Clare Marchant has led UCAS for six years, during which time she has overseen the expansion of the charity’s role, doubling the number of students it supports each year to 1.3 million. UCAS has also introduced new personalised digital tools such as Clearing Plus and the UCAS Hub; and is bringing parity to all post-secondary choices launching an apprenticeship service. During the same period, UCAS has been a leading voice on student progression issues, using its data and research capabilities to produce research and recommendations to improve the experience of students who are care leavers, identify as LGBTQ+, have a disability and those with mental health challenges. More recently, UCAS has led a debate on how to provide more higher education opportunities in light of the increasing 18-year-old population.
The Chair of UCAS’s Board of Trustees, Trudy Norris-Grey, said: “Clare has been a dynamic and inspirational leader and a powerful advocate for higher education and apprenticeships. Under her leadership, UCAS has not only developed its core admissions services but also expanded the support it provides to students making life-changing decisions.
“She leaves UCAS in an incredibly strong position, with a talented and dedicated team and a clear focus for the future. We are hugely thankful for her leadership, particularly through the pandemic, where UCAS supported students and the higher education sector during those challenging times. While we are disappointed to see her leave UCAS, we are delighted that the higher education sector will continue to benefit from her skills and passion.”
Clare Marchant, Chief Executive of UCAS, said: “Leading the team at UCAS has been a privilege and a joy. I am most proud of the huge strides forward it has made in increasing the number of students supported each year, particularly those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. We now help more than 1.3 million students each year explore all of their options as they take their next step.
“During my time at UCAS, I have worked closely with Vice-Chancellors from across the UK in our shared mission of supporting students taking their next step in education and training. I am therefore excited to help thousands of students do exactly this at the University of Gloucestershire.”
Clare Marchant will lead UCAS during the coming clearing and confirmation period, and the Board will shortly commence the search for a new Chief Executive.
For more information, please contact the UCAS Press Office at communications@ucas.ac.uk, which is monitored regularly.