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Small rise in applications
A slight recovery in applicants to universities and colleges was announced today. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service recorded a 1.1 per cent rise in those who had applied by May 16. More people have applied for deferred entry.

Post-qualifications system wins support
A post-qualifications applications system in higher education came a step closer today with the results of a consultation on the school year. More than 60 per cent of respondents to the Local Government Association consultation said they supported a system whereby sixth-formers would sit their exams earlier and apply to universities already knowing their results.

Cardiff students back Lib Dems
The Liberal Democrats have emerged as the party of choice for students in Cardiff, according to an NOP poll for the party. A quarter of students in Cardiff Central agreed that the Liberal Democrats had the best policies for students, compared with Labour on 18 per cent, Conservatives on 8 per cent and Plaid Cymru on 3 per cent.