Achieving First-Choice University Placement: A-level Results Update – My MBA Career

Last Updated on August 19, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: UK University Applicants Secure Places Despite Decrease in Top Grades

Subtitle: Experts and officials emphasize the need for support and additional options for students

– Despite a decrease in the number of top grades awarded, 79% of UK 18-year-old university applicants secured a place at their first-choice institution, according to data released by UCAS.
– The proportion of A or A* grades awarded this year across the UK was 27.2%, down from 36.4% in 2022 but slightly higher than 25.4% in 2019. This decrease was anticipated as predicted grade deflation was planned by Ofqual in England, aligning with pre-Covid levels, following a similar approach in Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.
– While the number of applicants gaining a place at a university or college decreased by 2.6% compared to 2022, it increased by 1.5% compared to 2019. However, there has been a decline in the number of 18-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds being accepted.
– International student acceptance numbers have also decreased, with China, India, and Hong Kong being the top three sending countries.
– Ucas CEO Clare Marchant emphasized the need for continued efforts to improve access to higher education for disadvantaged students, as the number of school leavers placed at their insurance choice decreased to 12%, compared to 14% in 2019 and 11% in 2022.
– Education Secretary Gillian Keegan congratulated students on their achievements and highlighted the available support for their future options.
– Minister for Education Jeremy Miles encouraged students who did not achieve their desired results to explore alternative options and seek additional support.
– Rachel Hewitt, CEO of MillionPlus, expressed concern over the significant decrease in students applying for nursing or teaching programs. Hewitt called for action to attract more students to these vital professions.
– Representatives from various education organizations, including the Russell Group, University Alliance, Office for Students, Association of School and College Leaders, and London Higher, also commented on the results and offered advice and support to students.

As the 2022 A-level results were announced, despite a decrease in top grades awarded, the majority of UK 18-year-olds secured a place at their first-choice institution, according to data from UCAS. Although there was a drop in the proportion of A or A* grades awarded this year, the figures were still higher than those seen in 2019. This decrease was anticipated as part of an effort to align predicted grades with pre-Covid levels.

While the overall number of applicants gaining a place at university or college decreased slightly compared to the previous year, there was a small increase when compared to 2019. However, there has been a concerning decrease in the number of 18-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds being accepted, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve access to higher education for these students.

Furthermore, the number of international students accepted also saw a decline this year, with China, India, and Hong Kong being the top three sending countries. This decrease raises concerns about the potential impact on the diversity and global outlook of UK universities.

Ucas CEO Clare Marchant stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to support disadvantaged students in their pursuit of higher education. Meanwhile, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan congratulated students on their achievements and highlighted the available support for exploring their future options.

In a similar vein, Minister for Education Jeremy Miles encouraged students who did not achieve their desired results to consider alternative pathways and seek additional support in making their next steps.

Rachel Hewitt, CEO of MillionPlus, voiced concerns over the significant decrease in students applying to study nursing or teaching. Hewitt called for action to attract more students to these crucial professions, which have been even more essential in light of the ongoing pandemic.

Various education organizations, including the Russell Group, University Alliance, Office for Students, Association of School and College Leaders, and London Higher, have also commented on the results and offered advice and support to students.

As students celebrate their achievements, it is essential to continue addressing the challenges faced in accessing higher education and ensuring that all aspiring students have the support and opportunities they need to succeed.