Pre-degree pilot has its uses and its limitations.

The pilot is promoted as a taster for life as a student, and ultimately a nurse. In this context, a ten per cent bail-out after fi ve months could be a sign of success. Our research found that some of the healthcare assistants (HCAs) decided nursing was not for them; others were homesick. It is much better for people to discover sooner rather than later they are not ready for what can be a challenging career. This may also help reduce expensive university attrition.