Student numbers have plummeted at three leading Russell Group universities revealing the increasing pressures being placed on the higher education sector.

An analysis of Ucas student recruitment figures from 2015 to 2018 has shown a significant downturn in undergraduates at Manchester, Sheffield and Southampton.

Research by industry title the Times Higher Education revealed Southampton University has seen its student numbers nosedive by 29 per cent since the cap on the number of students universities can recruit was scrapped in 2015.

Manchester has seen its student numbers drop by 9.7 per cent, while Sheffield has slumped by 10.8 per cent.

Premier League of universities

The figures offer a stark insight into the challenges currently facing universities as a result of the increasingly cut-throat competitive market created in the higher education sector and a decline in the number of 18 year olds.

Until recently the biggest falls to student enrolment figures were mainly suffered by newer post-1992 and lower-tariff universities.

News that the problem is being suffered by some of England’s most elite institutions will be a major concern for vice-chancellors.

University bosses are complaining that the new market conditions has resulted in something akin to the divisions in the English football league. And within the ‘Premier League’ of the Russell Group, smaller competing groups have formed to try and attract students.

Liz Carlile, Sheffield’s head of admissions, said: “We have chosen to admit fewer students in order to maintain our rigorous standards and ensure our students are confident and ready to meet the demands of studying with us.”

Manchester University blamed Brexit and the effect it is having on recruiting overseas students for the decline in numbers.

Southampton said its marked decline in enrolments was part of a “planned reduction” in acceptances since 2015.