20 August 2010
150,000+ set to miss out on university
The unprecedented demand for university places has continued today (Friday) as applicants scrambled for the remaining places left in clearing. Responding to UCAS estimates that over 150,000 applicants were likely to miss out on university in 2010, Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “The individual tragedy for each and every would-be student that misses out is compounded by the fact that Universities are not physically full. The decision by the Government to only fund 10,000 additional places and to fine universities if they go over their allocated numbers has seriously limited the ability of universities to respond to the aspirations of students.
“The UK has the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio of any major EU economy. The Government’s goal of cutting the UK deficit quickly makes no sense if this means that well-qualified students cannot get a place at university. Many modern universities would be prepared to take additional students if the Government made the funding available. Rather than restructuring the sector the Government should now provide the funding which universities need to respond to student ambition. This isn’t extravagant expenditure, it’s an investment for the future health of our economy and society. No one gains from young people being consigned to the ranks of the long-term unemployed or this year’s high level of older applicants being told they should forget about retraining so that they can compete in a difficult jobs market.
“Universities have continued to be swamped by phone calls today and many will be hosting open days tomorrow. The picture emerging is that for many institutions clearing is now effectively over, barring a few places on a few courses and because students have 24 hours to accept or reject offers.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- million+ is a leading university think-tank, working to solve the complex problems in higher education www.millionplus.ac.uk
- 190,183 people were eligible for clearing process because they have had no offers, failed to make their grades or applied late. This is 48,500 more people than at this point last year. Last year 47,600 students found places through clearing but it is predicted it will be lower this year with roughly half the number of courses having spare places compared to 2009.
- For more information, comment or interviews from million+ please contact Victoria Mills on 020 7717 1659 or 07900 277819