University places should be offered to students because of what they have to offer - rather than their postcode or parents' backgrounds - a top headteacher has said.

Concerns have been raised by Mike Griffiths, who is head of Northampton School for Boys, regarding the information he claims some universities consider when offering places on degree courses.

The head called for universities in the UK to be more "open and honest" about what they require from potential students, such as letting them know what to study at A-level.

Mr Griffiths was talking to the Higher Education Policy Institute's (HEPI) conference.

He said he had concerns regarding "contextual data", such as the sort of school which the applicant went to, the exam results at the school or whether a student has spent time in care.

When making offers to students this data is available to those institutions which wish to make use of it.

However, some of the information may not be reliable, the head said, and universities could also bring postcode's or parents' education into the equation."I'm concerned about contextual data," he said. "I'm concerned about how robust they are, how reliable, how current.

"I'm worried that my students might be offered, or not offered a place on the grounds that my school is successful, or unsuccessful, that their house might be in a particular unfavoured postcode or even that self-declared information about parental higher education experience or not might be used to either make, or not make, an offer.

"I believe that universities should be offering places on the basis of what an individual student can bring to that university and how much that student will benefit from a university education."

Copyright Press Association 2013

We're not talking about your exams, though. We're talking about the time you need to move out of your student house!

As you'd expect we see a lot of student houses in Leeds, and it still surprises us how many people don't take the time to make sure they leave their property in good order.

Not just a half-hearted tidy up, but an as-you-found-it cleanliness that will ensure you get your deposit back.

So we thought we would use this blog post to list five cleaning tips for all those about to vacate their Leeds student accommodation:

1. Check the inventory

Start with the basics. Get the inventory out that you signed when you moved in, and make sure nothing on it is missing or broken. If it is - weigh up whether it would be cheaper to replace it or take the hit on the deposit!

2. Bin the rubbish

We've known some students to leave piles of bin bags in the garden. Make sure all bags of rubbish have been removed - you're bound to have a few once you've finished your big clean-up.

3. Be fair with your wear and tear

It's always a moot point as to what constitutes reasonable wear and tear in a property. As a general rule of thumb, it's probably best to think along the lines that breaking something is not wear and tear, so it needs to be either replaced or repaired. You'll need to make an objective judgement about other damage; for example, to a carpet or wall - has it occurred through natural use, or just carelessness?

4. Get scrubbing

Ovens, bathroom tiles, fridges and the like can attract some pretty impressive grime over the course of a year. As well as some elbow grease, you'll need some serious products and implements to do the job properly.

5. Polish it off

Lastly, give the house a good polish! It will make a big difference and give the impression the house has been well cared for.

If you are moving out of a property soon and need somewhere else for next year, call 0113 246 9395 or search here.

Government assertions that GCSE grades are a better indicator of future degree success than AS-levels have been lambasted by Cambridge University.

With arguments over A-level reforms continuing - and the Government claiming GCSEs should be used to make offers to potential students - Cambridge has warned that AS-levels are the best predictor of how well a student will perform in every subject except mathematics.

The globally-renowned institution said that Government plans to separate AS-levels from A-levels will impact on admissions and student choice, depriving them of the opportunity to "apply to university with confidence".

This comes after Schools Minister David Laws said proposals for AS-levels should have no effect on admissions to university. Government figures show GCSEs are a slightly better predictor of a student's chances of a good degree than AS-levels, he added.

He defended the plans and said that universities learn little more from knowing pupils' AS-level results on top of their GCSE grades.

AS-levels are to be separated from A-levels to become a qualification in their own right, under plans from Education Secretary Michael Gove. The plans are part of a wider reform of A-levels in which sixth formers will be tested at the end of a two-year course, with exams no longer sat after one year.

Educational institutions, school heads and MPs have all raised concerns over the proposals, with a spokeswoman for Cambridge University saying: "For admissions to the University of Cambridge, research conclusively shows that AS scores are a better predictor of success than GCSEs across the board."

 Copyright Press Association 2013

With the exam season set to hit full swing, a new survey suggests a significant proportion of Leeds' student population is preparing to break out their lucky underwear to boost their chances of passing.

One in three of the 15 to 23-year-old students surveyed by One Poll for penmaker Bic admitted having "good luck underwear" while others opt for lucky charms, mascots, jewellery or pens.

And while 65% describe themselves as superstitious - a third of them getting more so as exams get nearer - 23% own up to doing no revision until the day before their exam. This has prompted expert Patrick Wilson to warn that relying on lucky pants or other charms is no substitute for proper preparation.

Three-fifths of the students surveyed said they alter their diet during the run-up to exams as they think some foods could improve their memory and brain power. More than half said they start eating oily fish with 46% also upping their intake of fruit and veg.

Almost half of those polled said they do not revise as much as they should with 14% admitting they just flick through their notes and hope for the best.

Copyright Press Association 2013

Off-the-radar" European Union graduates owe more than £50 million in unpaid student loans, investigations have revealed.

The Student Loans Company (SLC) hired private investigators to track down hundreds of overseas graduates who have gone missing.

Graduates from Cyprus were found to owe more than £15 million.

European graduates owed loans totalling £41 million, and the SLC said it lacked information on where these people are living and working.

The Independent on Sunday revealed the figures after a freedom of information request from the company. SLC's head of repayment, Kevin O'Connor, said the firm is using "international trace agents" to track down missing graduates.

 Mr O'Connor said that customer with student loans must inform the SLC in the event of moving abroad. He added that if they do not, then additional penalties can be added to their loan balance, and full legal action can be launched to bring in the money.

He said: "We are currently in the process of reviewing accounts of bothUKand EU borrowers who are known to reside overseas and are in arrears, with a view to issuing further legal proceedings against those who do not respond to us.

"Copyright Press Association 2013

Here's a sample of the quality of accommodation we currently have available - as ever, give us a call for more details about any of these:

18 The Poplars, Headingley

Headingley is most commonly associated with student life, but many people don't realise just how many young professionals also live in and around the village. It's not difficult to see why - outside the city centre, it's as lively and vibrant as Leeds gets and is particularly popular with graduates who have decided to stay in the city after university.

This two-bedroom ground floor maisonette is perfect for any professional looking for flats to rent in Headingley. Very handily placed on this quiet cul-de-sac, you'll get a contemporary, fully-fitted kitchen complete with washing machine, microwave and Smeg fridge. Unusually for Headingley, there is also a garage.

Per Month: £650

Black Bull Flat, Horsforth

Looking for flats to rent in Horsforth and finding you're drawing blanks? This could be the perfect solution, especially if you're after a sociable area that's within commuting distance of the city centre. This three-bedroom flat is directly above the popular Black Bull pub, and the bedrooms' floor-length windows add to the sense that you are very much at the centre of the town's action. Ideal for three young professionals sharing, the rent is inclusive of gas, electricity, internet and water bills.

Per Month: £380pppcm

The Old Chapel Apt 22, Bridge End, Brighouse

Apartment 22 at The Old Chapel is just one of our many properties to rent in Brighouse. Our professional lettings give us the chance to show off some of the historic Pickard conversions, and The Old Chapel is a beautiful example. Less than half an hour from the centre of Leeds, this split-level first-floor apartment retains many of its original features and really does need to be seen to be appreciated. Available either furnished to show flat standard or unfurnished.

Per Month: £620

For more details about these and other professional lets we have available at the moment, call 0113 246 9395 or search here.

The issue of gas safety in rented accommodation has been thrust into the spotlight after a survey found problems with checks.

One in 10 tenants said their landlord or letting agent did not ensure a gas safety check was carried out in their home in the last year, according to the poll by British Gas and housing charity Shelter.

For those on the lookout forLeedsstudent or professional accommodation, the survey surely highlights the vital need to stick to responsible landlords and agents and stay away from the unscrupulous ones.

Landlords have a legal responsibility to make sure a gas safety check and certificate is obtained each year, so that tenants can be reassured about the safety of their appliances.

The checks are designed to detect various problems, such as faulty boilers, while also helping to prevent gas leaks, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Shelter chief executiveCampbellRobb said: "It's absolutely vital that renters are aware of the need to get an annual gas safety check. Meanwhile, landlords need to know that gas safety is not optional. Failing to get a gas safety certificate can put lives at risk."

The survey, carried out by YouGov on behalf of British Gas and Shelter, included 4,327 adults who live in privately rented accommodation.

Copyright Press Association 2013

Some have been looking for weeks without finding the right place; others have left it to the last minute to search for next year's pad.

But with most tenancies starting in July, the time has definitely come to agree housemates, view houses and get your name down.

To help make things a bit easier, here once again is our rundown of the most viewed Leeds student accommodation on the site for April.

As ever, blink and you'll miss 'em!

(Just click on the property name to view the listing in more detail - and arrange a viewing!) 

6 Hessle Terrace, Hyde Park

This spacious five-bedroomed house has a delightful open kitchen diner with both a microwave and washing machine. Just off Brudenell Road, it's a great choice for any group looking to be at the heart of the action - shops, bars and the Hyde Park Picture House are only a stone's throw away - but its double-glazed windows mean you can shut it all out when you need to.

Rent inclusive of bills at £90pppw or exclusive at £75pppw.

1 Winfield Grove, Woodhouse

Located close to the main university campuses, this comfortable yet contemporary house has four double bedrooms and a really spacious feel throughout. An added bonus comes in the shape of both a newly fitted kitchen diner and bathroom - not many student properties in Leeds can lay claim to that.

Rent inclusive of bills at £87pppw or exclusive at £72pppw.

29 Estcourt Avenue, Headingley

Single room lets can sometimes be hard to come by, so here's a great opportunity in a semi-detached six-bedroomed house in the middle of Headingley. Alongside free and unlimited wifi - now standard in all Pickard properties - you'll have use of a newly fitted kitchen with microwave and washing machine/dryer, a shower room and a garden. Definitely worth a look.

Rent inclusive of bills at £87.50pppw or exclusive at £72.50pppw.

33b St Michaels Road, Headingley

Located in the sought-after part of Headingley where just about everything is on your doorstep, this three double-bedroomed house looks fantastic and going on previous years, will not be available for long. Double-glazed, it has all the amenities you would expect and don't forget that all our properties come with a burglar alarm fitted.

Rent inclusive of bills at £94pppw or exclusive at £79pppw.

37 Headingley Avenue, Headingley

This through terrace has seven bedrooms but just one available at the moment - good job then that it's a lovely, good-sized room. The house itself has a modern fitted kitchen diner and two shower rooms to help with the early (or perhaps late) morning rush!

Rent inclusive of bills at £87.50pppw or exclusive at £72.50pppw.

For more details about these and other student houses we have available at the moment, call 0113 246 9395 or search here.

Leeds students, or any students across the country for that matter, may be keen to hear recent comments from Lord Winston.

The Labour peer has admitted avoiding some job applicants with first class degrees, instead employing those with lesser degrees.

He claims that people who have fallen short of academic brilliance are often better employees because they are more rounded individuals who work well in a team.

"I know scientists who are amazingly stupid," said the fertility expert

"And in my laboratory I have appointed scientists on the whole that didn't get first-class honours degrees, deliberately, quite specifically, because, actually, I would rather have young people around me who developed other interests at university and didn't just focus entirely on getting that first."

He added: "That's been a very successful strategy. It's produced a lot of useful science because we've worked as a group of friends, a team."

However, psychologist Professor Joan Freeman, who has conducted research into gifted people, said students should not take the comments to heart.

"I think what he is saying is he doesn't take people who are single-minded," she said. "There are scholarly types who are utterly focused on their work. But there are others who offer other things as well."

Copyright Press Association 2013

University application numbers have recorded a slight increase this year compared to last, according to latest figures from the Ucas admissions service.

Ucas says the number of would-be students filling in applications for university for this year is up 2.5% on 2012 with 601,619 people applying by April 22, compared to 586,773 at the same point last year.

However, overall applications are yet to fully recover from the sharp increase in tuition fees.

This year's figure is 5.4% down on that for 2011, the year before the new £9,000 maximum fees were introduced at universities acrossEngland.

Universities Minister David Willetts hailed the small increase and highlighted the positive impact education can have on people's lives.

He said: "These encouraging figures show the desire to study at university is strong. Higher education remains a good long-term investment that transforms lives.

"The rise in applications indicates that potential students understand how the new student finance system works. They do not have to pay fees upfront, there is more financial support for poorer families, and loan repayments will be lower for everyone once they start earning."

Copyright Press Association 2013