GuildHE’s members congratulate successful candidates on their A-level results, a record number of whom have gained a place in higher education for the autumn. Commenting on this year’s results, Professor Ruth Farwell, Vice-Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University and Chair of GuildHE, said:
“These candidates’ achievement is especially impressive since this year has seen the largest ever number of applications to higher education, and a significant increase on last year.
“GuildHE members’ institutions, which are smaller in size and emphasise close relationships with students and applicants, have once again grown in popularity and have successfully managed a heavy surge in applications while dealing with challenging developments in the admissions process such as changes to the Art & Design application process.”
The growing popularity of HE means that, across the sector including at GuildHE institutions, there are fewer places in Clearing, as was the case last year. However there will be places in Clearing, so applicants still looking to gain a place this autumn do have a chance for life-changing study. Professor Farwell commented:
“GuildHE urges those candidates not to rule out studying in 2010/11; but to investigate the remaining options fully on the UCAS website.
“We encourage all UCAS applicants to ‘think flexibly’ about their choices on results day. Institutions offer diverse experiences – they recognise that some applicants want a more intensive teaching experience, some want to ‘earn while they learn’, some prefer local study, and some are better suited to distance learning. Many institutions offer innovative programmes that target specific job markets, and potential students who match their skills to the options available will be more likely to avoid disappointment.
“The idea of ‘good and bad universities’ is being challenged as high-achieving students enrol across all institutions on courses that best suit them. Applicants and their advisers who continue to take the ‘traditional view’ may miss out on a range of opportunities. Help is at hand throughout the results and Clearing period from UCAS advisers and admissions staff in institutions, who can give tailored advice to those who seek it.
“Government caps on student numbers force admissions staff to make difficult choices, over which they take much care. But given number caps, many important subjects remain oversubscribed, and highly-qualified applicants may need to try again next year. To ensure the admissions process remains fair throughout these years of high demand, UCAS is already reviewing its tariff system, which allows an increasingly diverse range of qualifications which students offer to be compared by those judging who to admit.
“GuildHE wants to congratulate UCAS and its staff on its success in processing the largest ever volume of applications. Through its helpful advice lines it is advising applicants promptly, clearly, and through the largest ever range of media during the lead up to results day and beyond. The national shared service for higher education that UCAS provides is an effective and highly important asset to institutions and of real value to their student customers.”
For more information, please contact:
Professor Ruth Farwell
Vice-Chancellor, Buckinghamshire New University and GuildHE Chair
Tel: 01494 605 113
Email: ruth.farwell@bucks.ac.uk
Alice Hynes
GuildHE Chief Executive
Tel: 0207 387 7711
Email: alice.hynes@guildhe.ac.uk
Notes to editors
1. UCAS support services offer information, advice and guidance to applicants and advisers on their results and their choices, and will be available throughout the results and Clearing period. You can contact the UCAS helpline on 0871 468 0 468 – 08.00 – 19:00 or visit online at www.ucas.com/contact. Applicants and advisers are also encouraged to visit institutions’ websites to see the opportunities available.
2. For expert, independent advice on results and the “next steps” in applying for university or college or taking time out, speak to a specially trained advisor on the Exam Results Helpline – call 0808 100 8000. Lines open on Thursday 19 August from 08:00 – 20:00.
3. GuildHE is a recognised representative body for higher education institutions. Its members are among the most dynamic and fastest-growing institutions in higher education. For a list of GuildHE institutions, please click here
4. GuildHE is on Twitter! Visit https://twitter.com/guildhe throughout A-level results week for more advice and comments from GuildHE and its members on higher education admissions.
5. Buckinghamshire New University is the only publicly-funded higher education institution in Buckinghamshire, providing quality, inclusive and relevant higher education that develops and builds the potential of individuals and organisations alike. Within a caring and supportive environment, it delivers high-quality scholarship, as well as focused research and professional practice. Visit www.bucks.ac.uk