New universities in England have under-recruited by more than 22,000 places over the past seven years, according to a new survey from the Higher Education Funding Council

Measured against the maximum student numbers set by the Council for England, the shortfall, rose to 8257 in new universities in 2000/01. Old universities had 3661 unfilled places last year, but on balance since 1994/95 they have recruited over 4700 students more than the guidelines set out.

Forum Response: Universities UK

Diana Warwick, chief executive of Universities UK, told ePolitix.com: "Universities are clearly having to operate in a tougher market place for students and there will always be fluctuations in recruitment between institutions and across subjects in any one year. While there's no room for complacency we hope that future growth in the 18-year-old age group and the impact of widening participation initiatives in the future will enable more places to be filled in future years.

"It is clear from the secretary of state's address on higher education just this week that the government is determined to raise attainment and aspiration amongst today's young teenagers now in the lower years of secondary school. We welcome this and hope it will enable more young people to consider higher education in the future. There has been a 5.5 per cent increase in accepted applications this year, which is a positive sign for future student recruitment."