Russell Group comment on Results Day 2023

17 August 2023

As students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland receive their results today (17 August 2023), Dr Hollie Chandler, interim Director of Policy at the Russell Group, said:

"Congratulations to all students getting their results today across the country – you have done exceptionally well in what has been a challenging few years.

"Grade boundaries returning to 2019 levels has meant we have returned to a more normal admissions cycle, so we are pleased to see almost 80% of 18-year-old UK applicants that have had a decision made regarding their application today have been placed with their first choice university, up on 2019 and the pre-pandemic trend.

"Over the coming days admissions teams at our universities will be working hard to place more students onto courses, looking at individual circumstances and attainment to ensure admissions decisions are fair and that students are set up for success.

"We would encourage students who miss out on their grades to contact the universities where they had offers as there may be some flexibility or other options – such as similar courses – they might want to consider. There are also lots of options available through clearing, including at most Russell Group universities."

Notes

UCAS figures at this stage in the cycle show:

• Of UK 18-year-olds that have had a decision made regarding their application today, 79% have secured their first choice.
• The number of UK 18-year-olds securing undergraduate places at higher tariff universities is up by 21% on 2019, while the equivalent figure for international (non-UK) students is 3%.
• 78% of accepted undergraduate applicants to higher tariff universities are from the UK, the same as in 2022 and up from 76% in 2019.

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