ASCL comment on rise in university applications

Commenting on undergraduate application data from UCAS showing an increase in the number of applicants for universities and colleges, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“We are delighted that more students are setting their sights on undergraduate courses and apprenticeships. It is testimony to the fantastic work of schools and colleges in supporting their students through the course of the pandemic that so many young people are confident about taking this next step in their lives.

“It is very important that universities recognise the significant educational disruption experienced by young people over the course of the past 15 months. Despite the best efforts of schools and colleges, the learning of students will have been affected to a greatly varying extent, and the mental health and wellbeing of many young people will have been impacted by the pandemic.

“Universities will need to have in place robust pastoral and learning support for students who need this help in order to ensure they are all able to achieve their full potential in higher education.”