University clearing 2020 - live: Record numbers expected to get degree places as gap year plans disrupted by coronavirus
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Universities face their busiest ever period of clearing with record numbers of pupils due to take up degree places this year through the system, the head of the admissions service has predicted.
School-leavers who have had their gap year plans disrupted by Covid-19 will be among those choosing to bypass the main application scheme in favour of searching for a course through clearing, Ucas said.
With less than a week to go until pupils receive their A-level results, Clare Marchant, Ucas’s chief executive, said 80,000 applicants could find a place via clearing, up from 73,325 last year, despite fears about the impact of Covid-19 on the student experience.
Welcome to our live coverage of the universities clearing process.
University undergraduate places: all you need to know
How are grades being decided? What are the concerns about the system? And how can you appeal? Qais Hussain has the answers:
It's not all about exam results, pupils told
Would-be students are being advised that universities judge applicants on more than just exam results.
Three in four top universities have places
Nearly three in four of the UK's top institutions have vacancies available through clearing ahead of A-level results day in England.
Ucas advice: Be aware of similar courses and ask questions
Ucas has some handy hints for anyone applying for a place through clearing. Courses with similar content may have different names at different places, for instance. It's an opportunity to ask course leaders questions.
DJ congratulates graduates
Melvin Odoom said: "You guys are the future, we need people like yourselves to move this country forward and make this world a better place. No pressure."
Ucas promotes online degrees
Ucas has a tie-up with the Open University.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson who has resisted calls to resign over his handling of A-level and GCSE grades in England, but has apologised to thousands of students for the distress caused.
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