Clare Marchant has led UCAS for six years, during which time she has overseen the expansion of the charity’s role, doubling the number of students it supports each year to 1.3 million. UCAS has also introduced new personalised digital tools such as Clearing Plus and the UCAS Hub; and is bringing parity to all post-secondary choices launching an apprenticeship service. During the same period, UCAS has been a leading voice on student progression issues, using its data and research capabilities to produce research and recommendations to improve the experience of students who are care leavers, identify as LGBTQ+, have a disability and those with mental health challenges. More recently, UCAS has led a debate on how to provide more higher education opportunities in light of the increasing 18-year-old population.
The Chair of UCAS’s Board of Trustees, Trudy Norris-Grey, said: “Clare has been a dynamic and inspirational leader and a powerful advocate for higher education and apprenticeships. Under her leadership, UCAS has not only developed its core admissions services but also expanded the support it provides to students making life-changing decisions.
“She leaves UCAS in an incredibly strong position, with a talented and dedicated team and a clear focus for the future. We are hugely thankful for her leadership, particularly through the pandemic, where UCAS supported students and the higher education sector during those challenging times. While we are disappointed to see her leave UCAS, we are delighted that the higher education sector will continue to benefit from her skills and passion.”
