Number of UK university applicants RISES despite pandemic
South-West based UCAS has shared new figures with Greatest Hits Radio
Last updated 15th Dec 2020
There has been a 17% year-on-year increase in the number of students applying for UK universities in 2020, despite the disruption to education caused by coronavirus.
That is according to UCAS, which operates the application process.
The Cheltenham-based firm claims the figures show pupils are applying "with confidence" and not being deterred by COVID.
Its research also suggests that the pandemic has "personally affected" 70% of UK students.
The statistics follow last week's announcement that GCSE and A-Level pupils will benefit from more generous marking next year.
The Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, wants to compensate for the disruption to studying during lockdown.
Next year's cohort will also have advanced notice of their exam topics and be permitted to take aids into assessments.
'Universities look at more than just grades'
Ben Jordan, UCAS Head of Policy, told us: "Nobody wants to see students impacted by COVID and we want to eliminate any unintended consequences there, to make it as fair as we can for students.
"We all want students to have a fair grade and a reliable grade, that reflects the circumstances they've come through.
"Universities look at more than just grades, so they will want to know about the context of the student. They will want to know what their COVID experience has been like and we would really encourage schools and colleges to put that in the (application) reference.
"I think students can really apply with confidence".
UCAS says the rise in applicants is largely due to mature candidates being inspired by key workers, subsequently pursuing career paths such as nursing and teaching.
It has called the change "heart-warming".