Students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland have achieved unprecedented success in university admissions as A-level results were unveiled today.
A record-breaking number of 18-year-olds have gained entry to their preferred universities, according to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.
A total of 439,180 students have successfully obtained places on degree programmes.
Students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland have achieved unprecedented success in university admissions as A-level results were unveiled today | PA
The milestone comes as teenagers collect their A-level, T-level, BTec National and other Level 3 qualification results this morning.
The figures represent a 3.1 per cent rise compared to the previous year's figures.
The data marks the highest number of students placed on A-level results day since records began.
Among 18-year-old applicants from the UK, there have been particularly strong outcomes, with 255,130 securing university places - an increase of 4.7 per cent from the previous year.
Four in five of these young applicants who were awaiting decisions have successfully gained entry to their preferred institution.
An impressive 82 per cent of those holding offers have gained admission to their preferred institution - a percentage that matches last year's figure.
International enrolments have also increased, with 52,640 overseas students gaining undergraduate places - a rise of 2.9 per cent from the 51,170 accepted last year.
Chinese students have shown particularly robust growth, with acceptances reaching 12,380, marking a substantial 13 per cent increase.
Jo Saxton, chief executive of Ucas, acknowledged the unique challenges faced by this cohort of students.
A record-breaking number of 18-year-olds have gained entry to their preferred universities, according to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
|PA
"This year's students were just thirteen when the pandemic hit, and their secondary schooling was turned upside down," she said.
She expressed satisfaction at the record-breaking acceptance figures, saying: "It's great to see these applicants securing a university place in record numbers, seeking more education and investing in their futures."
For those who missed out on their desired grades or have yet to apply, approximately 27,000 courses remain available through the clearing system.
Ucas support staff are providing assistance via telephone, social media platforms and the organisation's website to help students navigate their options.