Commenting on the figures published today by UCAS for Level 3 Results Day, which show a record number of 18-year-olds have been accepted onto an undergraduate course at university or college this year, Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said:
Congratulations to all the students receiving their results today, and to the teachers, families and friends that supported them to get here. Whatever the next step is – university, an apprenticeship or something else – students who have worked hard for their results should feel incredibly proud of themselves.
Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for thousands of students. A record 262,820 UK 18-year-olds have earned a place at a university this year, including an increase in students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. These students will go on to gain new skills and experiences that will benefit them throughout their whole lives.
To those who have not got the results they were hoping for, don't panic. There are still 26,000 courses available through clearing, and advice is available through UCAS or direct from universities.