As students receive their A level results, Career Academies UK is urging mortgage brokers to take advantage of those bright A level students who lack the financial means, but not the aptitude, to go to university.

Latest research has found that 38% of students are concerned that they may be unable to afford to pay the fees and 26% are deterred from going to university by the fear of a lack of jobs on graduation.

The research among students expecting their A and AS Levels today comes from Career Academies UK, a business-led charity that helps young people bridge the gap between school and work by giving them access to real experience of the working world.

Similar research conducted in January by Career Academies UK showed only 13% thought university was worth £9,000 per year.

Whatever path they plan to take, 83% of 17–19 year olds that have been through a work experience programme say they are optimistic about their futures, underlining the confidence they derive from active support, enhanced careers guidance and paid internships. Over 95% aspire to attend university, go into a full-time job or take up work-based learning such as apprenticeships.

David Walker, policy director at Career Academies UK, said: “Mortgage brokers have a real opportunity here. Instead of seeing a 19 year old job applicant as unwilling or unqualified to go to university, they should see them as enthusiastic, ‘can do’ prospects, blessed with aptitude, enthusiasm and the ‘can do’ attitude that helps build businesses.”