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<p>The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) operates as an independent
charity and is separate from the government. The department will continue to work
closely with UCAS, schools, colleges, awarding organisations, and the higher education
(HE) sector to support the 2022 intake of students, so they can go on to their next
step in life, whether that is university, further training, or work.</p><p>In November
2021, my right hon. Friend, the former Minister for Higher and Further Education,
wrote to Vice Chancellors to recognise the hard work and dedication that the sector
has shown to students throughout the 2021 and 2022 admissions cycles. The former Minister
asked that additional resilience is built into strategies for the 2022 HE admissions
cycle. HE sector bodies were engaged through the HE Taskforce to commend them on their
efforts to date and to ask that they continue to put students first.</p><p>In June
2022, UCAS reported that 281,500 UK 18-year-olds were holding a firm offer, up 7,000
on last year and the highest on record. UCAS expect more students than in previous
years to gain a place at their firm choice institution. It expects that on A level
and T Level Results Day<del class="ministerial"> around 80%</del> <ins class="ministerial">the
majority </ins>of students are likely to be confirmed at their firm choice. However,
it is important to note that the exact numbers will not be known until 18 August,
A level and T Level Results Day.</p><p>If students do not get the required grades,
their preferred HE provider may still offer them a place. In the first instance, students
are encouraged to talk to their school or college, or to their preferred university,
who may be able to offer some flexibility. Students can also seek advice from the
Exam Results Helpline run by the National Careers Service. UCAS will help thousands
of students to find places through Clearing or explore other options once they have
received their grades and predict that over 30,000<del class="ministerial"> places</del>
<ins class="ministerial">courses </ins>will be available. Last year, 56,225 students
(10%) entered university via Clearing.</p><p>While HE opens many doors for those who
study at this level, it is by no means the right option for everyone, including those
with the highest grades. There are multiple options for students to progress, including
HE but also traineeships, T Levels, apprenticeships, the Kickstart scheme, and higher
technical qualifications.</p>
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