A-Level students who want to get into top universities were on wednesday warned to have a “Plan B” amid fears of intense pressure on places.
The head of university admission service UCAS urged students to plan ahead and research all available options ahead of results day next Thursday (August 17).
It comes as the number of A-levels given top marks is expected to drop this year as grading returns to pre-pandemic levels.
Experts fear this year’s university clearing round will be fiercely competitive because of an increase in the 18-year-old population and competition for places from international students.
This year’s school leavers may also be competing for university places against pupils from previous years who deferred their place but benefited from higher results due to the pandemic.
Clare Marchant, UCAS chief executive, told the Standard: “With a growing 18-year-old population and increasing demand for higher education places, there will be competition for some of the most selective courses. I encourage students to plan ahead, explore the UCAS Hub, make a list of all available options as part of a Plan B and thoroughly research them ahead of results day.
“This will give them the best chance of securing their preferred course or institution once they are able to add a clearing choice at 1pm on August 17.”
But Ms Marchant insisted that tens of thousands of courses will be available through clearing this year. Last year a record 34,875 18-year-olds found a university place through the system.
She added: “There will be plenty of choice available, for students who achieve or exceed their predicted grades as well as those who do not get the results they were hoping for.”
It comes after exam regulator Ofqual wrote to students jointly with UCAS warning of “competition for higher education places” due to higher numbers of 18-year-olds seeking to go to university. They told students: “Take some time to thoroughly consider all your options — but be mindful that the most selective courses do get filled quickly.”
In the letter Dr Jo Saxton, Ofqual’s chief regulator, and Ms Marchant urged students not to worry if they miss out on their predicted grades on Thursday because it happens very often.
They said in 2019 only 21 per cent of university applicants achieved or exceeded their predicted grades, but 86 per cent of 18-year-olds who applied through UCAS secured a place.
They also insisted that the number of university places available is not affected by this year’s approach to grading — which has returned to pre-pandemic standards.
They said: “Universities understood what grades will look like overall this year and took this into account when making offers.”
