As thousands of people receive their A and AS-level results today, the Chief Executive of Universities UK has called for improvements to the quality of the advice available to potential applicants in schools and colleges. She has also called for more information to be published about the thousands of applicants who apply to university, but end up not getting places.

Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “There are a number of factors behind the increased competition for university places this year. With such pressure on places, it's vital that potential applicants receive high-quality, targeted information, advice and guidance on applying to university.

“Good advice enables potential applicants to decide whether higher education is right for them, and which subject, course and institution is most suitable for them to succeed. If advice is poor, applicants may end up applying to the wrong courses and ultimately, not getting a place at university. Enrolling on to an unsuitable course can also lead to students dropping out. This is not necessarily the fault of schools themselves, rather schools and colleges must receive more support to improve the standard and consistency of advice across the pre-HE sector.

“Added to this, more information is needed about the thousands of applicants who apply to university each year, but end up not getting places. Last year, over 160,000 applicants were classed as being ‘non-placed’. We must find out more about whether these applicants had the right grades, whether they turned down offers, where they were applying from, and so on.”

Commenting on the Clearing process, Nicola Dandridge added: “With a record number of applications again this year, it is going to be a busy few days for applicants and universities.

“For applicants who have not received offers or who don't receive the grades they expect, the important thing is not to panic. There is plenty of help available. The UCAS helpline and the Exam Results Helpline will be on hand to offer advice to applicants and universities will also be doing all they can to respond quickly to enquiries.

“The Clearing process will always be competitive but there will be places available this summer, despite the process being briefer and tighter than in previous years. Last year, about 50,000 applicants were accepted on to courses through Clearing. If applicants can be flexible in their Clearing choices, this could help them in securing a place.”

Notes

1. The Exam Results Helpline provides free, on-the-spot information and advice to GCSE and A level students as well as Standards and Highers (in Scotland) who do not receive the results they expect and more importantly don't know what to do next. Whether it is questions about grades, offers, courses and qualifications or advice about student finance, gap years or moving away from home, qualified advisers will be on-hand to offer impartial information and advice to students over the exam results period. They can be reached on 0808 100 8000. The UCAS customer Service Unit helpline offers specific advice to applicants about their individual applications. It is open all year round. Telephone number is 0871 468 0 468.
2. Universities and organisations like Aimhigher are already working with schools to provide information and guidance on how to apply, the availability of financial support and what to expect at university. Universities UK and other sector bodies are also looking to improve the information available to potential applicants, but more must be done to support those currently involved in the provision of information and guidance about higher education.
3. To see a video of Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK, talking about the university admissions process in 2010, the impact of the increased demand for places, how clearing works and what to do if you're not accepted this year, click here.