A-level reforms are another attempt to entrench elitism in education

The union was responding to plans that would see the link removed between AS and A levels - plans that were rejected by the various teaching associations in a recent consultation to the exam regulator OFQUAL.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'It appears that Michael Gove wants A-levels to be simply about university entrance and these reforms feel like another of his efforts to entrench elitism in our education system. In the absence of good alternative qualifications young people will feel they have to continue with A-levels and many will fail.

'The secretary of state appears driven to replicate his own schooldays for all. While that era and set of qualifications may have suited him very well, they will not satisfy the varied needs of today's pupils. The various teaching associations oppose his proposals.'