Gove boosts universities" role in A-levels Exam boards could be required to consult universities when designing A-level qualifications within two years, under proposals put forward by ministers. Michael Gove, education secretary, has written to the chief executive of Ofqual, the qualifications regulator, to ask it to require exam boards to "provide evidence of those universities that have engaged in the development of qualifications." In the letter to Glenys Stacey, Mr Gove said he was "increasingly concerned" A-levels were not commanding enough confidence. Under his proposals, exam boards would work with universities to develop the content of A-levels which would give teenagers the skills required to study for degrees at their institution. Universities would be involved at the beginning of the process but would also monitor the qualifications over time to assess how they develop. In return, boards would have to provide evidence of which universities have been involved in crafting the qualifications. There would be a particular emphasis in getting the Russell Group of research-intensive universities involved in the process, he said. "I will expect the bar to be a high one: university ownership of the exams must be real and committed, not a tick-box exercise," Mr Gove said. He also wanted to consult universities on the modular structure of A-levels, which he said raised concerns about students" ability to gain a deeper understanding by making connections between different topics. From his discussions "with awarding organisations I understand that teaching of new A-levels could start from September 2014, and I want, if at all possible, that to be achieved," said Mr Gove. Ms Stacey welcomed the letter, saying universities had a "big role to play" in ensuring that A-levels covered enough depth and breadth so that students could "hit the ground running" once they left school. Eric Thomas, president of Universities UK and vice-chancellor of the University of Bristol, said: "Universities are already involved in this process, but these proposals would formalise this input." Academics are already routinely involved in the development of qualifications. OCR, one of the largest of England's exam boards, is wholly owned by Cambridge university. Stephen Twigg, shadow education secretary, said: "Universities are one of a number of important groups who should play a role - teachers, employers and professional associations are also important." But Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, told BBC Radio 4"s Today programme that it was "a little disappointing" that Mr Gove had made these proposals to Ofqual without consulting teachers. Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: "This sounds like a quick-fix gimmick from Michael Gove. Of course universities have a useful role to play ... but A-levels need to test more than just the ability to go to university. Pearson, the owner of Edexcel, an exam board, and also the owner of the Financial Times, said: "Pearson already works very closely with HE representatives in producing curriculum and exams. Since 2010, we have also drawn on our own panel of university assessment experts to ensure our exams and qualifications are based on the very latest research. It added: "We should also take on board the expertise of employers whose views are important for building high-quality A-level exams that meet the demands of the global economy.‪‪"