Rush for university places after record exam passes

Education Correspondent

Wednesday 8 August 2012

RECORD numbers of Scottish pupils have secured a place at university following the best ever exam results at Higher, sparking a scramble for the few remaining courses.

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Andrew Denholm Education Correspondent

Figures published yesterday by Ucas, the higher education admissions service, show 22,292 pupils have been accepted into a Scottish university or college, compared to 21,630 at the same stage last year – an increase of more than 3%.

While the news is welcome for those who have a place, it will also mean pupils who narrowly missed out on their desired exam grades must act fast. Clearing – the system where prospective students are matched with free places – will be very competitive again this year.Youth unemployment has been a growing concern in Scotland, with evidence some pupils are seeking to gain a higher education place at university or college because few jobs are available.In line with previous years, there are currently 42,000 Scots who have applied to university, but only 30,000 places available.Last year, 1395 Scottish students found a place through clearing, with 1210 of those going to institutions in Scotland. The figures are likely to be similar this year.That means 10,000 applicants will not get to university. There are legitimate reasons for this, including failing to secure sufficient grades or withdrawing their applications as other options such as jobs or training become available. Many who applied to university, but do not have sufficient grades, will find a course at college.However, places are currently free on courses at the universities of Abertay in Dundee, Dundee, Edinburgh Napier, Glasgow Caledonian, the Dumfries campus of Glasgow, Queen Margaret in Edinburgh, West of Scotland and the Highlands and Islands.Robin Parker, president of NUS Scotland, urged universities to take as many Scottish pupils as possible, up to the limits set by the Scottish Funding Council. He said: "This will be a very competitive year for places at university, given the economic downturn."With youth unemployment rates at very worrying levels in Scotland we want to see universities use every ounce of discretion they have to take as many talented students as they can."Simon Jennings, deputy director of Universities Scotland, which represents university principals, said there were still places available. He added: "The vast majority of well-qualified applicants will get a place at university this year, as has been the case in previous years."A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We have protected university places for Scottish and EU students and the situation with clearing has been similar for a number of years now."The majority of students will secure an offer at the university of their choice, but for those who haven't, the Skills Development Scotland helpline is staffed and ready to offer advice."John Henderson, chief executive of Scotland's Colleges, said pupils should consider one of the many options available in the further education sector – including courses that lead on to university. He added: "There are hundreds of courses available in colleges across Scotland, offering students a route into key growth industries and sectors."From courses in renewable energy technology to the creative industries, the college sector in Scotland represents a great option for young people."Andrea Robertson, director of customer operations at Ucas, stressed the importance of flexibility in securing a place. She said: "If you are flexible and match the requirements, there is a great chance of finding a fulfilling course."

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Rush for university places after record exam passes

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