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14 Aug 2006 15:20:50
Clearing 2006 gets underway
As the deadline for A-level results approaches, the University of Bedfordshire clearing team is gearing up to handle thousands of calls from potential students across the UK who are considering going to university this September.
The 30-strong team has been trained to offer advice and support to anxious students who will be looking to secure a place at university. Their phone lines will go live on A-level result day – Thursday 17 August.
Dr Moira Hampson, Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions, will be overseeing the clearing operation. She said: “The team has been fully trained and is ready to deal with all manner of queries. We are just installing the final computers and phone lines at our clearing centre in preparation for next Thursday.
“Our message to those who don’t get their expected grades, or indeed did better than expected, is not to panic. We will talk through their options and discuss the courses available to them. Our team members are trained to help students choose the right course for them or simply offer general advice.”
UK and EU students coming to university this year will be among the first to benefit from the new grant and bursary scheme which brings an end to ‘up-front’ fees. This means students won’t have to repay any fees until they are earning a good salary.
“We have no doubt that many students will have questions about our bursary scheme, which is one of the most generous in the country,” explained Moira. “Every student coming to the Luton campus will receive a minimum of £300 per year, with students from low-income families receiving up to £1,750 per year. They can also apply for a scholarship and can take advantage of a repayable student loan. So the message is, pay as you earn, not as you learn.”
According to UCAS, 37,000 students gained places through clearing in 2005. These ranged from students who didn’t achieve the grades expected to secure a place at the university of their choice, to those who did better than predicted and wanted to enter higher education.
Applications can be taken right up until the first day of term and offers can be made over the phone.
The student liaison team will be running tours of the University from 17 August for two weeks at the Luton and Bedford campuses. These will take place every hour from 10am to 2pm on weekdays, with weekend drop-in sessions running on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 from 10am to 2pm.
The tours will give students the chance to view the University’s facilities including lecture theatres, Learning Resource Centres, accommodation and the Student Union.
For clearing enquiries call the University of Bedfordshire Clearing Hotline on 0800 013 0925. To find out more about the University’s bursary scheme, visit www.beds.ac.uk.
Latest news» 2006» Aug» Don’t panic – Beds will clear the way for you
