‘No-one should miss out on chance to go to uni’

Professor Les Ebdon, speaking as chair of the university thinktank Million+, said ministers needed to ensure a generation of young people did not miss out on the chance to go to university.

He said: “While it is welcome news that the acceptance rate for applicants rose in 2011, these figures confirm that demand for places still outstripped supply and many would-be students missed out.

“These UCAS figures also confirm that modern universities, like the University of Bedfordshire, have been key to widening opportunities to study at university including for students with vocational and other qualifications.

“Ministers now need to look to the future and ensure that a whole generation of young people are not left without the prospect of getting a job because of rising unemployment.

“If the Government wants to give a Christmas present which would last a life-time they should think how people of all ages could be encouraged to study for a degree. No-one should lose the chance to be what they might have been.”