More than 350 young people in Bradford are predicted to miss out on a place at university this summer, research suggests.

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), the professional body for accounting and finance staff, is warning school leavers to consider vocational routes instead.

Universities minister David Willetts has admitted that individuals with ‘good’ grades are set to miss out. By the end of June, applications for full-time undergraduate courses had soared by nearly 12 per cent on last year’s record figure – fuelled in part by 2009’s failed applicants.

At the end of June, the University of Bradford had received 12,593 applications from home students, which was a 19 per cent increase on 2009.

Jane Paul, chief executive of the AAT, said: “Now more than ever, young people in Bradford need the edge in what is a very competitive job market. However, many school leavers and their parents assume that a degree is the only route to a professional career and this just isn’t the case.”

Former Carlton Bolling College pupil, Josh Walwyn, 18, is a case in point. He is studying for an accounting qualification with AAT and has gained a trainee accountant position at Strachan Furniture Makers Ltd, in Leeds, who fund his training.

He was put off university by the prospect of student debt. He said: “I wouldn’t have been able to save for a car and run it had I gone to university. I wanted to be an accountant from quite a young age and for me, gaining valuable work experience would be more beneficial than getting a degree.”

Jennie Coates, head of admissions at the University of Bradford, advised students to stay calm if their results fall short of winning them a place at their desired university.

She said: “Universities will still have places in Clearing this year and if you’re prepared in advance and realistic you will be more likely to see a positive result by the end of the day.

“Ringing up universities for a place through Clearing might be the last thing you feel like doing. It’s important to stay calm. Thousands of other students in the UK will be in the same position and universities deal with the process of Clearing every year.”

Mr Willetts said: “I think we should get away from the mindset that there is only one option, which is at the age of 18 going away from home to university for three years.”

For more details about the University of Bradford’s Clearing process call 0800 0731225 or visit bradford.ac.uk/clearing.