Record higher education acceptances

Figures published today show that more students from Scotland have been accepted to Scottish Higher Education at this stage than ever before.

The publication from UCAS follows today’s Higher results which showed a record number of passes in the last school year.

Key points from the UCAS figures include:

• As of midnight Monday, 24,480 Scottish applicants have won a place in UK Higher Education for the coming academic year, an increase of 1,050 (4 per cent) compared to the same stage last year
• The majority (23,780) have been placed at a Scottish institution
• 30,350 applicants in total have been accepted into a Scottish university or college, a 5 per cent increase compared to results day last year.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Michael Russell said:

“This year the ONS identified Scotland as one of the best educated countries in the world and latest figures show a record 90 per cent of school leavers staying in positive destinations. Hot on the heels of a record number of Higher passes, we now have more Scots heading into Higher Education than ever before.

“Scotland’s young people can be incredibly proud of their achievements after putting in so much hard work this year and thousands will now be moving into a fresh challenge in the coming weeks.

“The Scottish Government is committed to wider access to higher education based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay, again backed up with increased university places. It is great news that some 23,780 Scots-domiciled students have already been accepted to a Scottish institution on exam results day.

“Of course, some young people will not have got what they wanted today, and support is available to them. Every 16 to 19 year old in Scotland is guaranteed the offer of a place in education or training and I’d encourage anyone who is still considering what to do next to call the Skills Development Scotland helpline on 0808 100 8000 for advice.

“Clearing is now also open for Scots-domiciled students through UCAS with hundreds of places available at a number of Scottish institutions for those who didn’t get the results they had hoped for.”