or Parliament.

Exams and the current coronavirus pandemic can cause worry and stress. You can find information on how to deal with stress here:

Young Minds: https://youngminds.org.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpfHzBRCiARIsAHHzyZq25dJRPEYEgu_Jsyh9e-Ehmx_IlSA1wM_dLnm-DFYTu_93cvsIoH8aAkB9EALw_wcB

Children’s Society: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/mental-health-advice-for-children-and-young-people/issues-affecting-young-people

Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/anxiety-stress-panic/coping-with-stress/

Timeline

6 Aug 2020	Petition opened for signatures
12 Aug 2020	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21

Status Rejected

Department Department for Education

Rejected 12 Aug 2020

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