Don't miss out on world class university experience

12 January 2017

Speaking ahead of the close of this year’s UCAS application cycle, Director General of the Russell Group Dr Wendy Piatt today urged young people considering their university options not to miss out on the chance of a life-changing experience at a top UK university.

Dr Piatt was commenting ahead of the 2017/18 UCAS application deadline on Sunday (15 January). 

Highlighting the support that Russell Group institutions provide to students, and the additional help that is available to school pupils from non-traditional backgrounds, Dr Piatt warned that leading universities can only accept pupils who apply to them.

Director General of the Russell Group, Dr Wendy Piatt, said:

We are now in the last few days of this year’s UCAS application cycle but there is still time to apply for a place at one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities. 

Our members work incredibly hard to ensure that every talented and able young person from any background has the chance to benefit from an education at a Russell Group university. But they can only accept pupils who apply to them.

The message to talented young people is clear: It doesn’t matter if you are the first person in your family to go to university. It doesn’t matter if your school friends are taking different choices about their future. Don’t be put off by people who might say that a Russell Group university is not for you.

Russell Group universities are spending hundreds of millions of pounds to help students who might have previously struggled to go to university access higher education. There is still time to find out what support might be available to you. Look at the courses that are available. Call university admissions offices for advice – and remember, some institutions may accept late admissions or offer places through clearing. Don’t miss out on a life-changing experience.

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Notes to Editors

1.        The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector.
2.        In 2017/18, the 20 Russell Group universities in England alone will be investing £254 million in scholarships, fee waivers, bursaries and outreach activities aimed at the most disadvantaged – with additional investments being made across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
3.        The 24 Russell Group universities have established Advancing Access which provides CPD resources and activities via an online platform to support teachers and advisors as they foster learner progression to selective universities. The resources provide advice on supporting learners with Key Stage 4, Key Stage 5 and university choices.
4.        Russell Group universities provide a combination of academic, pastoral and financial support to help disadvantaged students flourish once at university. This is reflected in high continuation rates: in 2013/14 almost 95% of our young entrants from low participation neighborhoods remained on their course after the first year compared to 91% at other universities.