EDUCATION University applications hit record

A record number of students has applied to university this year, but the total applying for teacher-training has fallen sharply, according to figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

So far there have been 409,318 applications, and the final figure is likely to be around 450,000.

The fall in applicants reported at this time last year has been halted. Applications are up by 9.7 per cent in biochemistry, 8.5 per cent in physics, 2.4 per cent in biology and 1.9 per cent in chemistry. There are also more applicants in business and management studies, computer science and English.

However, applications for teacher training are down by 11 per cent and fewer applications have been made in civil, electronic and mechanical engineering. Judith Judd