Anxious students awaiting their A-level results should prepare a “back-up” plan in case they miss out on a place at their preferred institution, a university sector chief has said.
Hundreds of thousands of students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their exam results on Thursday, with many finding out whether they have got their first choice university.
Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK (UUK), advised students to do some “preparation” ahead of A-level results day to ensure they know how to use clearing in case they need to find an alternative university place.
She told the PA news agency: “For most students you’re going to get your first or insurance offer, but it’s a good idea to have a back-up plan.”
A rising number of 18-year-olds in the population has made the university admissions system “competitive” this year and this trend is expected to continue in the years to come, Ms Stern said.
At some top universities, the number of courses listed as available on the Ucas clearing site the day before A-level results day has fallen compared with the same point last week, PA analysis suggests.
