ASCL comment on falling demand for ‘early deadline’ university courses

Responding to figures from UCAS which show that the number of 18-year-olds applying for the most competitive university courses has fallen, Kevin Gilmartin, Post-16 Specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“It is worrying to see that the number of UK 18-year-olds applying for the most competitive university courses has fallen at a time when the 18-year-old population is increasing. While this may partially reflect measures on grading standards which mean fewer students will achieve top A-level grades next year, it may also reflect the cost-of-living crisis which is impacting on households, particularly in terms of disadvantaged students.

“These young people do not have families who are able to help out with the cost of going to university and this is especially so when household finances are under such strain.

“The current system of tuition and maintenance loans is not sufficient to bridge this gap and we would like to see the provision of maintenance grants for disadvantaged young people. This would support the levelling-up agenda to which the government has now returned.

In addition, the worsening crisis in 16-19 funding will compound the problem, as it will mean that activities in schools and colleges which support students in applying to university, will have to be cut.”