Sharp decline in numbers studying to become nurses

The number of people studying to become nurses has fallen substantially across England, with some areas recording a 40% drop in successful applications, according to analysis by the largest nursing union.

- Tobi Thomas

The latest regional data from Ucas, the university admissions service, shows the number of people accepted on to nursing courses fell in all parts of England between 2020 and 2023.

Acceptances on pre-registration courses have fallen by 40% in north-east England, making the region the hardest hit, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

Yorkshire and Humberside and south-west England each recorded 25% declines, eastern England 22%, the south-east 19%, the north-west 18%, the East Midlands 15%, the West Midlands 14% and London 12%.

The RCN said whole regions were being left behind by a failing education system for nurses. It has called on the government to introduce a loan forgiveness model and funding for living costs for students who commit to working in the NHS after graduation, which it said was vital for encouraging recruitment.