School-leavers face double heartbreak this week as tens of thousands are expected to lose their university place – then struggle to find a replacement.
Analysis by the Daily Mail shows competition to snap up Clearing courses on A-level results day will be the fiercest it has been in years, with some predicting the worst squeeze in living memory.
Figures reveal the number of last-minute courses available at elite Russell Group universities has halved in just two years. It means those who fail to achieve the grades needed for their first-choice course are likely to be disappointed again when they try to find an alternative.
The higher education watchdog is now warning A-level pupils to prepare for 'disappointment' next week when results are announced.
The Office for Students predicts a notable increase in rejections from preferred universities as exam boards are advised to tackle grade inflation.
