"Our door is still open" - University places still available in Staffordshire
Clearing hotlines are accepting applicants despite a record number of students getting top A-Level grades and their first-choice offers
After a higher proportion of top A-Level grades than ever before, a record number of students in and around Staffordshire and Cheshire have been accepted on to degree courses this year.
Across the country - 388,000 applicants have been approved - an 8% rise compared with results day in 2020.
It's led to some concerns there may not be enough places available if students still want a place - or to change their offer.
Jamie Wells, Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions at Staffordshire University said:
"There are places still available in Clearing and I think people have a good choice still open to them despite the the widespread reports of places at some universities being full.
"There are still places available both at Staffordshire University and elsewhere in the sector. So research your options certainly don't feel rushed or pressured that take your time to prepare yourself in a timely manner."
The full picture
Data published by UCAS shows that a total of 435,430 people, from the UK and overseas, have had degree places confirmed - up 5% on the same point last year.
So far, 4.5% of these placed UK students are currently planning to defer starting their course, which is up slightly on last year (4%).
Dr Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group, has warned that some courses at the leading universities "may not be able to accept students who narrowly missed their offer grades" this year.
Jamie Wells added: "There are good opportunities still out there for those still looking for a place.
"What we're expecting this year, and what we've seen in previous years is that Clearing has been extending each year. So we see more calls for a longer period of time and what we have are places right throughout August, September and even into early October too. So there are opportunities available.
"We are geared up to take students through Clearing every year we have good availability across all of our courses."
Some institutions are offering incentives
Meanwhile, applicants who have met the conditions of their offers at oversubscribed medical schools have been offered a £10,000 if they choose to move medical schools this year amid increased demand.
Lord Wharton, chair of the OfS, said that despite the "unusual" admissions cycle, universities "must still honour the places of students who meet the terms of their offer".
"Incentives can be offered, but students need to be treated fairly at all times - with universities recognising that they must honour offers for students who wish to accept them."
Hear the latest news from across Staffordshire and Cheshire on the hour, every hour, on 102.6FM, 96.9FM & 96.4FM. You can also listen on DAB, smart speaker, at signal1.co.uk and on the Signal 1 app