For immediate release

Local MSP, Clare Haughey, has hailed new figures that show a record number of 18-year-olds have secured a place at university.

UCAS figures reveal the number has increased to 17,920 – a record high for Scottish students on exam results day, up from 17,350 the previous year.

Importantly, this includes a record high number of 18-year-olds from Scotland’s most deprived areas, with an increase of almost 7%. Overall acceptances to university – for Scots of all ages – has reached 32,370.

The MSP says that the data highlights the positive impact of the Scottish Government’s longstanding commitments to free tuition and widening access.

Commenting, Clare Haughey said:

“This is fantastic news for young people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang, and across Scotland. The record number of 18-year-olds securing a place at university is testament to their hard work, and the support of their families and teachers.

“At a time when students in the UK face eyewatering levels of debt, the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to free tuition is opening opportunities for young people here in Scotland.

“Of course, university isn’t the right choice for everyone, and that’s why it is so welcome to see a record number of vocational and technical qualifications being achieved by students this year.

“The Scottish Government will always be committed to ensuring that access to education is based on the ability to learn, and not the ability to pay, and that the opportunity of a university education is available to everyone.”

ENDS