new research suggests social media companies are still failing to remove self harm and suicide content, despite the introduction of the online safety bill. taylor swift returns to wembley stadium for the final leg of her �*eras tour�* in the uk. she is performing the first of five concerts at wembley stadium tonight. hello and welcome once again. it's a huge day for the hundreds of thousands of students in england, wales and northern ireland receiving their exam results this morning. we're beginning to see some statistics based on this year's exam results — starting with university places.

82% of students have successfully got into their first choice university — an increase of 3% from last year. top a—level results have risen for the first time since 2021 — with just under 28% of all grades marked at a star or a. that's up from 27.2% last year. our correspondent nicky schiller is live at burnley college as students receive their results the excitement has been compelling this morning. welcome to burnley college. you can see behind me, it is sending out a bit at the moment, but there are still some students coming in. tell—tale signs on the floor, there is a lot of confetti, blue and white confetti that is still on the floor and that was because hundreds of students were here at eight o'clock this morning. i arrived just after seven o'clock, they were all here,

the college had given them breakfast, they were having coffee and chatting, it was at eight o'clock we were allowed to open those envelopes to find out what their results are. of course, all of us who have been through any sort of exam process will remember that moment that we actually opened the envelope or got the e—mail that told us what result we had got. i want to play you what it was like here in burnley at eight o'clock this morning. take a look at this. eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one! cheering you could see there was some hugging going on there. one mother very

proud of her son that they had got the result is that they expected. of course, not only a big day for the students but also for parents and family and relations who have been with them through thatjourney. as we have said, overall, the top eight and a star grades are up for the first time since 2021. they are up in england and slightly in northern ireland and wales. of course, a lot of people will now be deciding to go to university and the good news is that four out of five students who want to go to university have got their first want to go to university have got theirfirst choice. some want to go to university have got their first choice. some students will not have done quite as well as they expected. and some of them will actually have done better than they expected. they may want to look at a different university and that is where ucas comes in. the organisation that is the dating

service between students and universities. and that will open up at one o'clock. the university officials are saying they will be around 30,000 courses available and around 30,000 courses available and a lot of the experts we have been talking to today say that it is a buyers market in terms of the students because there are more places available than have been in previous years. the universities need the students because that is how they make money. it will be interesting to see how that process unfurls later in the date from one o'clock when that all opens. we will be talking to some of the students a little bit more detail in a moment, but first, here is a report from my colleague. there have been many challenges for the class of 202a. secondary school life dominated by a pandemic, a cost—of—living crisis and teacher strikes. there have been many challenges for the class of 202a. 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. today, thousands of pupils will find out if they've got 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. we'd like to bring you some breaking news from the health ministry in gaza, run by hamas. we news from the health ministry in gaza, run by hamas.— news from the health ministry in gaza, run by hamas. we have been brinuain gaza, run by hamas. we have been bringing you _ gaza, run by hamas. we have been bringing you news _ gaza, run by hamas. we have been bringing you news of _ gaza, run by hamas. we have been bringing you news of talks - gaza, run by hamas. we have been bringing you news of talks going . gaza, run by hamas. we have been| bringing you news of talks going on, being planned to try and strike a peace deal in gaza, in the meantime, we have from the gaza health ministry some data regarding those who have been killed. we are shown you currently the border between gaza and israel on those pictures. 40,005 palestinians have been killed and 92,401 had been entered in israel's military offensive on gaza since october the 7th. over 4000,

rather over 40,000 palestinians have rather over 40 , 000 palestinians have been rather over 40,000 palestinians have been killed since israel's military offensive began on october the 7th offensive began on october the 7th of last year. that is from the gaza health ministry. let's go back to the a—level results and other exam results. it the a-level results and other exam results. , ., ., , the a-level results and other exam results. , ., ., y~ , results. it is not only a-levels, but also the — results. it is not only a-levels, but also the near _ results. it is not only a-levels, but also the near qualification l results. it is not only a-levels, l but also the near qualification in england called t—level, 10,000 students take that and the vocational btec nationals are also out today. we will talk very shortly to some students here in burnley about that. overall, the pass rates in terms of a—level top grades where we are talking the a and a star, across england, wales and northern ireland at 28%, at the highest level

since 2021, but there are regional variations, and they are not quite as high in wales. let's speak to our wales education editor bethan lewis who's in port talbot for us. 82 is not quite as high in wales. tell us more.— 82 is not quite as high in wales. tell us more. overall results down in wales. that _ tell us more. overall results down in wales. that was _ tell us more. overall results down in wales. that was not _ tell us more. overall results down| in wales. that was not unexpected because _ in wales. that was not unexpected because we had prepared for that by exam _ because we had prepared for that by exam bosses for months. the top grade? _ exam bosses for months. the top grade? a — exam bosses for months. the top grade? a star where around 30% this time which _ grade? a star where around 30% this time which is down from 34% in 2023. the message — time which is down from 34% in 2023. the message from the exam bosses was that it _ the message from the exam bosses was that it is _ the message from the exam bosses was that it is back— the message from the exam bosses was that it is back to normal, no extra support— that it is back to normal, no extra support measures this time last year, _ support measures this time last year, there was advance information for pupils— year, there was advance information for pupils so — year, there was advance information for pupils so that people knew broadly— for pupils so that people knew broadly what was coming up in papers and the _

broadly what was coming up in papers and the grading was slightly more generous — and the grading was slightly more generous. this year, it was back to normal, _ generous. this year, it was back to normal, and — generous. this year, it was back to normal, and that is one year later than _ normal, and that is one year later than in _ normal, and that is one year later than in england where things went back to _ than in england where things went back to normal last year. not unexpected, some people would say this year's— unexpected, some people would say this year's cohort were also impacted by the pandemic and should have had _ impacted by the pandemic and should have had the support, but the messaging from the politicians and from the _ messaging from the politicians and from the regulator is that it's important to get back to normal so that there — important to get back to normal so that there is confidence in those grades _ that there is confidence in those grades and the situation in wales is on a part— grades and the situation in wales is on a part with different parts of the uk — on a part with different parts of the uk so — on a part with different parts of the uk so that an a—level grade in wales— the uk so that an a—level grade in wales has— the uk so that an a—level grade in wales has the same value as in a-ievei— wales has the same value as in a—level grade in england or northern ireiand~ _ a-level grade in england or northern ireland. ., �* , a-level grade in england or northern ireland. ., v ., a-level grade in england or northern ireland. . �*, ., ., ireland. that's an important point, wales had that _ ireland. that's an important point, wales had that difference - ireland. that's an important point, wales had that difference last - ireland. that's an important point, wales had that difference last year where there were more emphasis on the fact that covid—19 was still an impact on those results. you have been at the school there in port talbot. that is the political side of things. today is a day for the

students getting their results. what has been the reaction where you are? most students have been and gone by now. most students have been and gone by now they— most students have been and gone by now. they have got the results and they are _ now. they have got the results and they are getting on with the celebrations. stilla they are getting on with the celebrations. still a few people coming — celebrations. still a few people coming in and out, stilla celebrations. still a few people coming in and out, still a few envelopes on the table in the hall where _ envelopes on the table in the hall where they are giving out the results — where they are giving out the results i_ where they are giving out the results. i am where they are giving out the results. lam in where they are giving out the results. i am in port talbot, there has been — results. i am in port talbot, there has been a — results. i am in port talbot, there has been a big new story about the steelworks, the steelworks in the town _ steelworks, the steelworks in the town where 2000 jobs are set to go. we have _ town where 2000 jobs are set to go. we have been talking to pupils about the impact _ we have been talking to pupils about the impact that has had over the past few— the impact that has had over the past few months, obviously, lots of pupils— past few months, obviously, lots of pupils here — past few months, obviously, lots of pupils here have links with the steelworks, members of the family affected~ _ steelworks, members of the family affected. that has caused uncertainty during the exam period. interesting — uncertainty during the exam period. interesting to hear the head teacher here saying that usually five to eight _ here saying that usually five to eight people from this a—level group

would _ eight people from this a—level group would usually go on to do an apprenticeship at the steelworks, officer. _ apprenticeship at the steelworks, officer, with the job losses here which _ officer, with the job losses here which has — officer, with the job losses here which has had a massive impact and is having _ which has had a massive impact and is having a _ which has had a massive impact and is having a massive impact on the tow“, _ is having a massive impact on the town, those — is having a massive impact on the town, those apprenticeships are not there _ town, those apprenticeships are not there they— town, those apprenticeships are not there. they have said they have suspended their apprenticeship programme for the time being. they say that— programme for the time being. they say that when they restructure and turn more — say that when they restructure and turn more towards green steel that they hope — turn more towards green steel that they hope to reinstate the apprenticeships. overall, people generally pretty happy with the results — generally pretty happy with the results. a few disappointments, they are thinking about the next steps. thank— are thinking about the next steps. thank you — are thinking about the next steps. thank you very much forjoining us live there from port talbot. we are talking about the fact that some people will go on to apprenticeships, it is not only universities that people will hurt you. i am here at the college and joined by three of the students who have got the results today. let joined by three of the students who have got the results today.- have got the results today. let me start with you. _ have got the results today. let me start with you, what _ have got the results today. let me start with you, what did _

have got the results today. let me start with you, what did you - have got the results today. let me start with you, what did you study| start with you, what did you study here? i start with you, what did you study here? , here? i studied levelthree extended diloma in here? i studied levelthree extended diploma in sports. _ here? i studied levelthree extended diploma in sports. there _ here? i studied levelthree extended diploma in sports. there will - here? i studied levelthree extended diploma in sports. there will be - here? i studied levelthree extended diploma in sports. there will be a - diploma in sports. there will be a lot of people _ diploma in sports. there will be a lot of people watching _ diploma in sports. there will be a lot of people watching who - diploma in sports. there will be a lot of people watching who do - diploma in sports. there will be a | lot of people watching who do not know what esports is.— lot of people watching who do not know what esports is. esports is the electronic sports _ know what esports is. esports is the electronic sports industry. _ know what esports is. esports is the electronic sports industry. it - know what esports is. esports is the electronic sports industry. it is - electronic sports industry. it is nearly identical to traditional sports industry but everything is done online and in the course, we are now pretty much every possible way advance in the industry as well as make money, be successful, but also use skills that would be in that industry in our daily lives. bases like south korea and japan are way ahead in the esports industry than we are here in the uk. what made you decide to go for that course? it made you decide to go for that course? ., , ,., ., , ., course? it was personally, i have been raised _ course? it was personally, i have been raised on _ course? it was personally, i have been raised on the _ course? it was personally, i have been raised on the internet, - course? it was personally, i have been raised on the internet, i - course? it was personally, i have| been raised on the internet, i will been raised on the internet, i will be honest, i have always had a very intense passion for competitive video games, when i saw the course, it was almost like a light bulb moment for me. i had no idea what i wanted to do, i saw it and it was

instant. if wanted to do, i saw it and it was instant. , ., ., ., , instant. if you are not the person who wanted _ instant. if you are not the person who wanted to _ instant. if you are not the person who wanted to the _ instant. if you are not the person who wanted to the a-level- who wanted to the a—level traditional route? i who wanted to the a-level traditional route? i personally dislike the _ traditional route? i personally dislike the exam _ traditional route? i personally dislike the exam format, - traditional route? i personally dislike the exam format, with| traditional route? i personally - dislike the exam format, with the method we use in vocational i felt a lot more secure in choosing the course as well.— lot more secure in choosing the course as well. you have got your results, course as well. you have got your results. did _ course as well. you have got your results, did you _ course as well. you have got your results, did you get _ course as well. you have got your results, did you get what - course as well. you have got your results, did you get what you - results, did you get what you wanted? such a man i got what i expected, triple distinction star. you are very good at esports, what you want to do next? son? i want to go to staffordshire university, and i can go to in esports marketing team or come back to the college here is an esports lectura. are you worried about how much it will cost? not really, no, i am very grateful with my situation when it comes to going to university, money is not going to university, money is not going to university, money is not going to be a problem for me. congratulations on those distinction stars. amazing result. i did

congratulations on those distinction stars. amazing result.— stars. amazing result. i did a level three diploma _ stars. amazing result. i did a level three diploma in _ stars. amazing result. i did a level three diploma in performing - stars. amazing result. i did a level three diploma in performing arts. i three diploma in performing arts. that's not traditional.— three diploma in performing arts. that's not traditional. know, deftly not. what that's not traditional. know, deftly not- what did _ that's not traditional. know, deftly not. what did the _ that's not traditional. know, deftly not. what did the course _ that's not traditional. know, deftly not. what did the course involved? it's a not. what did the course involved? it's a practical _ not. what did the course involved? it's a practical experience, - not. what did the course involved? it's a practical experience, for- not. what did the course involved? it's a practical experience, for a - it's a practical experience, for a performer, it is easier to learn how to do things. it is more hands on rather than in the classroom. you have not rather than in the classroom. you have got your _ rather than in the classroom. you have got your certificate there, did you get what you wanted? such a man i got a distinction star, distinction. so were nervous last night? and you are very relieved. yes, we are all going to university. are you worried about how much is going to cost you when you're at university? it going to cost you when you're at university?— going to cost you when you're at universi ? , . .,, ., , university? it is hard as a student wor in: university? it is hard as a student worrying about — university? it is hard as a student worrying about how _ university? it is hard as a student worrying about how you _ university? it is hard as a student worrying about how you can - university? it is hard as a student| worrying about how you can afford things, the government student finance scheme is there and that's what we have to rely on. what finance scheme is there and that's what we have to rely on.— finance scheme is there and that's what we have to rely on. what is the ultimate aim — what we have to rely on. what is the ultimate aim in _ what we have to rely on. what is the ultimate aim in ten _ what we have to rely on. what is the ultimate aim in ten years' _ what we have to rely on. what is the ultimate aim in ten years' time? - what we have to rely on. what is the ultimate aim in ten years' time? i i ultimate aim in ten years' time? i hope to be working in television, a

tv actor, anything like that. i’m tv actor, anything like that. i'm lad ou tv actor, anything like that. i'm glad you didn't sayjournalists are you would be after myjob. thank you very much. we have spoken to the others about vocational ones, but you enter the traditional route. i studied a—level history, ancient history and law. did studied a-level history, ancient history and law.— studied a-level history, ancient history and law. did you get what ou history and law. did you get what you needed? _ history and law. did you get what you needed? i— history and law. did you get what you needed? i exceeded - history and law. did you get what you needed? i exceeded my - history and law. did you get what you needed? i exceeded my own| you needed? i exceeded my own expectations _ you needed? i exceeded my own expectations which _ you needed? i exceeded my own expectations which is _ you needed? i exceeded my own expectations which is really - you needed? i exceeded my own| expectations which is really good. you needed? i exceeded my own i expectations which is really good. i needed three bees to get onto my university course and i exceeded that. �* university course and i exceeded that. , that. are you sticking with the course that — that. are you sticking with the course that you _ that. are you sticking with the course that you thought - that. are you sticking with the course that you thought you i that. are you sticking with the - course that you thought you would? the university i have chosen, as soon as i saw it, i knew it was the place for me. soon as i saw it, i knew it was the place for me— soon as i saw it, i knew it was the place for me. where are you heading and what are — place for me. where are you heading and what are you _ place for me. where are you heading and what are you going _ place for me. where are you heading and what are you going to _ place for me. where are you heading and what are you going to study? - place for me. where are you heading and what are you going to study? i l and what are you going to study? i am going to the university of liverpool and i'm going to study ancient history. so no bye, and what about your family and friends? did you get any sleep? i was very

nervous, i didn't get much sleep, my parents are really proud of me and my whole family are proud of me, i am the first person in my family to go to university, it's an exciting step. all of my friends have done really well, they have exceeded expectations and everyone is really happy. expectations and everyone is really ha - . expectations and everyone is really ha . . _ . ., , expectations and everyone is really ha - . . .,, ., expectations and everyone is really ha--. ., ., ., happy. the cost of going to university. _ happy. the cost of going to university, does _ happy. the cost of going to university, does that - happy. the cost of going to i university, does that concern happy. the cost of going to - university, does that concern you? it is a worry for everyone. i am lucky, i will get a maintenance loan from student finance and it will cover my accommodation, and it will cover my accommodation, and it will cover living costs and i have got my family to support me. i will be looking for a part—time job. hopefully, i will have support in place. hopefully, i will have support in lace. ., . ., hopefully, i will have support in lace, ., ., ., ., place. how are you going to celebrate — place. how are you going to celebrate tonight? - place. how are you going to celebrate tonight? i- place. how are you going to celebrate tonight? i am - place. how are you going to l celebrate tonight? i am going place. how are you going to - celebrate tonight? i am going to the cinema with — celebrate tonight? i am going to the cinema with my _ celebrate tonight? i am going to the cinema with my auntie _ celebrate tonight? i am going to the cinema with my auntie and - celebrate tonight? i am going to the| cinema with my auntie and tomorrow celebrate tonight? i am going to the l cinema with my auntie and tomorrow i will see my friends. congratulations, thank you to all of you who got the results they wanted.

we heard some of them are going off to university, a lot of people be deciding at making sure their university places available. the organisation that helps link students with the university is called ucas. it is a very busy day at 40 won and my colleague is at ucas hq, at 40 won and my colleague is at ucas ho, how's it going at the moment? i ucas hq, how's it going at the moment? ,, ., ucas hq, how's it going at the moment? ~ ., , ., ucas hq, how's it going at the moment?— ucas hq, how's it going at the moment? ~ ., ., �* ., moment? i know you don't go live until one o'clock, _ moment? i know you don't go live until one o'clock, but _ moment? i know you don't go live until one o'clock, but i _ moment? i know you don't go live until one o'clock, but i assume - moment? i know you don't go live | until one o'clock, but i assume it's very busy already. they are very busy, you can see some of them over my shoulder, they have been taken from hull since eight o'clock this morning, hundreds of telephone calls have come in. there is a two—minute waiting time, they don't pick up first time? bear with them, there's a couple of minutes waiting time. a lot of people affording universities direct. you had fantastic students there who know what are doing. they come through here through clearing,

they don't quite know what they're doing. forthose they don't quite know what they're doing. for those people whose grades may not be what they expected. are who did better—than—expected, or people who have changed their minds. they had their university offer, now they have got the results, they want to do something different and that means going through the system of clearing, there are about 30,000 courses available, that is not students, that is courses, there is plenty of choice for these thousands of students who don't quite know where they're going from today. the come through here through ucas, or the universe to themselves, and someone is going to give us a detailed guide on what to do. it's an emotional morning, a busy morning, we can see your colleagues behind us, what is the general message mid—morning, what is the message mid—morning, what is the message come out of this? congratulations to all the students who receive their results today, whatever— who receive their results today, whatever your results, it's an amazing _ whatever your results, it's an amazing achievement. where we are at

this point— amazing achievement. where we are at this point in_ amazing achievement. where we are at this point in time, a lot of the students _ this point in time, a lot of the students will be in the thick of doing — students will be in the thick of doing the research, contacting universities to see if the go places and clearing, if they have the right fit for _ and clearing, if they have the right fit for the — and clearing, if they have the right fit for the course they want to go to, may— fit for the course they want to go to, may be — fit for the course they want to go to, may be asking some questions about accommodation. once we get to one o'clock— about accommodation. once we get to one o'clock today, that is when students — one o'clock today, that is when students can look in their place. 30,000 — students can look in their place. 30,000 courses, it sounds like a fantastic choice available to those people who are not quite sure where to go this morning. just people who are not quite sure where to go this morning.— to go this morning. just under 30,000 courses, _ to go this morning. just under 30,000 courses, that - to go this morning. just under 30,000 courses, that and - to go this morning. just under 30,000 courses, that and in i to go this morning. just under i 30,000 courses, that and in and to go this morning. just under - 30,000 courses, that and in and of itself— 30,000 courses, that and in and of itself be _ 30,000 courses, that and in and of itself be daunting, our advice to students — itself be daunting, our advice to students who are looking at all of these _ students who are looking at all of these courses, such a range of subjects. — these courses, such a range of subjects. is— these courses, such a range of subjects, is to take some time to do some _ subjects, is to take some time to do some research first. look at the ucas _ some research first. look at the ucas website and make a short list of courses— ucas website and make a short list of courses they are interested in, whether— of courses they are interested in, whether it — of courses they are interested in, whether it is entry criteria or the kind _ whether it is entry criteria or the kind of— whether it is entry criteria or the kind of study methods that they might— kind of study methods that they might be — kind of study methods that they might be teaching, and once they have _ might be teaching, and once they have got— might be teaching, and once they have got that nil down, that is when they start _ have got that nil down, that is when they start contacting the universe

is to find — they start contacting the universe is to find out whether or not they will take — is to find out whether or not they will take them, whether they like it or not _ will take them, whether they like it or not. from one o'clock they can look— or not. from one o'clock they can look in _ or not. from one o'clock they can look in the — or not. from one o'clock they can look in the choice they want. a lot of universe _ look in the choice they want. a lot of universe is _ look in the choice they want. a lot of universe is in _ look in the choice they want. a lot of universe is in financial - of universe is in financial difficulty, facing deficits, they might be chasing the with amazing offers, some of them have been called to mix this morning. mr; called to mix this morning. my advice is to — called to mix this morning. my advice is to do all of your research really— advice is to do all of your research really suddenly. it's an inadvertent -- maxon— really suddenly. it's an inadvertent —— maxon advertisement in your future _ —— maxon advertisement in your future for— —— maxon advertisement in your future for the next five years, you might _ future for the next five years, you might stay— future for the next five years, you might stay in the town you study in, whether— might stay in the town you study in, whether they are offered from the inverted _ whether they are offered from the inverted that might relate to accommodation or bursaries are anything — accommodation or bursaries are anything like that, to get into a kind, _ anything like that, to get into a kind, considerate, but do your research, _ kind, considerate, but do your research, and whatever decision you maker _ research, and whatever decision you make. do— research, and whatever decision you make. do it — research, and whatever decision you make, do it with solid information available — make, do it with solid information available. . , ., , available. some really high quality courses available, _ available. some really high quality courses available, not _ available. some really high quality courses available, not reject - courses available, not reject courses, high—class courses at high—class institutions, some of the most selective universities have places, durham and newcastle. a

broad range to choose from. your advice about taking your time is valid. , ., ., , , . ., valid. there is a whole spectrum of different courses. _ valid. there is a whole spectrum of different courses. what _ valid. there is a whole spectrum of different courses. what we - valid. there is a whole spectrum of different courses. what we are - different courses. what we are seeing — different courses. what we are seeing now is the biggest proportion of young _ seeing now is the biggest proportion of young students using clearing debt by— of young students using clearing debt by choice. it really shows this final part _ debt by choice. it really shows this final part of the application process— final part of the application process is a bona fight route for students — process is a bona fight route for students to exercise choice and decide — students to exercise choice and decide where they want to go. good advice, decide where they want to go. good advice. make _ decide where they want to go. good advice. make a _ decide where they want to go. good advice, make a short _ decide where they want to go. good advice, make a short list, _ decide where they want to go. (limp. advice, make a short list, contact university, have everything ready for when clearing goes live from one o'clock this afternoon, there will be more competition for some universities and other places, but clearing remains open until october the 21st. in theory, plenty of time, but the advice is do your homework now, and try and get in, because it will be competitive to go on those 30,000 courses that are still available this morning. lise 30,000 courses that are still

available this morning. live from ucas hq. available this morning. live from ucas hq- the — available this morning. live from ucas hq. the message - available this morning. live from ucas hq. the message is - available this morning. live from ucas hq. the message is don't. available this morning. live from - ucas hq. the message is don't panic. that is the message we have had from katie at radio 1 life hacks who has lots of experience are coming people down and in the end of a work—out. a lot of students have questions, also parents, and that is why the bbc news website is up and running with a live page. they will be doing a special edition edition of your questions answered at 1130. if you have any questions about the ucas system or vocational courses and what is on offer in terms of apprenticeships which a lot of people will decide to do, head to the pub website or app, click on the live page and from 11 don't 30, there will be answering your questions. i'll be back later in day, for the moment, back to you in the studio. we have been reporting

on the russian, the encroaching from ukraine into russia, and we have received information that a uk source has confirmed that challenger two tanks have been used in this incursion into russia. the ministry of defence has responded to this information emerging saying that it is not commenting on it. we would not expect it to. and what specific uk supplied weapons are being used. this is cutting edge technology, challenger two tanks are very well known for being formidable on the battlefield. it is an interesting piece of information that they are being used in this particular incursion. we will bring more on that as soon as we have it. now to gaza. we have some important figures that have emerged. the number of palestinians killed by the israeli offensive in gaza has passed 40,000, amid renewed efforts to broker a ceasefire. that's according to the health

ministry in the hamas—run territory, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. the war began after hamas fighters stormed into southern israel on october seventh, killing about 1,200 people and seizing 251. israel says more than 300 of its soldiers have died in the fighting since. those figures are important milestones, 40,000 is what the hamas run ministry is now reporting. barbara plett usher reports — and a warning — viewers may find some details in the following report upsetting. it took ali two months to dig his family out of the wreckage of their home. he was the only one who survived the strike. translation: i could see my father under the rubble, but i could not extract him at first because he was

under cement and the ceiling had collapsed. he decomposed in front of my eyes. my mother's body was inside the house but when i try to see her, i felt smothered and had to leave. he is looked after by his grandfather. in a shelter for orphans and widows. carrying on with the task of living, his mother, father, brotherand the task of living, his mother, father, brother and two sisters are among the 40,000 reported killed in the gaza war. the number is overwhelming. each loss is a role and individual grief. experienced again and again in places that are supposed to be safe. israel says it hit civilian infrastructure because hamas is operating there. hamas says it is not. the international community condemns civilian deaths. and the killing goes on. he more than ten months of war have turned

gaza into a destruction zone. displaced most of its people. many are sick and hungry. in the southern city of khan younis they have been forced to flee it continuing shifting front line. we are tired of this life, she says, death is better than this. death is a constant presence. he still has his family and what he could carry with him, but this graveyard was the only space you could find any shrinking humanitarian zone. we had fled from dying to be among the dead, meaning we are the living dead. the truth is no one really knows what to say. back at the shelter, the orphans have been given another chance at life. how much of a chance, though, without at least a ceasefire, the future looks as dangerous as the

present. let's talk to jenny let's talk tojenny hill in tel aviv. these figures are striking and no doubt an added impetus to attempts to strike a peace deal. this will lending your urgency to negotiators who are gathering in gauja bank to hammer out a ceasefire and hostage return deal. 40,000 plus deaths now reported by the gaza ministry of health. it is worth of course emphasising that israel does not allow international journalists including the bbc into gaza so we cannot verify the figure. the numbers given out by the ministry of health are considered credible by the world health organization although israel has repeatedly disputed them. hamas and the

ministry of health have always said the vast majority of those killed and injured in this war are civilians, israel told the bbc quite recently that around 15,000 of the people killed are in its view terrorist. that is the word users. once again, it's a reminder of ongoing suffering of people in gaza, some 60% of the buildings in the gaza strip have been significantly damaged or destroyed. a reminder to the negotiators who are in dull half that this is about human lives. jenny, what are the prospects now for some sort of deal given the backdrop we are seeing? and the risks associated with not striking a peace deal? those negotiators know the stakes could not be higher, quite apart from trying to bring about an end to

the war in gaza, most people here consider a ceasefire and hostage return agreement will stop that conflict from boiling over into a much wider regional all—out war. as you know, these talks are coming at a time of extremely high tension in the middle east. the us has been really pushing to get this deal across the line. the director of the cia is expected to participate in the talks. there has been a lot of urgent diplomacy going on in recent days. israel has sent a high—level delegation to the talks, among people represented our the chiefs of both the intelligence and security services. hamas says it will not participate either directly or indirectly. to date, it has never sent people to participate directly. the current stance is based on its protest about, as it says, benjamin netanyahu has introduced new conditions in addition to existing