New figures released today by UCAS, the admissions body, have been welcomed by Universities Scotland.
Higher results day has seen a large increase in number of people from most deprived areas going to university in 2017. There has been a 13% increase in the number of placed applicants from Scotland’s 20% most deprived neighbourhoods compared to data at the same point last year. There was an increase in the number of applicants placed from the most deprived areas with 4,150 successful applications. This was an increase of 470 people from last year meaning that 14.4% of all placed applicants of Scottish domicile are SIMD quintile 1[1].
As of 9.30am this morning, UCAS has confirmed that 28,700 Scottish students have had their places in higher education institutions confirmed. This represents a 1% increase, up from 28,300 last year.
Today’s figures have also revealed that more mature students are attending university, with a 9% increase on learners aged 25 and above. Those in the 18, 19 and 20-24 age ranges have seen little change.
Commenting on the Higher results, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said:
“Congratulations are in order to the thousands of learners throughout Scotland who are celebrating their exam results today. Their hard work, alongside the support of teachers and others has ensured that Scottish universities will welcome them to their campuses over the next few weeks. They will be attending world leading institutions that offer the best prospects for graduates in the UK.
“It’s highly encouraging to see an uplift on the number of students from the most deprived areas attending university. We are seeing consistent, sustainable progress being made, demonstrating how committed our institutions are to ensure access to university is fairer. We also recognise there is more work, both in this sector and societally, that can be done to ensure that people of all backgrounds can apply for university.
“We are also delighted to see an increase in the number of Scots aged 25 and older who have been accepted to university, proving that universities offer opportunities for people of all ages.”
The results are good news for the majority of applicants. However, there will be some who are disappointed with their grades or who have just missed out on a place at university.
Clearing might be an option for some of these applicants. It provides information about vacancies on courses at Scottish university. Clearing opens to Scottish applicants at 10.00 on Tuesday August.
Students are encouraged to work quickly to research options on the UCAS clearing website. http://search.ucas.com/
[1] UCAS have been collecting data on applicants by SIMD postcode since 2016. SIMD quintile 1 is the equivalent of SIMD20.
NOTES:
Find the UCAS data here: https://www.ucas.com/corporate/data-and-analysis/ucas-undergraduate-releases/daily-clearing-analysis-2017