Northern Ireland

Record number of disadvantaged students off to university

Figures from admissions service Ucas reveal that in Northern Ireland, 13.2 per cent of the most disadvantaged students have been accepted
Figures from admissions service Ucas reveal that in Northern Ireland, 13.2 per cent of the most disadvantaged students have been accepted Figures from admissions service Ucas reveal that in Northern Ireland, 13.2 per cent of the most disadvantaged students have been accepted

A RECORD number of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have won places at university.

Figures from admissions service Ucas reveal that in Northern Ireland, 13.2 per cent of the most disadvantaged students have been accepted.

In Wales, 15.8 per cent have won places, and in England the proportion is 17.3 per cent – both new highs.

Across Britain and Northern Ireland, 28.2 per cent of all 18-year-olds have been accepted through Ucas, also a new record for results day.

In Northern Ireland alone, the entry rate is a record 29.4 per cent.

A record 33,630 international students - those from outside the EU - have found places, Ucas said, adding that this was driven by a 32 per cent rise in accepted applicants from China.

And there was a small increase in the number of EU students accepted on to UK degree courses, with 26,440 confirmed so far.

The `clearing' process, which advertises places on courses that are available, opened on July 5 and 7,960 people have already used it to secure a place.

Ucas Chief Executive Clare Marchant said students should be incredibly proud of their achievements.

"The record proportions of disadvantaged students off to university, combined with the highest number of international students we've seen accepted at this point, is testament to students' hard work and the attraction of our world-class universities and colleges," she said.

"For everyone looking for a place, clearing offers a new direction. It's important to take some time to speak with teachers, parents, and universities for help and advice to make a fully informed decision that's right for you. Students with a confirmed place can reflect, and if they want to change their mind, they can release themselves online to enter clearing."