A record number of Scottish students have been accepted into their first choice unis following exam results day.
UCAS has announced a record 60.1% of Scottish students gained a place at their firm choice university, up from the pre-pandemic level of 57.5% in 2019.
Scottish Results Day
For students in Scotland, results day comes along on August 9, this year, unlike in England which takes place on August 25.
Six in ten Scottish students is the highest number to be accepted into their first choice university since before COVID-19. UCAS also reported this figure would rise as more confirmation decisions are made in the days following the exam results.
UCAS also reported they have seen ‘continued success in widening access’, with a significant closing of the gender progression gap for young people in Scotland (19 and under).
In 2019, 50% more females progressed to higher education than males. Today that has narrowed to 39% (from 47% last year).Participation of young students from the most disadvantaged areas (SIMD40) is reassuringly up from pre-pandemic levels, with 23.9% of all acceptances from SIMD40 areas compared to 23.4 last year and 22.4% in 2019, reaffirming the continued support to widen access in Scotland.
Other key points from today’s release include:
- The overall number of Scottish students accepted is 30,490, up from 28,750 in 2019.
- Of those accepted, 29,630 will be studying in Scotland – an increase of 1,740 on 2019.
- The number of students accepted on to nursing courses is 2,960 – up by 450 compared to 2019.
UCAS ‘delighted’ with outcome
Clare Marchant, UCAS’ Chief Executive, said: said: ‘I’m delighted to be here in Scotland today to join universities as they look to welcome students in the coming weeks.
‘Today sees a record proportion of young people from Scotland gaining their first choice, showing a continued commitment and flexibility from universities to supporting students despite the disruption over the last two years.
‘I am also pleased to see continued success in widening access. During the pandemic, both UCAS and the whole education sector has put the interests of the most disadvantaged students at the core of our work. The reduction in the gender gap is also to be welcomed, following years of sustained focus from the higher education and government in Scotland to address gender imbalances.
‘Whilst many will be celebrating this morning, there will be some students who have not gained their places and are assessing their options. Be assured, there is plenty of choice available to you and UCAS is here to help. We expect there to be around 30,000 courses available in Clearing across the UK, and our Clearing Plus service will provide personalised choices directly to you.
‘Acceptance numbers across Scotland will continue to rise in the coming days and weeks as more students’ places are confirmed, particularly those studying qualifications where results are not published today, such as A levels.’