Statement ahead of A Level results 2015

Speaking ahead of A-level results day, Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group of Universities, said: 

“Good luck to everyone getting their results.   

“Some Russell Group universities may have places available for students who have done better than expected, and some for highly-qualified students who narrowly missed out on their first choice. We encourage those students to get in touch with UCAS to see whether there may be places available to them. 

“The recent increase in the number of students taking facilitating subjects at A-level is welcome news. Taking these subjects can maximise a student’s chances for getting onto their preferred course at a Russell Group university.  

“But there is still some way to go in improving other areas of advice and information for students. For example, too few bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds are being encouraged to apply to a leading university.  Our institutions are constantly trying to spread the word that with the right grades in the right subjects a place at a Russell Group university is well within their grasp. However, students need good advice and information from a range of key sources. 

“Going to university can be a great experience for the majority of students and a springboard to a successful career. We hope many of those students getting their results tomorrow will have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a good university education.” 

Notes to Editors

1. Facilitating subjects at A-level are English literature, maths, physics, chemistry, biology, history, geography and modern and classical languages. These are subjects that are required more often than others by Russell Group universities. 
2. Research by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills in 2012 identified that male graduates of Russell Group universities earn on average 16% more than graduates from newer universities.  This premium is 9% for female Russell Group graduates. In 2007/8 the Russell Group average salary 6 months after graduation was £22,399: more than £3,500 more than the average among graduates from the rest of the sector. 
3. Tuition fees do not have to be paid up-front by students. In England loans and bursaries are available to cover costs and graduates only repay their loans when they are earning a good salary (of at least £21,000 a year) and even then they will only pay back a small proportion of their income (9%) above £21,000.
4. For information about Clearing and Adjustment places at our universities students should visit universities' websites or go to the UCAS website where more information for students is available. Students can also speak directly to a UCAS expert on Twitter or Facebook. Experienced careers advisers are also ready to discuss the range of options open to students on the Exam Results Helpline, which is funded by the Department for Education, on 0808 100 8000.