A-Level results: Second highest number of students get first or second choice at university

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A near-record number of students have been accepted into their preferred or second-choice university on A-level results day, according to Ucas. Around 16,000 more pupils were accepted into their first or second choice university compared to the last year exams were taken. “Today we have seen more students progress compared to the last time students sat exams.” She added: “This year has seen a growth in the number of 18 year olds in the population, which will continue for the remainder of the decade, and creates a more competitive environment for students in the years to come.” Ms Marchant told The Independent earlier this week there needs to be a move away from traditional three-year degrees and towards apprenticeships to cater for soaring demand for higher education in the near future. But Ms Marchant told The Independent this week universities had been “cautious” when making offers and she still expected large numbers to get accepted by their first choice.