Better future? Uni applications down

The first evidence has emerged of a drop in university applications following the increase in tuition fees.

Today's monthly Ucas figures showed a drop of 12.9%, totalling just under 25,000 people, on last year's numbers.

Experts urged caution in the interpretation of the figures, given that most courses and universities have a January 15th deadline for applicants.

But campaigners highlighted the figures as evidence that the increase in fees could have a disastrous effect on young people's aspirations.

UCU: Preliminary figures are very worrying

Streeting: Those with most to gain could miss out

NUS: Temporary chaos could become permanent damage