UK A-level results spark record university acceptances as LIS CEO warns of deeper risks in ETIH exclusive

Speaking exclusively to ETIH, Ed Fidoe, CEO of The London Interdisciplinary School, warns that rising A-level acceptances in the UK mask deeper risks in graduate employment and preparedness for an AI-driven future.

New UCAS data confirms that 439,180 applicants have secured university places in the UK this year, with 82% gaining entry to their first-choice course. But according to Ed Fidoe, CEO of The London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), those figures hide more systemic risks facing students and graduates.

“UCAS today has confirmed that 439,180 applicants have secured university places this year—a record, with 82% gaining their first-choice course. Yet beneath the celebrations, significant risks remain. Dropout rates hover around 5.3%, with over 30,000 students leaving before their second year. Additionally, nearly 40% of graduates report that they would have chosen a different course. High first-choice acceptances may look reassuring, but they mask the challenges students will face as they enter a changing jobs market.”

Fidoe points to a graduate labor market under pressure. “The graduate labor market is under unprecedented pressure. Entry-level vacancies are down 33% year-on-year, and graduate unemployment sits at 12.7%, affecting more than 96,000 young people. Employers are no longer prioritizing traditional academic credentials alone; they are seeking adaptability, ethical judgment, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills.

“AI is accelerating this shift, reshaping industries and demanding graduates who can navigate uncertainty and apply knowledge across disciplines. Students who focus purely on prestige risk finding themselves ill-prepared for the realities of today’s employment landscape.”

Fidoe says LIS has taken a different approach in response to these trends. “At The London Interdisciplinary School, we tackle these challenges head-on. Our degree is designed to equip students with the skills employers increasingly value—from cross-disciplinary problem-solving to ethical decision-making and digital resilience.

“More than 50% of our graduates are employed within just one month of finishing their degree, a testament to the practical focus and real-world experience embedded in our programs. By embedding employability at the heart of our curriculum, LIS ensures that graduates are not just ready to enter the job market but positioned to lead and innovate in it. For students today, choosing a course is no longer just about prestige—it’s about preparing for a future that is already transforming.”