With A-level results due to be released tomorrow and competition for university places more intense than ever, UCAS chief executive Mary Curnock Cook has stressed the importance of students taking constructive gap years.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Cook suggested that the ‘gap year’ should instead be called a ‘bridging year’ and used constructively by unsuccessful university applicants to enhance their application: “Candidates who want to achieve a good offer next year need to use their year strategically, to enhance their attractiveness to institutions.”

It is estimated that up to 200,000 students may be left without a university place and those looking to reapply next year should look for gap year opportunities that build their skills and experience.  The message from UCAS is that a truly worthwhile gap year needs to involve internships, work experience and volunteering rather than simply travel.

To find out why you should volunteer abroad, click here.