fall in university students

Although 54 000 fewer students started university courses this autumn, a large proportion of the decline was that fewer studetns had deferred entry to avoid rising fee charges.  However, there was a real fall of about 6% overall. Institutions made fewer offers overall but with more offers being made to those predicted to achieve the best results. It was harder to get in through clearing, suggesting that more selective universities are adopting a "first choice or nothing" approach, making it imperative for the current cycle of applicants to get their CI/CF decisions correct.