Sorry, showing my age (similar to Alex, Alex Dawsons - think we may have even gone to the same school). GCE grade A-C were passes in my day and nothing else counted ! Assumed same at A level. But question remains, is two or three A levels grade D or E a good indication that the person is capable...
Without wishing to appear rude, why on earth would a university believe that someone who is incapable of passing an A level, could get a good degree ? Or is it all about the Uni getting the funding ?
I would suggest a minimal fee, maybe a thousand a year, as a loan. If you don't finish the degree, then you are still liable for the full three (or four) thousand.
My eldest, who is in his last year at Uni (so has had the full 9K a year fees) had to get a minimum AAB for his course/Uni, and...