The University of Hull were caught red-handed as they attempted to persuade students to join them rather than Nottingham Trent University (NTU).
As thousands of sixth form and college students received their A Levels results, Hull Uni drove a van past the front of Trent’s city campus promoting their own clearing contact details.
The advert was pictured driving along Shakespeare Street, near Byron accommodation and the Student Union building.
Complete with a digital advertising board, the message “Clearing at Hull. One moment can change your life. And this could be it.” was displayed.
It also promoted “cash awards up to £2,000” as well as “one campus, everything you need.”
The Yorkshire-based university are ranked 28 places below NTU in the
The Times and The Sunday Times ‘Good University Guide’, sitting beneath the likes of De Montfort University and the University of Bradford, in 57th.
The cheeky tactic was taken well-humoured by those working within NTU’s clearing team.
Emma Leach, part of the team helping those who applied to Trent, posted on Twitter: “Marketing magic of @BantshireUni proportions…. A classy looking trailer outside our call centre @TrentUni
“No potential students around (they’re too busy ringing us – sorry) but it’s caused much merriment.
“Take it up a notch and brand a kebab van next year maybe? ?”
Another user added: “Makes a reminder for 2021: Skywriting our Clearing number over Nottingham.”
Last year, the University of Hull were threatened with legal action from Bradford Council after stencils advertising their clearing service appeared on city centre buildings.
At least a dozen signs were sprayed onto buildings, including one listed building.
Thousands of students were forced to use the clearing service after grades were muddled this year.
Over a third of entries in England received a lower grade than their teachers predicted, three per cent were down two grades.
Overall results across England, Northern Ireland and Wales showed a record number of A* and A grades were distributed.
By Matt Lee
Picture: Emma Leach