Universities told to scrap non-essential exams by National Union of Students

The National Union of Students (NUS) said "student welfare must come first" and said institutions must come up with "flexible solutions".

The union is calling for all non-essential formal first and second exams to be cancelled, but says it is "vital" that final year students get a choice.

It comes after GCSE, A-level and AS-level exams in 2020 were scrapped by the Government as part of its Covid-19 response.

Claire Sosienski Smith, NUS vice president (higher education) said: "In the current climate, student welfare must come first. It is vital that there are no compulsory exams this year.

"Many students are unable to engage with their learning fully, due to a variety of factors, including lack of equipment to support distance learning, caring commitments, stress, anxiety and precarious housing.

"We know that disabled students are being hugely impacted by the pandemic, facing the loss of both university-provided and NHS support, a lack of reasonable adjustments to access online teaching, as well as struggles with accommodation.

"We're therefore calling for practice which is motivated by student welfare and student choice, giving students control over their education, ensuring progression and completion when they desire it.

"For many final-year students, both undergraduates and taught postgraduates, the stakes are much higher, and it is vital that each of these students is given a choice on how to proceed with their education.

"We've put forward possible options which we believe will enable students to make a choice which is best for them."

The NUS-proposed options for final year assessments are:

- Final year students can choose to complete and graduate with a grade given based on their prior attainment.

- Some final-year students may not feel that a grade based on their current performance will be an adequate reflection of their ability. If they want to graduate or complete their courses this academic year and want the opportunity to take an exam or submit a dissertation, they should be given this through a redesigned, open-book exam format or a flexible submission deadline. This should take place at home.

- Students who wish to should have the option to extend their time in education to complete their degrees. This could mean deferring this term to take place in the autumn.

Miss Sosienski Smith added: "It is vital that no student is disadvantaged by Covid-19."