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THE gap between applications for higher education places this year compared with last year has narrowed, with overall numbers now down by 2 per cent, and applications from under 21-year-olds up nearly 1 per cent. But the latest figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service still show a 12.3 per cent fall in applications from 21 to-24-year olds, and a 15.8 per cent drop in applicants aged 25 and over.

David Blunkett, secretary of state for education and employment, said: "I am particularly encouraged to hear that application levels appear to be being maintained across all social classes."