WITH national records being smashed for students going on to do degrees this year, the city’s two universities are in demand more than ever.

After seeing its largest-ever cohort of students graduate this summer, demand to study at the University of Sussex this coming year remains incredibly high – up 6% on last year.

It took 4,000 calls, 1,000 more than last year, from prospective students to its clearing hotline on A-level results day, with 50 lines open at its peak.

They also made 400 offers via its clearing process, more than twice as many as last year.

It was a similar picture at the University of Brighton.

A spokesman said: “Inquiries are up and the volume confirms Brighton’s position as one of the most popular universities in the country.”

UCAS reported a national swell of 3% and the universities’ popularity is in line with the A-level results that also topped the national norm, which the county’s schools are still in delirium about.

James Collett, head of sixth form at BACA, said: “Students and staff have worked extremely hard and deserve their successes.

“These are excellent outcomes for our students and we wish them every success for the future.”

James Kilmartin, headteacher at Cardinal Newman, said: “The students are a credit to themselves, their families and the school.

“They fully deserve their success and I know that they will want to join me in thanking their teachers for the support and advice which has made a big contribution to it.”

Brighton and Hove High School headteacher Jennifer Smith was very pleased last year’s standards had been maintained and Varndean College’s headteacher Philip Harland was thrilled with the excellent results, particularly against a backdrop of reductions to funding.

In her first year at the school, vice principal Shirley-Ann Brookes-Mills loved her first taste of exam day at BHASVIC, while Burgess Hill School for Girls’ headteacher Ann Aughwane said: “This year’s group has been a joy to work with.

“They are wonderful role models for the younger girls as they demonstrate that it is possible to be the best you can be academically and as a positive contributor to the community around you