University grade inflation disputed

By Sean Coughlan. The rise in university degree grades - in which 70% achieved higher than a 2:2 last year - is not caused by grade inflation, claim researchers. The rise reflects "better prepared" students with better A-level results, says a study from Lancaster University.
Figures last week showed only 25% of students were awarded 2:2s in 2012-13. The Lancaster study argues that improvements in degree grades are in line with the rising quality of the intake, as shown by A-level grades. The study from economists at Lancaster University Management School looked at the changes in degree grades in UK universities from 2005-12. More...