Universities have been told by the government to stop making unconditional offers to pupils - who may feel pressured to accept during the uncertainty created by coronavirus.

The deadline for undergraduate applicants has also been extended by two weeks.

It comes after the Department for Education warned some universities were switching offers which depended on getting A-level grades to unconditional offers.

In a statement this morning, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) said: "We are working with universities and colleges and the government to support you in these unprecedented times.

"The government has asked universities to stop making unconditional offers or amending existing offers for two weeks.

"This is because they’re worried you’ll feel pressured to accept these offers over others you might be better suited to.

"Our advice to students who have received an unconditional offer is always to consider whether this is the right provider and course for you, before you make any decision."

UCAS has extended the decision deadline for pupils in May by two weeks, in order to give them more time to decide on which university is right for them.

Universities minister Michelle Donelan said: "We want to assure students that grades will be equally as valid as those in previous years, and their hard work will be rewarded and fairly recognised.

"There is no reason for the usual admissions cycle to be disrupted.

"I am pleased Universities UK has confirmed institutions will be flexible and do all they can to support students to progress to higher education."

For more information, visit the UCAS website.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here

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