University applications fall: 'some talented young people choose not to go'

As the number of university applications drops by 18,000 in a year, Richard Irwin, Head of Student Recruitment at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, says there are many opportunities for those who choose not to pursue higher education. Figures show that demand for higher education is down by 6.3 per cent amid a continuing backlash over fees of up to £9,000-a-year. It emerged that 265,730 British students had applied for university places by mid-December – the lowest number since the data was first collated in 2008/9. The figures – published by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – relate to courses starting in autumn this year and are likely to reignite the debate over higher fees. See the video. Read more...