Hundreds of students are getting their A-level results on Thursday - but some may not get the grades they were expecting.
This year's race for university places is expected to be one of the most competitive yet, with almost 40% of young people thought likely to make use of the clearing system to find a place on a course. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) has acknowledged that offer-making has been "more conservative" this year, with the chief executive Clare Marchant warning results day will not be a "pain-free" experience for students.
Ofqual, the exams regulator in England, and Ucas sent a letter to students reassuring them that most will still secure their first choice of university. Students who do not find a place on their first-choice course have been advised by a headteachers' union to avoid panicking and instead seek advice.
