Of UK 18-year-olds that have had a decision made regarding their application today, 79% have secured their first choice. This compares to 81% in 2022 when exams were reintroduced, and 74% in 2019, the last time grading arrangements were the same – according to UCAS data for results day (17 August).
Twelve per cent have been placed at their insurance choice. This compares to 14% in 2019 and 11% in 2022.
A further 9% have not been placed at their first or insurance choice and are now in Clearing, which compares to 12% in 2019, and 7% in 2022. These students have a wide range of choices, with nearly 29,000 courses available in Clearing this morning, along with 8,000 apprenticeships currently on ucas.com. This compares to about 26,000 courses available in Clearing at the same point last year.
Overall, 414,940 applicants (all ages, all domiciles) have gained a place at university or college – down on 425,830 last year (-2.6%) but an increase on 408,960 in 2019 (+1.5%). For UK 18-year-olds, 230,600 have been accepted, a decline from 238,090 in 2022 (-3.1%) but up on 199,370 in 2019 (+15.7%).
