According to figures, the number of students taking up nursing degrees in England has risen for the first time since the post-pandemic surge in 2021.

More than 11,500 students aged under 25 have accepted a place on a nursing degree. This is 6 per cent higher than in 2024.

18,640 people have so far accepted a place on an undergraduate nursing degree this year – up 1 per cent on the same period last year.

The data comes from UCAS for weeks after the announcement of A-level and other exam results.

Midwifery degrees have also seen a 3 per cent rise in acceptances so far this year with 3,390 students, compared with 3,290 in 2024.

Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “Nursing is a fantastic career. Becoming a nurse is the best decision I ever made, and it continues to inspire and challenge me just as much today as it did when I qualified. You have the unique privilege of impacting people’s lives every day, offering both clinical expertise and compassionate care.

“The opportunities for growth and lifelong learning are limitless – as well as working on wards, nurses play a vital role at the heart of local communities and in research, education and leadership.

“It’s great to see so many younger recruits and we’re also doing more to help mature students join the profession. The 2,000 extra nursing degree apprenticeships promised in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan will play a big part in this by widening access to nursing careers.

“There are also still places available in clearing so I would encourage anyone still thinking about starting university this year to consider a healthcare degree. It’s an incredibly rewarding choice where you can make a real difference to people’s lives.”