Competition for college entry set to rise

ANOTHER rise in the overall number of applications could see increased competition for school leavers seeking entry to college in the autumn.

Just under 71,200 people submitted course lists to the Central Applications Office (CAO) by last night’s deadline, up from 67,634 at the same stage last year.

By last night there were 12,374 applications from mature students, slightly more than the 12,291 seeking entry last year, but this number could rise significantly before the late applications cut-off on May 1. A record 74,000 applications were received up to the final deadline in 2009.