University of Wolverhampton bosses defend taking in students on low grades

New figures revealed the city's university accepted more students with fewer than three E grades than any other in the country.

It has led to claims universities are bringing in as many students as possible just to make money.

But Geoff Layer, vice-chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said results proved students were making the most of the opportunity.

Figures showed the university took in 150 students with fewer than three Es - eight per cent of of the total intake, excluding older and foreign students.

Mr Layer said: "The important thing to recognise is they have passed their exams. These students have been successful in passing their A-levels, they have then secured a place at university and the vast majority go on to do very well. Some people do better in exams.

"We are the university of opportunity. It is about giving them a chance. A lot of these students go on to four-year courses to enable them to succeed and 96 per cent go into jobs within six months. It transforms lives."

He added: "There is no fixed level for going to university. People do amazing things from this university."

University of Bedfordshire, Leeds Beckett and Kingston were next on the list for the most students with low grades.

The Campaign for Real Education said the university admissions process "has become a money-making racket" and that its "main aim is to pull in as many student punters as possible, regardless of grades, because they bring with them £9,250 a year for the university".

A university spokeswoman said it "plays a direct role in economic regeneration and improving the skills and life chances of the communities we serve".

She added: ‘Our students consistently demonstrate the desire and will to succeed against the odds, often being the first person in their families to go to university.’