Universities seek to calm fears over places for students

Students told to expect “high-quality courses” in clearing as they face stiff competition for places

Students applying for university this summer have been told that the “vast majority” of them will get a place at their first-choice institution, as universities and ministers seek to calm fears that lower grades mean students will miss out.

Vice-chancellors’ body Universities UK reassured applicants that most of them will get their top choice, while there will be “plenty of high-quality courses” in clearing if they miss their grades.