Clearing is cancelled as small army struggles for uni places
By Ian Dunt Follow @IanDunt
A-level students hoping to secure a university place through clearing faced an uphill battle today after several universities closed their doors.
Around 30% of UK universities, including the leading Russell group institutions,have stated they are full and will not enter the clearing process, leaving roughly 209,000 students eligible but without the chance for a place.
The unprecedented rush comes as thousands of A-level students skip gap years to go to university before the increase in tuition fees next year.
Some 673,000 students are trying to secure one from only 350,000 university places available this year.
With numbers at a historic high, many universities are upping their requirements and demanding a minimum of an A* grade.
Research shows many students are applying for employment immediately, with companies like Marks & Spencer and Pricewaterhouse Coopers confirming the trend.
The number of students taking a gap year has fallen from 47,000 last year to around 30,000 this year.
