signs of growth, the programme... signs of growth, the economy grew by 0.6% between april and june. they're being called the last chance talks — fresh negotiations are due to begin in qatar to hopefully end the war in gaza. the world health organization declares the m parks outbreak a public health emergency, the disease has killed hundreds in africa. taylor swift returns to wembley stadium for the final leg of her �*eras tour�* in the uk. hello and welcome once again. the uk's economy grew by 0.6% between april and june as it continued its recovery from the recession at the end of last year. the latest figure was in line with forecasts and follows a 0.7%

increase in the first three months of this year. supercharging the economy is central to the new labour government's plans. our business correspondent marc ashdown reports. football didn't quite make it home — again — but the euros certainly gave the uk'sjune gdp figure a gentle kick in the right direction. gross domestic product is a measure of all the economic activity of companies, governments and people in a country. and one—off major sporting or entertainment events, along with seasonal sun or downpours, can affect how productive we all are from month to month. after a big week of data on employment and inflation, the latest monthly and quarterly readings give yet another indication of where the economy is heading. the economic story then continues to be one of recovery after the uk tipped into a brief—but—shallow recession at the end of last year. two consecutive quarters of growth will be welcomed, even if some months may prove to be

bumpier than others. keeping that story going will in part depend on smaller enterprises being able to thrive, like carrie anne, who gave up a steadyjob to turn her passion for alternative fashion into a business venture. she's now got two stalls based in redbrick, an indoor warehouse market in birmingham. as well as having my spaces in redbrick, i also do, like, markets, tattoo conventions, that sort of thing. i think now people want to get out and about again. they don't want to shop online. they want a more personable experience in shopping, rather than just that faceless big corporation. they want to know who they're buying from, i think. again my opinion, but that's what i've experienced. boosting growth is central to the new labour government's plans to get britain moving. economists do warn not to read too closely into how gdp varies from month to month, but the hope is the overall outlook for the economy will keep improving. mark ashdown, bbc news.

the secretary to the treasury gave his reaction to it today's gdp figures. his reaction to it today's gdp fi . ures. . , his reaction to it today's gdp fiaures. .,, ., , ., figures. the last conservative government _ figures. the last conservative government left _ figures. the last conservative government left at _ figures. the last conservative government left at this - figures. the last conservative government left at this new l figures. the last conservative - government left at this new labour government left at this new labour government with the highest tax burden since the 1940s, the highest step to burden and over 60 years. and a huge costjust paying the interest on that debt everything a month. i set out to parliament a few weeks ago, they left us with over £20 billion of bills and no money to pay for it, that does not sound like a good inheritance to me. but it pay for it, that does not sound like a good inheritance to me.- a good inheritance to me. but it is undeniable _ a good inheritance to me. but it is undeniable that _ a good inheritance to me. but it is undeniable that the _ a good inheritance to me. but it is undeniable that the economy - a good inheritance to me. but it is undeniable that the economy is i undeniable that the economy is growing faster than other quarters we have seen recently. inflation is now more stable, unemployment figures were down as well this week. are you at risk or are you just talking down the economy even though there are the signs that we are seeing in some of the data that are more positive? the seeing in some of the data that are more positive?— more positive? the economic facts are clear, because _ more positive? the economic facts are clear, because we _ more positive? the economic facts are clear, because we have - more positive? the economic facts are clear, because we have the - are clear, because we have the highest debt in over 60 years, and

having to spend billions of pounds in interest to pay that off every month and because working people have got the highest tax burden since the 1940s, people at home know and anyone can look at the statistics that what we inherited from the conservatives with the worst physical inheritance since the second world war. we welcome growth in the economy and it is our first and most important mission here at the treasury, but we have got much more work to do so we can recover from the mess that we were left with. it's a huge day for the hundreds of thousands of students in england, wales and northern ireland receiving their exam results this morning. some 82% of students have successfully got into their first choice university — an increase of 3% from last year. our correspondent nicky schiller is live at burnley college as students receive their results hello,. hello, welcome to burnley

colleae. hello,. hello, welcome to burnley college- you _ hello,. hello, welcome to burnley college. you and _ hello,. hello, welcome to burnley college. you and i _ hello,. hello, welcome to burnley college. you and i both _ hello,. hello, welcome to burnley college. you and i both probably l college. you and i both probably remember when we got our results many decades ago. the students have been getting them here this morning. they come in through the door, as you can see they are all mingling. on this side is vocational results and a level results. if we pan out with the camera, you will see that the confetti is here on the floor because an hour ago was when students around england, wales and northern ireland were allowed to open the results. i was here. i want to play you what it was like with all of the hundreds of students who were here at eight o'clock this morning. look at this. eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one! cheering

so, yes, lots of celebrations. and lots of hugging. throughout the last hour i have seen students hugging theirfriends, they hour i have seen students hugging their friends, they have hour i have seen students hugging theirfriends, they have been hour i have seen students hugging their friends, they have been taking cell fees, and more importantly, there were a lot of parents here. they were hugging their children, saying they were immensely proud of them. what they can then do here at bentley college, if you follow me, they have got in different rooms set “p they have got in different rooms set up places where they can come and have their photo taken. if you look over here, we have got a set of balloons. and there are, some think i definitely did not get, which is a distinction. they are able to come and take their photo and of course, many of them will post that on social media. as you said, more than 80% of students who want to go to university, the organisation that organises that say have got their

first choice of university. but of course, it is notjust university. some students will decide that they want to go into something vocational . some will go into an apprenticeship or a job. we are going to talk to some of the students in a moment, but first, this report on the a liberals in england, wales and northern ireland today from my colleague. there have been many challenges _ today from my colleague. there have been many challenges for _ today from my colleague. there have been many challenges for the - today from my colleague. there have been many challenges for the class i been many challenges for the class of 2024. secondary school life dominated by a pandemic, a cost—of—living crisis and teacher strikes. today, thousands of pupils will find out if they've got the results they need. despite all the disruption over the past four years, rebecca feels she's been able to focus on her a—levels and btecs. when it came to gcses, it kind of impacted us, but i feel like with the support from teachers and things like that, i feel like we're able to get back on track and now i feel like we have overcome it in a way. this year group is the first since the pandemic to have no exam concessions. it marks a return to normal.

at ashlawn school in rugby, they say they are still dealing with the impact it's had on mental health. so we know that before pandemic, one in nine children have mental health problems. we know now, currently, the data suggests there's one in six. so that's five students for every class that we teach in school. it's about having a trusted adult in school and making sure that if they feel unsafe or anxious, that there's someone there to support them at all times. it's been a challenging time. ashlawn school has gone from being rated outstanding to inadequate. the new head is hoping this results day is proof that the school has turned a corner. we needed to put the school back in our community's eyes as a centre of excellence. so after we got through that initial phase of anger and frustration, there was a determination within the school to make sure that we were the very best that we could be. last year, more than 300,000

18—year—olds applied to go to university or college in the uk. but richard isn't sure whether to go to uni or do an apprenticeship. i've just got to weigh up my options through the facilities at both, and obviously the cost implications of paying for one degree versus not and paying back that student loan and the debt. and i've got time to think about it. and it's notjust about money. isaac is hoping to go to the university of bath. his concern is about what happens afterwards and the role ai will play. whilst university could be quite a high cost, it's all about the prospects after. i personally want to become an investment banker and at the start of investment banking, the first couple of years is a lot of, like, spreadsheets. however, with al, it could make thejob redundant. the class of 2024 has faced many uncertainties. the hope is that today's results will be a testament to their resilience. kate mcgough, bbc news.

so, we will get in the next 20 minutes the actual figures of how many top grades there have been in terms of the a—levels in england, wales and northern ireland. of course, today is really all about the students. and all of that hard work they have done. joining me here are four of those students who have done a lot of hard work, i hope. so, let's start off with you, what did you study here? i let's start off with you, what did you study here?— let's start off with you, what did you study here? i studied geology, -h sics you study here? i studied geology, physics and — you study here? i studied geology, physics and geography. _ you study here? i studied geology, physics and geography. that - you study here? i studied geology, | physics and geography. that sounds difficult. physics and geography. that sounds difficult- how— physics and geography. that sounds difficult. how did _ physics and geography. that sounds difficult. how did the _ physics and geography. that sounds difficult. how did the for _ physics and geography. that sounds difficult. how did the for you? - physics and geography. that sounds difficult. how did the for you? it - difficult. how did the for you? it was actually quite difficult at times, — was actually quite difficult at times, harderat was actually quite difficult at times, harder at some times than others _ times, harder at some times than others. overall, it was quite a nice course, _ others. overall, it was quite a nice course, quite — others. overall, it was quite a nice course, quite simple. gk, others. overall, it was quite a nice course, quite simple.— course, quite simple. 0k, did you aet course, quite simple. 0k, did you net the course, quite simple. 0k, did you get the results _ course, quite simple. 0k, did you get the results you _ course, quite simple. 0k, did you get the results you wanted? - get the results you wanted? absolutely. i got a, b b and i passed — absolutely. i got a, b b and i passed with flying colours for my universitx — passed with flying colours for my university. so passed with flying colours for my universi . , ., ., . passed with flying colours for my universi . i. ., . i. university. so you have decided you are auoin

university. so you have decided you are going to — university. so you have decided you are going to university. _ university. so you have decided you are going to university. you - university. so you have decided you are going to university. you know. are going to university. you know where? , �* ., ., ~ , where? yes, i'm going to kill this summer and _ where? yes, i'm going to kill this summer and i— where? yes, i'm going to kill this summer and i am _ where? yes, i'm going to kill this summer and i am going - where? yes, i'm going to kill this summer and i am going to - where? yes, i'm going to kill this summer and i am going to be - where? yes, i'm going to kill this- summer and i am going to be studying geology— summer and i am going to be studying geology and physical geography. that sounds geology and physical geography. trust sounds quite difficult for my brain. are you concerned, we have heard a lot about how much university costs. are you concerned when you go how much financial pressure you will be under? i much financial pressure you will be under? ., much financial pressure you will be under? . ., ., , . under? i am not that concerned since it is “ust a under? i am not that concerned since it isjust a minute _ under? i am not that concerned since it isjust a minute tax, _ under? i am not that concerned since it isjust a minute tax, quite - it isjust a minute tax, quite minute, _ it isjust a minute tax, quite minute, and it will not really bear any pressure on me personally. find minute, and it will not really bear any pressure on me personally. andl any pressure on me personally. and i assume your — any pressure on me personally. and i assume your family _ any pressure on me personally. and i assume your family are _ any pressure on me personally. and i assume your family are very - any pressure on me personally. jifuc i assume your family are very happy this morning as well? very happy. did they come down with you? yes. felix _ did they come down with you? yes. felix is _ did they come down with you? yes. felix is here — did they come down with you? yes. felix is here as well. what did you study here?— study here? law, politics and economics. — study here? law, politics and economics, a-level. - study here? law, politics and economics, a-level. they- study here? law, politics andj economics, a-level. they are study here? law, politics and i economics, a-level. they are so brain , economics, a-level. they are so brainy. way _ economics, a-level. they are so brainy, way more _ economics, a-level. they are so brainy, way more than _ economics, a-level. they are so brainy, way more than i - economics, a-level. they are so brainy, way more than i was. - economics, a-level. they are so | brainy, way more than i was. ok, economics, a-level. they are so - brainy, way more than i was. ok, so we have on a start student, way more than i would get. what are you planning on doing next. i’m

than i would get. what are you planning on doing next. i'm going to lancaster university _ planning on doing next. i'm going to lancaster university to _ planning on doing next. i'm going to lancaster university to study - lancaster university to study philos0phy, _ lancaster university to study philosophy, politics - lancaster university to study philosophy, politics and - lancaster university to study - philosophy, politics and economics. 0k~~ _ philosophy, politics and economics. 0k~~ and _ philosophy, politics and economics. 0k~~ and are — philosophy, politics and economics. 0k~~ and are you— philosophy, politics and economics. 0k... and are you concerned - philosophy, politics and economics. 0k... and are you concerned about| ok... and are you concerned about how much university is going to cost? , ., ., how much university is going to cost? , . . , how much university is going to cost? , . ., , ., how much university is going to cost? , ., ., , ., ., cost? yes, i am a bit worried about it. i cost? yes, i am a bit worried about it- i would — cost? yes, i am a bit worried about it. i would like — cost? yes, i am a bit worried about it. i would like to _ cost? yes, i am a bit worried about it. i would like to see _ cost? yes, i am a bit worried about it. i would like to see more - cost? yes, i am a bit worried about it. i would like to see more being i it. i would like to see more being done _ it. i would like to see more being done to— it. i would like to see more being done to help _ it. i would like to see more being done to help out _ it. i would like to see more being done to help out students. - it. i would like to see more being. done to help out students. because it. i would like to see more being - done to help out students. because i know me _ done to help out students. because i know me and — done to help out students. because i know me and everyone _ done to help out students. because i know me and everyone else - done to help out students. because i know me and everyone else here - done to help out students. because i know me and everyone else here has worked _ know me and everyone else here has worked reel— know me and everyone else here has worked real hard _ know me and everyone else here has worked real hard about _ know me and everyone else here has worked real hard about it. _ know me and everyone else here has worked real hard about it. it - know me and everyone else here has worked real hard about it. it would . worked real hard about it. it would be a big _ worked real hard about it. it would be a big let — worked real hard about it. it would be a big let down _ worked real hard about it. it would be a big let down if— worked real hard about it. it would be a big let down if after— worked real hard about it. it would be a big let down if after all- worked real hard about it. it would be a big let down if after all that. be a big let down if after all that hard _ be a big let down if after all that hard work— be a big let down if after all that hard work we _ be a big let down if after all that hard work we still _ be a big let down if after all that hard work we still struggle - hard work we still struggle financially _ hard work we still struggle financially and _ hard work we still struggle financially and we - hard work we still struggle financially and we do - hard work we still struggle financially and we do not l hard work we still struggle . financially and we do not get hard work we still struggle - financially and we do not get the support— financially and we do not get the support from _ financially and we do not get the support from government - financially and we do not get the support from government to - financially and we do not get the i support from government to reach financially and we do not get the - support from government to reach our full potential. _ support from government to reach our full potential. 50, _ support from government to reach our full potential-— full potential. 50, would you like the government _ full potential. 50, would you like the government to _ full potential. 50, would you like the government to see, - full potential. 50, would you like the government to see, say, - full potential. 50, would you like| the government to see, say, fees come down or the interest rate on the loan? , ., ~' come down or the interest rate on the loan? , ., ~ ., , the loan? yes, i would like to see all of that — the loan? yes, i would like to see all of that come _ the loan? yes, i would like to see all of that come down. _ the loan? yes, i would like to see all of that come down. to - the loan? yes, i would like to see all of that come down. to help . the loan? yes, i would like to see| all of that come down. to help out the future — all of that come down. to help out the future generation. _ all of that come down. to help out the future generation. we - all of that come down. to help out the future generation. we are - all of that come down. to help out the future generation. we are thei the future generation. we are the future _ the future generation. we are the future of— the future generation. we are the future of the _ the future generation. we are the future of the country _ the future generation. we are the future of the country and - the future generation. we are the future of the country and we - the future generation. we are the future of the country and we are i the future generation. we are the . future of the country and we are the ones _ future of the country and we are the ones that— future of the country and we are the ones that will— future of the country and we are the ones that will be _ future of the country and we are the ones that will be working _ future of the country and we are the ones that will be working for - future of the country and we are the ones that will be working for the - ones that will be working for the country. — ones that will be working for the country. helping _ ones that will be working for the country, helping in _ ones that will be working for the country, helping in an— ones that will be working for the i country, helping in an international skipped _ country, helping in an international skipped her— country, helping in an international skipped her to— country, helping in an international skipped her to move _ country, helping in an international skipped her to move forward. - country, helping in an international skipped her to move forward. it- skipped her to move forward. it would _ skipped her to move forward. it would be — skipped her to move forward. it would be nice _ skipped her to move forward. it would be nice to _ skipped her to move forward. it would be nice to help— skipped her to move forward. it would be nice to help us- skipped her to move forward. it would be nice to help us out. skipped her to move forward. iti would be nice to help us out and push _ would be nice to help us out and push us — would be nice to help us out and push us up — would be nice to help us out and push us up when _ would be nice to help us out and push us up when we _ would be nice to help us out and push us up when we need - would be nice to help us out and push us up when we need it. i. would be nice to help us out and i push us up when we need it. i know we are _ push us up when we need it. i know we are going — push us up when we need it. i know we are going to do— push us up when we need it. i know we are going to do the _ push us up when we need it. i know we are going to do the best - push us up when we need it. i know we are going to do the best we i push us up when we need it. i knowj we are going to do the best we can, those _ we are going to do the best we can, those steps — we are going to do the best we can,

those steps would _ we are going to do the best we can, those steps would be _ we are going to do the best we can, those steps would be a _ we are going to do the best we can, those steps would be a massive i we are going to do the best we can, l those steps would be a massive help for us _ those steps would be a massive help for us. in“e— those steps would be a massive help for us. ~ ., , those steps would be a massive help for us. ~ . , ., ~ those steps would be a massive help for us. . . , ., ~ ., for us. we have been talking about how ou for us. we have been talking about how you as — for us. we have been talking about how you as a _ for us. we have been talking about how you as a group _ for us. we have been talking about how you as a group of— for us. we have been talking about how you as a group of students i for us. we have been talking about| how you as a group of students had to go through the pandemic, and these, you have either suffered it or the aftermath of it. how was that when you were doing all of your studies? i when you were doing all of your studies? ., , when you were doing all of your studies? . , ., , studies? i was in the group where i was nine or— studies? i was in the group where i was nine or ten _ studies? i was in the group where i was nine or ten when _ studies? i was in the group where i was nine or ten when it _ studies? i was in the group where i was nine or ten when it was - studies? i was in the group where i was nine or ten when it was about. | was nine or ten when it was about. he did _ was nine or ten when it was about. he did not — was nine or ten when it was about. he did not massively— was nine or ten when it was about. he did not massively affect- was nine or ten when it was about. he did not massively affect me i he did not massively affect me because — he did not massively affect me because i— he did not massively affect me because i did _ he did not massively affect me because i did not _ he did not massively affect me because i did not have - he did not massively affect me because i did not have any- he did not massively affect me i because i did not have any exams around _ because i did not have any exams around that— because i did not have any exams around that period. _ because i did not have any exams around that period. but— because i did not have any exams around that period. but i- because i did not have any exams around that period. but i still- around that period. but i still noticed — around that period. but i still noticed me _ around that period. but i still noticed me and _ around that period. but i still noticed me and other- around that period. but i still. noticed me and other students struggling _ noticed me and other students struggling around _ noticed me and other students struggling around the - noticed me and other students struggling around the time. it| noticed me and other students- struggling around the time. it was very abrupt — struggling around the time. it was very abrupt and _ struggling around the time. it was very abrupt and it _ struggling around the time. it was very abrupt and it was _ struggling around the time. it was very abrupt and it was not - struggling around the time. it wasl very abrupt and it was not perfectly set up. _ very abrupt and it was not perfectly set up. learning— very abrupt and it was not perfectly set up, learning from _ very abrupt and it was not perfectly set up, learning from home. - very abrupt and it was not perfectly set up, learning from home. it's. set up, learning from home. it's took— set up, learning from home. it's took a _ set up, learning from home. it's took a few— set up, learning from home. it's took a few weeks _ set up, learning from home. it's took a few weeks for— set up, learning from home. it's took a few weeks for systems i set up, learning from home. it's took a few weeks for systems to set up, learning from home. it's. took a few weeks for systems to be put in _ took a few weeks for systems to be put in place — took a few weeks for systems to be put in place for— took a few weeks for systems to be put in place for us _ took a few weeks for systems to be put in place for us to— took a few weeks for systems to be put in place for us to learn, - took a few weeks for systems to be put in place for us to learn, and i took a few weeks for systems to be put in place for us to learn, and a i put in place for us to learn, and a large _ put in place for us to learn, and a large majority— put in place for us to learn, and a large majority of— put in place for us to learn, and a large majority of students - put in place for us to learn, and a large majority of students who i put in place for us to learn, and al large majority of students who did not really — large majority of students who did not really clock _ large majority of students who did not really clock in. _ large majority of students who did not really clock in. it _ large majority of students who did not really clock in. it knocks - large majority of students who did not really clock in. it knocks us i large majority of students who did not really clock in. it knocks us a i not really clock in. it knocks us a bit, not really clock in. it knocks us a bit. but — not really clock in. it knocks us a bit. but i — not really clock in. it knocks us a bit, but i think— not really clock in. it knocks us a bit, but i think for— not really clock in. it knocks us a bit, but i think for us now- not really clock in. it knocks us a bit, but i think for us now we i not really clock in. it knocks us a. bit, but i think for us now we have put the _ bit, but i think for us now we have put the work— bit, but i think for us now we have put the work in. _ bit, but i think for us now we have put the work in, we _ bit, but i think for us now we have put the work in, we have - bit, but i think for us now we have put the work in, we have had i bit, but i think for us now we have put the work in, we have had the. put the work in, we have had the time _ put the work in, we have had the time and — put the work in, we have had the time and now— put the work in, we have had the time and now we _ put the work in, we have had the time and now we are _ put the work in, we have had the time and now we are top—level. put the work in, we have had the i time and now we are top—level again. good _ time and now we are top—level again. good luck— time and now we are top—level again. good luck in— time and now we are top—level again. good luck in the — time and now we are top—level again. good luck in the future. _ time and now we are top—level again. good luck in the future. benji, - time and now we are top—level again. good luck in the future. benji, whati good luck in the future. benji, what did you study? explain to us what

uniform services is. it is did you study? explain to us what uniform services is.— uniform services is. it is basically the armed _ uniform services is. it is basically the armed forces _ uniform services is. it is basically the armed forces and _ uniform services is. it is basically the armed forces and public i the armed forces and public services, _ the armed forces and public services, it helps you get involved with greater knowledge about that. so, with greater knowledge about that. so. you _ with greater knowledge about that. so, you are more vocationally what you want to do. going forward, what would you like to do? i am you want to do. going forward, what would you like to do?— would you like to do? i am “oining the r0 al would you like to do? i am “oining the royal navy. * would you like to do? i am “oining the royal navy. that i would you like to do? i am joining the royal navy. that would i would you like to do? i am joining the royal navy. that would be i would you like to do? i am joining i the royal navy. that would be next year. _ the royal navy. that would be next year. but _ the royal navy. that would be next year. but i — the royal navy. that would be next year, but i am taking a year out to id year, but i am taking a year out to go travel— year, but i am taking a year out to go travel southeast asia. | year, but i am taking a year out to go travel southeast asia. i assume ou not go travel southeast asia. i assume you got what _ go travel southeast asia. i assume you got what you _ go travel southeast asia. i assume you got what you wanted _ go travel southeast asia. i assume you got what you wanted to - go travel southeast asia. i assume you got what you wanted to be i go travel southeast asia. i assume | you got what you wanted to be able to do that? , .,. to do that? yes, i achieved distinction, _ to do that? yes, i achieved distinction, so _ to do that? yes, i achieved distinction, so hopefully. to do that? yes, i achieved distinction, so hopefully in| to do that? yes, i achieved i distinction, so hopefully in the future — distinction, so hopefully in the future that is good steps to becoming an officer. i have always loved _ becoming an officer. i have always loved travelling, two years ago i went _ loved travelling, two years ago i went to — loved travelling, two years ago i went to vietnam and cambodia and so i went to vietnam and cambodia and so | -ot went to vietnam and cambodia and so i got a _ went to vietnam and cambodia and so i got a knack— went to vietnam and cambodia and so i got a knack for it. to be able to have _ i got a knack for it. to be able to have that — i got a knack for it. to be able to have that time now, i have got a bit of time _ have that time now, i have got a bit of time now— have that time now, i have got a bit of time now between college and going _ of time now between college and going onto the navy. it seemed perfect — going onto the navy. it seemed perfect i— going onto the navy. it seemed perfect. i have been able to work to be able _ perfect. i have been able to work to be able to— perfect. i have been able to work to be able to afford it. is perfect. i have been able to work to be able to afford it.— be able to afford it. is that a concern for _ be able to afford it. is that a concern for you, _ be able to afford it. is that a concern for you, the - be able to afford it. is that a - concern for you, the money aspect? is that why you decided to go down a vocational route? it is that why you decided to go down a vocational route?— vocational route? it was more the exams. vocational route? it was more the

exams- the _ vocational route? it was more the exams. the exams _ vocational route? it was more the exams. the exams and _ vocational route? it was more the exams. the exams and the i vocational route? it was more the exams. the exams and the debt l vocational route? it was more the i exams. the exams and the debt was a bil exams. the exams and the debt was a big issue _ exams. the exams and the debt was a big issue i— exams. the exams and the debt was a big issue. i never really did well in exams, — big issue. i never really did well in exams, as you just mentioned the pandemic— in exams, as you just mentioned the pandemic was a big factor. especially for me. i never really did very— especially for me. i never really did very well in exams. a vocation and a _ did very well in exams. a vocation and a practical course was definitely for me.- and a practical course was definitely for me. and a practical course was definitel for me. a definitely for me. good luck in the future, particularly _ definitely for me. good luck in the future, particularly in _ definitely for me. good luck in the future, particularly in the - definitely for me. good luck in the future, particularly in the navy. i future, particularly in the navy. finally, explain what you studied here? i finally, explain what you studied here? ., ., ., , , finally, explain what you studied here? ., ., , , ., here? i did vocational plumbing and now i am in — here? i did vocational plumbing and now i am in an _ here? i did vocational plumbing and nowl am in an apprenticeship. i here? i did vocational plumbing and now i am in an apprenticeship. this| nowl am in an apprenticeship. this is the other— now i am in an apprenticeship. is the other option that a lot now i am in an apprenticeship. tiiic is the other option that a lot of people can look at. why did you decide not to go to university? it wasjust a change of mind. i know i said all— wasjust a change of mind. i know i said all that — wasjust a change of mind. i know i said all that about _ wasjust a change of mind. i know i said all that about exams, - wasjust a change of mind. i know i said all that about exams, but i realise — said all that about exams, but i realise i— said all that about exams, but i realise i wanted _ said all that about exams, but i realise i wanted to _ said all that about exams, but i realise i wanted to do - said all that about exams, but i. realise i wanted to do something hands _ realise i wanted to do something hands on — realise i wanted to do something hands on rather— realise i wanted to do something hands on rather than _ realise i wanted to do something hands on rather than the - realise i wanted to do something hands on rather than the in - realise i wanted to do something hands on rather than the in classj hands on rather than the in class experience _ hands on rather than the in class experience i— hands on rather than the in class experience. i decided _ hands on rather than the in class experience. i decided to- hands on rather than the in class experience. i decided to learn. hands on rather than the in class i experience. i decided to learn with the hands — experience. i decided to learn with the hands on. _ experience. i decided to learn with the hands on, the _ experience. i decided to learn with the hands on, the apprenticeship i the hands on, the apprenticeship will be _ the hands on, the apprenticeship will be even _ the hands on, the apprenticeship will be even more _ the hands on, the apprenticeship will be even more in _ the hands on, the apprenticeship will be even more in work- the hands on, the apprenticeship will be even more in work ratherl will be even more in work rather than _ will be even more in work rather than out — will be even more in work rather than out of— will be even more in work rather than out of it _ will be even more in work rather than out of it. we _ will be even more in work rather than out of it.— will be even more in work rather than out of it. ~ , ., ., than out of it. we should say you do not actually — than out of it. we should say you do not actually get _ than out of it. we should say you do not actually get your _ than out of it. we should say you do not actually get your results - than out of it. we should say you do not actually get your results today? | not actually get your results today? no, i get them next thursday.

there's— no, i get them next thursday. there's a — no, i get them next thursday. there's a difference _ no, i get them next thursday. there's a difference in- no, i get them next thursday. there's a difference in some i no, i get them next thursday. | there's a difference in some of no, i get them next thursday. i there's a difference in some of the exams, some come out next thursday. what you hoping for? i am exams, some come out next thursday. what you hoping for?— what you hoping for? i am hoping to ass what you hoping for? i am hoping to pass them. — what you hoping for? i am hoping to pass them, obviously. _ what you hoping for? i am hoping to pass them, obviously. and _ what you hoping for? i am hoping to pass them, obviously. and good i pass them, obviously. and good arades. pass them, obviously. and good grades- ihut _ pass them, obviously. and good grades. but you _ pass them, obviously. and good grades. but you have _ pass them, obviously. and good grades. but you have the - grades. but you have the apprenticeship already lined up? yes, i have been with it already for a few— yes, i have been with it already for a few months _ yes, i have been with it already for a few months-— yes, i have been with it already for a few months. how long does it last and what you _ a few months. how long does it last and what you expect _ a few months. how long does it last and what you expect to _ a few months. how long does it last and what you expect to do - a few months. how long does it last and what you expect to do with i a few months. how long does it last and what you expect to do with it? i and what you expect to do with it? what do you get at the end? it is three years- _ what do you get at the end? it is three years. but _ what do you get at the end? it is three years. but if— what do you get at the end? it is three years. but if i _ what do you get at the end? it is three years. but if i did not complete _ three years. but if i did not complete level— three years. but if i did not complete level to - three years. but if i did not complete level to before, i three years. but if i did not| complete level to before, it three years. but if i did not - complete level to before, it would be four— complete level to before, it would be four years _ complete level to before, it would be four years i— complete level to before, it would be four years. i am _ complete level to before, it would be four years. i am hoping - complete level to before, it would i be four years. i am hoping obviously i be four years. i am hoping obviously | -et be four years. i am hoping obviously i get a _ be four years. i am hoping obviously i get a lot— be four years. i am hoping obviously i get a lot of— be four years. i am hoping obviously i get a lot of experience _ be four years. i am hoping obviously i get a lot of experience out - be four years. i am hoping obviously i get a lot of experience out of it. i i get a lot of experience out of it. and i— i get a lot of experience out of it. and i get— i get a lot of experience out of it. and i get all— i get a lot of experience out of it. and i get all of— i get a lot of experience out of it. and i get all of my— i get a lot of experience out of it. and i get all of my qualifications. j and i get all of my qualifications. i hope _ and i get all of my qualifications. i hope to— and i get all of my qualifications. i hope to get— and i get all of my qualifications. i hope to get gas— and i get all of my qualifications. i hope to get gas qualified - and i get all of my qualifications. i hope to get gas qualified out i and i get all of my qualifications. i hope to get gas qualified out of| i hope to get gas qualified out of it all~ _ i hope to get gas qualified out of it all. hopefully _ i hope to get gas qualified out of it all. hopefully then _ i hope to get gas qualified out of it all. hopefully then i— i hope to get gas qualified out of it all. hopefully then i can - i hope to get gas qualified out of i it all. hopefully then i can advance into more — it all. hopefully then i can advance into more technical— it all. hopefully then i can advance into more technical side _ it all. hopefully then i can advance into more technical side of- into more technical side of plumbing _ into more technical side of plumbing. and _ into more technical side of plumbing. and obviously, i into more technical side of. plumbing. and obviously, just into more technical side of- plumbing. and obviously, just get work— plumbing. and obviously, just get work done — plumbing. and obviously, just get work done for. _ plumbing. and obviously, just get work done for, and _ plumbing. and obviously, just get work done for, and move - plumbing. and obviously, just get work done for, and move my- plumbing. and obviously, just get work done for, and move my wayl plumbing. and obviously, just get. work done for, and move my way up the chart _ work done for, and move my way up the chart. ., , ., ., ., the chart. you “ust want to get into work and the chart. you 'ust want to get into work and have— the chart. you just want to get into work and have a _ the chart. you just want to get into work and have a trade. _ the chart. you just want to get into work and have a trade. yes. i the chart. you just want to get into work and have a trade. yes. good. work and have a trade. yes. good luck with your future and fingers crossed for the results. the students here are celebrating, all around me there are people milling around me there are people milling

around and taking selfies. they are posting those on social media, celebrating with their families and friends. we have mentioned that a lot of students will decide to go to university, and it is a key day for them. some students will have got them. some students will have got the grades they wanted and will automatically get the place that they want. but that is not the case for all students, for example, some students may have done better than they expected and it may be able to choose a different university. and of course, there may be some that do not quite get the results that they want. let us head to the operation thatis want. let us head to the operation that is under way to get students linked up with universities. it is known as you cast, and my colleague duncan is at you cass. what is it like with you there?— duncan is at you cass. what is it like with you there? good morning. a ve bus like with you there? good morning. a very busy morning — like with you there? good morning. a very busy morning here. _ like with you there? good morning. a very busy morning here. you - like with you there? good morning. a very busy morning here. you can i like with you there? good morning. a very busy morning here. you can see | very busy morning here. you can see behind _ very busy morning here. you can see behind me _ very busy morning here. you can see behind me it — very busy morning here. you can see behind me it is like a banking dealing — behind me it is like a banking dealing room in the city. lots of people in— dealing room in the city. lots of people in a _ dealing room in the city. lots of people in a big open plan office taking — people in a big open plan office taking hundreds of phone calls from students _ taking hundreds of phone calls from students phoning in to say what are my options— students phoning in to say what are my options this morning. your guests

there _ my options this morning. your guests there always — my options this morning. your guests there always seem to know what they're _ there always seem to know what they're doing, but there are plenty of others — they're doing, but there are plenty of others who do not know what they are going _ of others who do not know what they are going to — of others who do not know what they are going to be doing. 320,018 —year—olds getting the results of one sort— —year—olds getting the results of one sort of— —year—olds getting the results of one sort of this morning. you name it. one sort of this morning. you name it as _ one sort of this morning. you name it as you _ one sort of this morning. you name it as you are — one sort of this morning. you name it. as you are saying there, some have _ it. as you are saying there, some have got— it. as you are saying there, some have got the results they want and they will _ have got the results they want and they will go to their first choice university. some might be a bit disappointed, some may be even getting _ disappointed, some may be even getting better results than anticipated. some mayjust be wanting — anticipated. some mayjust be wanting to change their mind to do something — wanting to change their mind to do something different. they they will all come _ something different. they they will all come through here. there will be lots of— all come through here. there will be lots of fun— all come through here. there will be lots of fun come —— make phone calls coming _ lots of fun come —— make phone calls coming in _ lots of fun come —— make phone calls coming in here. this is the organising body. i have got the chair— organising body. i have got the chair with— organising body. i have got the chair with me, professor edward peck _ chair with me, professor edward peck a— chair with me, professor edward peck. a busy morning for you. what is the _ peck. a busy morning for you. what is the headline to come out of this morning? — is the headline to come out of this morning? |— is the headline to come out of this mornin: ? ~ ., ~ , morning? i think there are three key messares. morning? i think there are three key messages- the _ morning? i think there are three key messages. the first _ morning? i think there are three key messages. the first is _ morning? i think there are three key messages. the first is that - morning? i think there are three key messages. the first is that more i messages. the first is that more students — messages. the first is that more students have _ messages. the first is that more students have got— messages. the first is that more students have got their- messages. the first is that more students have got their first i messages. the first is that more i students have got their first choice that university— students have got their first choice that university than _ students have got their first choice that university than ever _ students have got their first choice that university than ever before, i that university than ever before, that university than ever before, that is— that university than ever before, that is great _ that university than ever before, that is great news. _ that university than ever before, that is great news. secondly, i that university than ever before, i that is great news. secondly, more students _ that is great news. secondly, more students with — that is great news. secondly, more students with disadvantaged - students with disadvantaged background _ students with disadvantaged background have _ students with disadvantaged background have got- students with disadvantaged background have got a - students with disadvantaged i background have got a place, students with disadvantaged - background have got a place, which is great _

background have got a place, which is great news — background have got a place, which is great news. and _ background have got a place, which is great news. and thirdly, - background have got a place, which is great news. and thirdly, if- background have got a place, which is great news. and thirdly, if you i is great news. and thirdly, if you have _ is great news. and thirdly, if you have done — is great news. and thirdly, if you have done better— is great news. and thirdly, if you have done better than _ is great news. and thirdly, if you have done better than you - is great news. and thirdly, if you i have done better than you thought are not— have done better than you thought are not quite — have done better than you thought are not quite as _ have done better than you thought are not quite as well— have done better than you thought are not quite as well as _ have done better than you thought are not quite as well as you - have done better than you thought are not quite as well as you hoped| are not quite as well as you hoped are not quite as well as you hoped are you _ are not quite as well as you hoped are you have — are not quite as well as you hoped are you have just _ are not quite as well as you hoped are you have just changed - are not quite as well as you hoped are you have just changed your i are not quite as well as you hoped i are you have just changed your mind, please _ are you have just changed your mind, please come — are you have just changed your mind, please come to— are you have just changed your mind, please come to ucas_ are you have just changed your mind, please come to ucas .com _ are you have just changed your mind, please come to ucas .com and - are you have just changed your mind, please come to ucas .com and see i please come to ucas .com and see what _ please come to ucas .com and see what your— please come to ucas .com and see what your options _ please come to ucas .com and see what your options are. _ please come to ucas .com and see what your options are.— what your options are. there are a lot of students _ what your options are. there are a lot of students in _ what your options are. there are a lot of students in a _ what your options are. there are a lot of students in a good _ what your options are. there are a lot of students in a good place i what your options are. there are a | lot of students in a good place this morning _ lot of students in a good place this morninu. , , ., ., morning. yes, they have got what they wanted. _ morning. yes, they have got what they wanted, they _ morning. yes, they have got what they wanted, they have _ morning. yes, they have got what they wanted, they have got i morning. yes, they have got what they wanted, they have got a i they wanted, they have got a long-term _ they wanted, they have got a long—term relationship- they wanted, they have got a long—term relationship with i they wanted, they have got a i long—term relationship with the university. _ long—term relationship with the university. it— long—term relationship with the university, it is— long—term relationship with the university, it is a _ long—term relationship with the university, it is a stable - university, it is a stable relationship _ university, it is a stable relationship and - university, it is a stable relationship and a - university, it is a stable| relationship and a really university, it is a stable - relationship and a really good result— relationship and a really good result for— relationship and a really good result for students— relationship and a really good result for students this - relationship and a really good result for students this year. i relationship and a really good i result for students this year. find result for students this year. and for those who _ result for students this year. and for those who did _ result for students this year. for those who did not do result for students this year. aim for those who did not do so result for students this year.- for those who did not do so well, did do— for those who did not do so well, did do better orjust want to change their mind. — did do better orjust want to change their mind, there is something like 30.000 _ their mind, there is something like 30,000 courses available to them through— 30,000 courses available to them through clearing. what should they not be _ through clearing. what should they not be doing? do through clearing. what should they not be doing?— not be doing? do not panic, take a deep breath. _ not be doing? do not panic, take a deep breath, talk _ not be doing? do not panic, take a deep breath, talk to _ not be doing? do not panic, take a deep breath, talk to your - not be doing? do not panic, take a deep breath, talk to your adviser i not be doing? do not panic, take a| deep breath, talk to your adviser or your parents — deep breath, talk to your adviser or your parents or _ deep breath, talk to your adviser or your parents or whoever— deep breath, talk to your adviser or your parents or whoever you - deep breath, talk to your adviser or your parents or whoever you talk. deep breath, talk to your adviser or your parents or whoever you talk to about _ your parents or whoever you talk to about these — your parents or whoever you talk to about these things. _ your parents or whoever you talk to about these things. think _ your parents or whoever you talk to about these things. think about i your parents or whoever you talk to i about these things. think about what universities _ about these things. think about what universities you — about these things. think about what universities you thought _ about these things. think about what universities you thought about - universities you thought about applying — universities you thought about applying to. — universities you thought about applying to. what _ universities you thought about applying to, what sort - universities you thought about applying to, what sort of- universities you thought about i applying to, what sort of courses you want — applying to, what sort of courses you want to _ applying to, what sort of courses you want to do. _ applying to, what sort of courses you want to do, go _ applying to, what sort of courses you want to do, go to— applying to, what sort of courses you want to do, go to ucas i applying to, what sort of coursesl you want to do, go to ucas .com, go to clearing. _ you want to do, go to ucas .com, go to clearing. it _ you want to do, go to ucas .com, go to clearing. it will _ you want to do, go to ucas .com, go to clearing. it will tell— you want to do, go to ucas .com, go to clearing. it will tell you _ you want to do, go to ucas .com, go to clearing. it will tell you what - to clearing. it will tell you what other— to clearing. it will tell you what other students _ to clearing. it will tell you what other students like _ to clearing. it will tell you what other students like you - to clearing. it will tell you what other students like you with i to clearing. it will tell you what i other students like you with your grade _ other students like you with your grade stated _ other students like you with your grade stated if— other students like you with your grade stated if they— other students like you with your grade stated if they did - other students like you with your grade stated if they did not - other students like you with your grade stated if they did not get l grade stated if they did not get their_ grade stated if they did not get their first — grade stated if they did not get their first choice _ grade stated if they did not get their first choice on _ grade stated if they did not get their first choice on previous. their first choice on previous occasions _ their first choice on previous occasions. and _ their first choice on previous occasions. and start- their first choice on previous occasions. and start to - their first choice on previous|

occasions. and start to make their first choice on previous- occasions. and start to make those calls to _ occasions. and start to make those calls to universities _ occasions. and start to make those calls to universities that _ occasions. and start to make those calls to universities that attract - calls to universities that attract your— calls to universities that attract your attention _ calls to universities that attract your attention or— calls to universities that attract your attention or think- calls to universities that attract your attention or think you - calls to universities that attract l your attention or think you might like to— your attention or think you might like to go — your attention or think you might like to go it— your attention or think you might like to no. , . ., ;;:: 11:11: like to go. it is around 30,000 courses- _ like to go. it is around 30,000 courses- not — like to go. it is around 30,000 courses. not students, - like to go. it is around 30,000 courses. not students, many l like to go. it is around 30,000 - courses. not students, many more students — courses. not students, many more students going onto these courses. including _ students going onto these courses. including universities that are more selective _ including universities that are more selective. ~ , , , . selective. absolutely, there is a broad range _ selective. absolutely, there is a broad range of _ selective. absolutely, there is a broad range of universities - selective. absolutely, there is a broad range of universities with| broad range of universities with courses— broad range of universities with courses and _ broad range of universities with courses and clearing. _ broad range of universities with courses and clearing. high - broad range of universities with| courses and clearing. high tariff university— courses and clearing. high tariff university might— courses and clearing. high tariff university might appear - courses and clearing. high tariff university might appear to - courses and clearing. high tariff university might appear to you, | university might appear to you, location — university might appear to you, location is _ university might appear to you, location is important. _ university might appear to you, location is important. the - university might appear to you, . location is important. the courses are worth — location is important. the courses are worth thinking _ location is important. the courses are worth thinking about. - location is important. the courses are worth thinking about. are - location is important. the courses. are worth thinking about. are there other— are worth thinking about. are there other characteristics— are worth thinking about. are there other characteristics you _ are worth thinking about. are there other characteristics you want, - are worth thinking about. are there other characteristics you want, like | other characteristics you want, like a great _ other characteristics you want, like a great sports _ other characteristics you want, like a great sports offer? _ other characteristics you want, like a great sports offer? think- other characteristics you want, like a great sports offer? think about l a great sports offer? think about all the _ a great sports offer? think about all the things _ a great sports offer? think about all the things in— a great sports offer? think about all the things in play— a great sports offer? think about all the things in play and - a great sports offer? think about all the things in play and then . a great sports offer? think about i all the things in play and then make that call _ all the things in play and then make that call do — all the things in play and then make that call. do not _ all the things in play and then make that call. do not be _ all the things in play and then make that call. do not be distracted - all the things in play and then make that call. do not be distracted by. that call. do not be distracted by ginrnricks — that call. do not be distracted by gimmicks. there _ that call. do not be distracted by gimmicks. there were _ that call. do not be distracted by gimmicks. there were some - that call. do not be distracted by- gimmicks. there were some incentives out there _ gimmicks. there were some incentives out there which — gimmicks. there were some incentives out there which are _ gimmicks. there were some incentives out there which are probably— gimmicks. there were some incentives out there which are probably quite - out there which are probably quite short— out there which are probably quite short ternr~ — out there which are probably quite short term. stick— out there which are probably quite short term. stick with _ out there which are probably quite short term. stick with what - out there which are probably quite short term. stick with what you i short term. stick with what you really _ short term. stick with what you really want _ short term. stick with what you really want to _ short term. stick with what you really want to do _ short term. stick with what you really want to do and _ short term. stick with what you really want to do and do - short term. stick with what you really want to do and do not. short term. stick with what you really want to do and do not bei really want to do and do not be distracted _ really want to do and do not be distracted by— really want to do and do not be distracted by those _ really want to do and do not be distracted by those gimmicks. i really want to do and do not be . distracted by those gimmicks. you are also vice _ distracted by those gimmicks. are also vice chancellor of nottingham trent university. it is a pretty— nottingham trent university. it is a pretty difficult time for universities, facing financial difficulties.— universities, facing financial difficulties. yes, we want to attract as — difficulties. yes, we want to attract as many _ difficulties. yes, we want to attract as many students . difficulties. yes, we want to attract as many students as | difficulties. yes, we want to - attract as many students as possible who have _ attract as many students as possible who have the — attract as many students as possible who have the capacity— attract as many students as possible who have the capacity to _ attract as many students as possible who have the capacity to do - attract as many students as possible who have the capacity to do our - who have the capacity to do our courses — who have the capacity to do our courses we _ who have the capacity to do our courses. we will— who have the capacity to do our courses. we will be _ who have the capacity to do our courses. we will be making - who have the capacity to do our - courses. we will be making authors to students— courses. we will be making authors to students that _ courses. we will be making authors to students that meet _ courses. we will be making authors to students that meet our - courses. we will be making authors to students that meet our criteria. i to students that meet our criteria. there _ to students that meet our criteria. there will— to students that meet our criteria. there will be — to students that meet our criteria. there will be more _ to students that meet our criteria. there will be more offers - to students that meet our criteria.

there will be more offers this - there will be more offers this morning _ there will be more offers this morning than _ there will be more offers this morning than in— there will be more offers this morning than in previous - there will be more offers this - morning than in previous clearing episodes — morning than in previous clearing episodes. shop— morning than in previous clearing episodes. shop around, - morning than in previous clearing episodes. shop around, it - morning than in previous clearing episodes. shop around, it is - morning than in previous clearing episodes. shop around, it is a - morning than in previous clearing . episodes. shop around, it is a good morning _ episodes. shop around, it is a good morning to — episodes. shop around, it is a good morning to be — episodes. shop around, it is a good morning to be a _ episodes. shop around, it is a good morning to be a student. _ episodes. shop around, it is a good morning to be a student. somme- episodes. shop around, it is a good morning to be a student. some good news for disadvantaged _ morning to be a student. some good news for disadvantaged students, i news for disadvantaged students, plenty— news for disadvantaged students, plenty of— news for disadvantaged students, plenty of opportunities for them as well? _ plenty of opportunities for them as well? ~ , ,., , plenty of opportunities for them as well? absolutely, typically the students may _ well? absolutely, typically the students may have _ well? absolutely, typically the students may have poor- well? absolutely, typically the i students may have poor grades, well? absolutely, typically the - students may have poor grades, but they will— students may have poor grades, but they will have — students may have poor grades, but they will have some _ students may have poor grades, but they will have some really— students may have poor grades, but they will have some really good - they will have some really good offers _ they will have some really good offers from _ they will have some really good offers from good _ they will have some really good offers from good universities i offers from good universities because _ offers from good universities because they _ offers from good universities because they will— offers from good universities because they will be - offers from good universities because they will be flexingl offers from good universities i because they will be flexing to their— because they will be flexing to their grades— because they will be flexing to their grades downwards - because they will be flexing to their grades downwards to - because they will be flexing to . their grades downwards to make because they will be flexing to - their grades downwards to make sure they get— their grades downwards to make sure they get as _ their grades downwards to make sure they get as close _ their grades downwards to make sure they get as close to _ their grades downwards to make sure they get as close to their— they get as close to their undergraduate _ they get as close to their undergraduate targets. they get as close to their| undergraduate targets as they get as close to their- undergraduate targets as they they get as close to their— undergraduate targets as they want to. undergraduate targets as they want to again, — undergraduate targets as they want to again, it— undergraduate targets as they want to again, it is— undergraduate targets as they want to again, it is a— undergraduate targets as they want to. again, it is a biased _ undergraduate targets as they want to. again, it is a biased market. - undergraduate targets as they want to. again, it is a biased market. it. to. again, it is a biased market. [it is to. again, it is a biased market. is incredibly expensive for to. again, it is a biased market.- is incredibly expensive for students to go— is incredibly expensive for students to go to _ is incredibly expensive for students to go to university, may be as much as £18,000 — to go to university, may be as much as £18,000 a year if you include accommodation. a lot of difficult choices, — accommodation. a lot of difficult choices, notjust an accommodation. a lot of difficult choices, not just an academic choice this morning — choices, not just an academic choice this morning. | choices, notjust an academic choice this morning-— this morning. i think the cost of livin: this morning. i think the cost of living issues _ this morning. i think the cost of living issues for _ this morning. i think the cost of living issues for students - this morning. i think the cost of living issues for students are i living issues for students are probably— living issues for students are probably the _ living issues for students are probably the major— living issues for students are probably the major one - living issues for students are i probably the major one rather living issues for students are - probably the major one rather than that feat— probably the major one rather than that feat regina _ probably the major one rather than that feat regina itself, _ probably the major one rather than that feat regina itself, which - probably the major one rather than that feat regina itself, which you l that feat regina itself, which you can pay— that feat regina itself, which you can pay back _ that feat regina itself, which you can pay back if— that feat regina itself, which you can pay back if you _ that feat regina itself, which you can pay back if you can _ that feat regina itself, which you can pay back if you can afford - that feat regina itself, which you can pay back if you can afford toi that feat regina itself, which you. can pay back if you can afford to in your— can pay back if you can afford to in your career — can pay back if you can afford to in your career. you _ can pay back if you can afford to in your career. you have _ can pay back if you can afford to in your career. you have to - can pay back if you can afford to in your career. you have to think- your career. you have to think carefully — your career. you have to think carefully about _ your career. you have to think carefully about those - your career. you have to think carefully about those choices i carefully about those choices around, _ carefully about those choices around, do _ carefully about those choices around, do you _ carefully about those choices around, do you want- carefully about those choices around, do you want to - carefully about those choices j around, do you want to leave carefully about those choices - around, do you want to leave your place _ around, do you want to leave your place of _ around, do you want to leave your place of residence _ around, do you want to leave your place of residence at _ around, do you want to leave your place of residence at the - around, do you want to leave your| place of residence at the moment, leave _ place of residence at the moment, leave home? — place of residence at the moment, leave home? do _ place of residence at the moment, leave home? do you _ place of residence at the moment, leave home? do you want - place of residence at the moment, leave home? do you want to - place of residence at the moment, leave home? do you want to go i place of residence at the moment, leave home? do you want to go to| place of residence at the moment, i leave home? do you want to go to a city that _ leave home? do you want to go to a city that is— leave home? do you want to go to a city that is less _ leave home? do you want to go to a city that is less expensive _ leave home? do you want to go to a city that is less expensive to - leave home? do you want to go to a city that is less expensive to live - city that is less expensive to live in? there — city that is less expensive to live in? there is— city that is less expensive to live in? there is a— city that is less expensive to live in? there is a range _ city that is less expensive to live in? there is a range of— city that is less expensive to live in? there is a range of factors. in? there is a range of factors to think— in? there is a range of factors to think about _ in? there is a range of factors to think about. many _

in? there is a range of factors to think about. many students - in? there is a range of factors to think about. many students willi think about. many students will work _ think about. many students will work factor— think about. many students will work. factor that— think about. many students will work. factor that into, - think about. many students will work. factor that into, you - think about. many students will work. factor that into, you will| work. factor that into, you will probably— work. factor that into, you will probably have _ work. factor that into, you will probably have a _ work. factor that into, you will probably have a part—time - work. factor that into, you will probably have a part—time jobl work. factor that into, you will. probably have a part—time job as work. factor that into, you will- probably have a part—time job as a student _ probably have a part—time job as a student lots— probably have a part—time job as a student. lots of— probably have a part—time job as a student. lots of things _ probably have a part—time job as a student. lots of things to - probably have a part—time job as a student. lots of things to think - student. lots of things to think about, — student. lots of things to think about, are _ student. lots of things to think about, are part—time _ student. lots of things to think about, are part—timejob- student. lots of things to think about, are part—time job to - student. lots of things to think i about, are part—time job to think about, _ about, are part—time job to think about, are — about, are part—time job to think about, are part—time _ about, are part—time job to think about, are part—time jobs - about, are part—time job to think. about, are part—time jobs available where _ about, are part—time jobs available where you're — about, are part—time jobs available where you're going? _ about, are part—time jobs available where you're going? find— about, are part-time “obs available where you're going?_ about, are part-time “obs available where you're going? and whether you are wearin: where you're going? and whether you are wearing the _ where you're going? and whether you are wearing the vice _ where you're going? and whether you are wearing the vice chancellor- where you're going? and whether you are wearing the vice chancellor and i are wearing the vice chancellor and had or— are wearing the vice chancellor and had or your— are wearing the vice chancellor and had or your ucas hat, do you think that the _ had or your ucas hat, do you think that the universities are going to be pushing for them to go up to accommodate all of this? at some oint we accommodate all of this? at some point we do _ accommodate all of this? at some point we do need _ accommodate all of this? at some point we do need an _ accommodate all of this? at some point we do need an inflation - accommodate all of this? at some l point we do need an inflation linked increasing _ point we do need an inflation linked increasing fees, _ point we do need an inflation linked increasing fees, i— point we do need an inflation linked increasing fees, i do— point we do need an inflation linked increasing fees, i do not— point we do need an inflation linked increasing fees, i do not think- point we do need an inflation linked increasing fees, i do not think thati increasing fees, i do not think that is imminent — increasing fees, i do not think that is imminent. but _ increasing fees, i do not think that is imminent. but we _ increasing fees, i do not think that is imminent. but we need - increasing fees, i do not think that. is imminent. but we need certainty. if is imminent. but we need certainty. if we _ is imminent. but we need certainty. if we were _ is imminent. but we need certainty. if we were to— is imminent. but we need certainty. if we were to offer— is imminent. but we need certainty. if we were to offer £200 _ is imminent. but we need certainty. if we were to offer £200 or - is imminent. but we need certainty. if we were to offer £200 or 2% - is imminent. but we need certainty. if we were to offer £200 or 2% a - if we were to offer £200 or 2% a year. _ if we were to offer £200 or 2% a year. from — if we were to offer £200 or 2% a year. from next _ if we were to offer £200 or 2% a year, from next year— if we were to offer £200 or 2% a year, from next year onwards, l if we were to offer £200 or 2% a i year, from next year onwards, that would _ year, from next year onwards, that would be _ year, from next year onwards, that would be a — year, from next year onwards, that would be a really _ year, from next year onwards, that would be a really good _ year, from next year onwards, that would be a really good offer. - year, from next year onwards, that would be a really good offer. i- would be a really good offer. i think— would be a really good offer. i think it — would be a really good offer. i think it would _ would be a really good offer. i think it would help _ would be a really good offer. i think it would help stabilise i would be a really good offer. i. think it would help stabilise our finances — think it would help stabilise our finances it— think it would help stabilise our finances. it would _ think it would help stabilise our finances. it would make - think it would help stabilise our finances. it would make thingsi think it would help stabilise our- finances. it would make things more certain— finances. it would make things more certain for— finances. it would make things more certain for students— finances. it would make things more certain for students as _ finances. it would make things more certain for students as well. - certain for students as well. there's— certain for students as well. there's a _ certain for students as well. there's a solution _ certain for students as well. there's a solution to - certain for students as well. there's a solution to this. . certain for students as well. - there's a solution to this. thank you very— there's a solution to this. thank you very much for your time. very busy— you very much for your time. very busy morning here at ucas. the message — busy morning here at ucas. the message seems to be make your choices, — message seems to be make your choices, take your time, message seems to be make your choices, take yourtime, phone universities, get a short list together— universities, get a short list together and be ready for when clearing — together and be ready for when clearing goes live from one o'clock this afternoon.—

this afternoon. duncan, thank you very much- _ this afternoon. duncan, thank you very much- its _ this afternoon. duncan, thank you very much. as duncan _ this afternoon. duncan, thank you very much. as duncan said, - this afternoon. duncan, thank you i very much. as duncan said, clearing the goes live at one o'clock. the other thing is, do not panic. radio one live hacks have got lots of clips and advice if you are a student. perhaps you did not get what you wanted. do not panic. it will work out in the end. we have been talking about how the results are expected to get back to pre—pandemic levels in 2019. we will get the actualfigures pre—pandemic levels in 2019. we will get the actual figures in the next ten minutes or so. the education secretary bridget phillipson has been talking about that issue, about how the results are expected to get back to those pre—pandemic levels. let's have a listen to what she said this morning on bbc breakfast. so, last year, the marking and grading returned to the way that things had been done before the pandemic. this is now the second year where that is the case. so we would expect results this year to be broadly in line with last year's results. before that, during the pandemic period, obviously the government, the then government had to take decisions about doing things

differently because it just wasn't possible for young people to sit exams because of covid and all of the disruption. but this year, we've seen a return to, as we did last year, a return to the normal way of doing things, but also the pre—pandemic structures. and so does that mean in the simplest possible terms, you could expect the exam results to be better or worse? we would expect the results to be broadly in line with last year, which was the first year where they returned in england, where they returned to what it had been before the pandemic. so this year is a continuation of last year. we'd expect results to be broadly in line. i think, sadly. better or worse? um, it's hard to compare because of the different method of assessment that we'd seen, but it returns to the pre—pandemic, the kind of 2019 period, the period that then followed was a bit different because of it was centre assessed, rather than it being the examinations that young people have been sitting, the assessments that they've been taking part in. i think, sadly, what we will see and what we've seen in recent years

is an opening up of some of the gaps when it comes to regional inequality in our country. i expect, sadly, that trend might continue. that's something that has accelerated in recent years. so gaps between, for example, what young people in london and the south east might achieve compared to young people in the north east. and that's something that i'm determined to tackle, because i don't think where you're from should determine what you can go on to achieve. why does that affect it? i think there are a range of reasons. partly it's about what happens in our schools, and that's why i want to make sure that we've got a real push around teacher recruitment and retention. we've got big shortages in some subjects at the moment. alongside that, some of those wider pressures that i know our families are experiencing. child poverty is one issue that we've seen big rises under the last government where it comes to child poverty. we're determined to take action on that. that is the education sec. talking a little bit earlier. as you can see here, people are having their pictures taken with the words

distinction and all those 80 stars they have been getting. as duncan mentioned, clearing opens at one o'clock. you can get a lot more on the national results are at today on the national results are at today on the bbc news website and we have a life page up and running. there will be a special your questions answered at 1130 this morning. so if you do have any questions, we will have a range of experts, all you have to do is send your question to your questions at bbc .co .uk, and i will be back threat the morning here talking to more of the students and the principal as we get those headline figures of how many results there have been across england, wales and northern ireland. so, did you get the a—level results that you wanted? it you get the a-level results that you wanted? . you get the a-level results that you wanted? , , ., you get the a-level results that you wanted? , ,., ., you get the a-level results that you wanted? , ., . ., wanted? it is so long ago, i can barely remember— wanted? it is so long ago, i can barely remember doing - wanted? it is so long ago, i can barely remember doing them. i j wanted? it is so long ago, i can - barely remember doing them. i think the short answer is i actually did not, i got a grade lower than i was hoping for. but, you know, that is life. i am sure that you hit the

jackpot. life. i am sure that you hit the “ackot. , ., life. i am sure that you hit the 'ackot, , ., ., life. i am sure that you hit the “ackot. , ., ., ., jackpot. sadly, no, i did not do as well as i expected. _ jackpot. sadly, no, i did not do as well as i expected. in _ jackpot. sadly, no, i did not do as well as i expected. in my- jackpot. sadly, no, i did not do as well as i expected. in my day, - jackpot. sadly, no, i did not do as. well as i expected. in my day, they use to post all of the results of every one up on a board so you could go and look what everyone else got, i always thought that was unfair. yes, that was brutal. i agree with you. thank you very much. it is a big morning for many students. major social media networks, including instagram and facebook are failing to remove self—harm and suicide content from their platforms, according to new research. the charity was set up following the death of the british school girl molly russell who took her own life after viewing harmful content online. the study looked at more than 12 million posts which were taken down by the six biggest social media platforms. our correspondent has more and a warning, you may find some of this report upsetting. molly

russell ended her life when she was just 1a. herfather, horrified by the self—harm and suicide content she had been fed by social media. this world is so cruel. i do not want to see it any more. bind this world is so cruel. i do not want to see it any more. and some of it is still there. _ want to see it any more. and some of it is still there. just _ want to see it any more. and some of it is still there. just this _ want to see it any more. and some of it is still there. just this week, - it is still there. just this week, we found similar images on instagram, glorifying suicide and self—harm. too graphic to show. and the content on x, formerly twitter, was even worse. ian russell now campaigns for online safety. the corporate culture at these platforms needs to change. we travelled with him to silicon valley. one tech boss told us things would get better. i don't think we'll ever be in a place where every single image that violates our policies is off of our platform, but it's our responsibility to get that number to as close to zero as possible. content moderators, like these in berlin, alongside automated systems, try to remove the most harmful posts. the platforms have made progress, but today's research by the charity set up in molly's name says there's

much, much more to be done. it analysed 12 million takedown decisions made by the big social media companies about self—harm and suicide material. facebook and instagram, owned by meta, each accounted forjust1% of those decisions. x was worse, reporting just1 in 700. and while tiktok did remove 3 million items, it only suspended two accounts. what's really clear from this analysis is that the failures of technology companies, it isn'tjust a glitch. this is a fundamental, systemic choice not to invest in identifying and removing content, essentially turning a blind eye to harmful material. the online safety act was meant to force reform on silicon valley, but ofcom, which has the power to levy huge fines, is still consulting on its codes of practice.

it's about putting the onus of responsibility onto the tech. ian russell at ofcom in april questioned the delay. he's also met the labour secretary of state and is demanding a new, tougher act. molly's family want a safer internet for all. this research shows their work in her name is not yet done. angus crawford, bbc news. lets go back to students in england who are getting their a—level and aes grades, wales england and northern ireland, they have begun receiving these a—level, t—level and btec results as well. those wanting to go to university are set to have more choice of places as institutions look to boost recruitment to make up for funding shortfalls and fewer international students. we have some results coming out. a couple of statistics jump coming out. a couple of statistics jump out of me here. the first is the top a—level results in england,

wales and northern ireland have risen for the first time