Clearing Gives Students the Chance to Aim Higher

As A-level results day (August 17th) approaches, over 270,000 students across the UK are considering what their future may hold. Bill Rammell, Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further & Higher Education urges school leavers to capitalise on their individual talents and consider all the options open to them in helping to set themselves up for success in their career of choice.

The UCAS Clearing process provides a second chance for those young people who may have missed the original application deadline; who may have since reconsidered their course choices; or who have not secured the requisite grades needed to take up their place at their previous choice of university or college of higher education.

Clearing is a process through which an applicant, who has not yet secured a place, can apply for vacancies available. Annually more than 35,000 people find places through Clearing.

Bill Rammell said: “Clearing can help both students that do not achieve their predicted grades and those who do better than expected. Many students may not have considered higher education due to low aspirations or lack of confidence but once they receive their results, they may realise that higher education could be an option after all. This is where Clearing can really help.”

“We know that there will be a significant increase in the proportion of jobs requiring a HE level qualification. Of the 13.5 million jobs expected to be filled by 2012*, 50% are most likely to need graduates. Graduates earn, on average, far more than people with A-levels who do not go onto higher education.”  

Foundation Degrees have proved another increasingly popular HE option for young people looking to get a head start on the career ladder. These qualifications – available in a range of courses, from Aeronautical Engineering to Financial Services, Professional Photography to Business Management (see foundation degrees article).

Bill Rammell added:

“Whether a traditional honours degree or a Foundation Degree, choosing a degree is one of the most important investment decisions a person will make. With the new financial package available to students, I am determined to see that students are not deterred because of money worries” (see student finance article).

From 8.00am on 8th August 2006, students will be able to call a national helpline where experienced advisors will provide information on the opportunities available through Clearing. Last year the free helpline assisted 15,000 students in their decision to go on to higher education. For free advice call: 0808 100 8000.

Additional information on higher education and the different options available can be found on the Aimhigher website at www.aimhigher.ac.uk.

*Forecasts by the Institute for Employment Research

 For more top tips on University Clearing 2006, check out the online Get Smaart Clearing  magazine, packed with essential information and advice to help you through the clearing process. Just click here:

http://www.flippymag.com/getsmaart-clearing-2006/clearing2006.html