East London kids face rejection in scramble for university places

08 February 2010

By Mike Brooke

MANY school-leavers could face rejection in the summer ‘scramble’ for university places in East London, figures out today reveal.

Applications for 2010 are up by 50 per cent at the University of East London, compared to a year ago, and double the national average.

But places are getting fewer because of Government cuts in higher education, warns the university’s Vice Chancellor.

“Government limits on student places make our job increasingly difficult,” said Prof Patrick McGhee.

“Higher education is the best ‘investment’ for economic recovery in a region such as East London.

“But many of our applicants working hard to get on in life now face stiff competition for places. The opportunities for our community are increasingly fewer. "

The figures issued today (Monday) by UCAS, the universities’ shared admissions service, show record demand for places, with more students being accepted into higher education than ever before.

The national picture shows almost 30 per cent rise in applications, with many from abroad, especially the EU. But the current trend suggests fewer places available during August’s ‘clearing’ stage.