Clearing chaos: 45,000 uni hopefuls stuck in limbo, nearly a week after A-Level results day

Around 45,000 uni hopefuls are stuck in Clearing, nearly a week after A-Level results were released.

According to DataHE, this is “a good third higher than normal at this point”.

Last Friday, one day after A-Level results were announced, 53,510 students were in Clearing according to Ucas.

Yesterday, there were just 25,000 courses available for students still fighting for a place at uni.

But with more and more students entering the system every day, the pressure on uni places doesn’t look like it’s going to be eased any time soon.

Chairman of Comprehensive Furture Nuala Burgess told The Telegraph:  “Clearing is just a lottery. It’s all about gaming the system, having parents, teachers or adults to help you, and it’s sink or swim for many students.

“UCAS has failed these students. If such a shocking and outrageous number of students are looking for places, you have to ask, ‘what’s gone wrong with this system?’ Why did the universities make offers in the first place? It doesn’t square.”

Burgess added: “The whole thing is chaos. It’s gone massively wrong and students are left in the limbo.”

A spokesperson for Ucas said: “As the 18-year-old population increases, we have seen in 2022 a record number of 18-year-olds apply. Our data shows over 97 per cent of these students received at least one offer, which is also a record.

“There are many reasons why students are eligible to find a place in clearing. In some cases students, who are extremely savvy and are constantly assessing their options, increasingly see clearing as a great option to find a place.

“Universities and colleges will have courses available this week with almost 25,000 courses available in clearing.

“Our 270-strong team of Ucas advisors during the clearing period work from a mix of locations, including several office locations and home. This mix enables us to tailor ongoing support to the changing needs of the students during the period.”

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