University chief calls for simpler entrance process

The scramble for places could be lessened if students did not apply until they received their grades according to Huddersfield University's deputy vice-chancellor Professor Peter Slee.

This year many school leavers will face major challenges getting into higher education with universities across the region reporting that fewer places are available through clearing.

University admissions officers are also balancing huge demand – with increases in applications of more than 30 per cent at some Yorkshire universities – with the prospect of being heavily fine if they recruit students above their target number.

Prof Slee believes the process would be made easier if students only chose their university places once they knew what their grades were.

He said: "At the moment students are applying with a lot of uncertainty. We do not know if the grades they have been predicted will be accurate.

"If a student needs three Bs to study on a course and they get three Cs then they would be unlikely to apply. Equally if they got three As then they may look for something better.

"This would reduce the uncertainty faced both universities and the A-level students.

"At the moment we have something like five applicants for every available place and this means that 80 per cent of our time is taken up dealing with students applications who we are either rejecting or who decide to go elsewhere. If the system was changed this could be avoided.

"Around a third of our applicants will not receive the grades they need for their offer and we have to make a judgement on each of them."

However Prof Slee said changing the system would be expensive and difficult to reform and could mean the start of the academic year being put back.

Tomorrow morning school leavers across Yorkshire will discover whether their A-level grades has secured them a place at either their first choice or back up university.

Higher Education Minister David Willetts has admitted that more young people face missing out on a place this year.

Last year 160,000 candidates who applied did not get into university.

The majority of universities in Yorkshire warned yesterday that they will have fewer places available through the UCAS clearing system this year after having seen applications for places rise.

However Professor Roger Lewis, the chief executive of Yorkshire Universities, an organisation which represents higher education providers across the region, is urging students who miss out not to be disheartened.

He said: "It will be more competitive and difficult then ever this year to get a university place and, for those who succeed, I offer my warmest congratulations.

"However, disappointed candidates should not give up and they must get all the advice they can.

"They should talk to their local universities which offer a huge range of opportunities; higher education in Yorkshire attracts over 200,000 students and the region has the highest graduate retention rate in the UK."

Prof Lewis added that as increased demand for university places means that securing an offer could be very difficult, students should do all they can to stand out.

"Higher education enriches lives in many ways; it immerses people in a rich cultural and social scene while studying a subject which broadens their knowledge and life opportunities.

"I urge any student who is disappointed to take all the advice they can.

"If they do have to wait a year, make sure they use it by volunteering, getting work experience or learning new skills to show how determined they are to follow their dreams and ambitions," he said.