Christopher Ray, of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, which represents independent school leaders, told BBC News the new system could potentially harm "students who only when they get their AS-level results in Year 12 realise how bright they are, who are perhaps in an underperforming school or college and who suddenly have the self-confidence to aim for the stars".

BBC: A-level plans may 'threaten uptake of tough subjects'

At Global Citizen Year, we believe that a bridge year after high school is an extraordinary opportunity to unleash the potential of a new generation of leaders.

FORBES: 3 Ways Colleges Can Build a Bridge for Future Leaders