How Does Clearing Work And What Happens If You Don’t Get The A-Level Grades You Wanted?

by David Quinney | Aug 16, 2023 | Uncategorised

Clearing is available to students who do not meet the conditions of their offer on A-level results day, as well as those who did not receive any offers. If students have changed their minds about what or where they wish to study can also use clearing. Here’s everything you need to know about how clearing works and what will happen if you don’t get the A-level grades you wanted.

When do A-level results come out? A-level results day for this year will be on Thursday 17 August.

When can I pick up my results? Results can be picked up from schools and further education colleges any time after 8am on results day.

However, you’ll need to find out the exact times from your school as these may vary. If you don’t get the grades you were hoping for there are plenty of options available for you. The first thing students are advised to do is to speak to a teacher or adviser who will be able to assist with exploring options and next steps.

Here are a few other options according to UCAS:

• Speak to the university or college as they may be flexible especially if you narrowly missed your offer.
• Appeal your grade. According to UCAS you should discuss this with your school or college but it should not stop you from researching opportunities in Clearing.
• Apply through clearing.
• Explore apprenticeships. You can find out more on the UCAS apprenticeship hub.
• Consider other options such as a gap year or going straight into the working world.

If you’re still feeling stuck there is support available for students with guidance available via telephone, social media, and through the UCAS Hub – including information on how to prepare for results day, how Clearing works, the options available, and much more.

How does clearing work? According to UCAS, clearing matches applicants to university spots that have not been filled yet and is available to anyone who has applied via the UCAS Undergraduate application and does not yet have any offers.

Clearing runs from 8 July to 18 October and you are eligible if:

• If you are applying after 30 June
• If you did not receive any offers or none you wanted to accept
• If you did not meet the conditions of your offer
• If you’ve paid the multiple-choice application fee of £26.50
• If you have declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ option on the application

Courses in Clearing aren’t just the ones nobody wants – there are many reasons why courses are still available. It’s an opportunity for those who have missed their conditions or had a last-minute change of heart about the university or course they want to study.

How do I use clearing?

• The best place to start would be to check if there are any vacancies available on the UCAS website. In the search tab, you can enter the course of your choice, study level and entry year. After you have found the course you want to apply to, you should give the university of your choice a call to see if you meet its entry requirement and if there are still spots available.
• UCAS state that if the university gives you an offer and you wish to accept it, you can add the clearing choice to your application. This can be done by clicking ‘Add Clearing Choice’ and filling in the course details by the date the university gave you on the phone.
• Applicants can only add one choice at a time, but if the university/college doesn’t confirm your place, you’ll be able to add another.
• Students that only applied for one choice in their original application will need to pay an additional £4.50 to go through Clearing.

How should I contact universities? Students should take the following steps when contacting universities for clearing:

• Prepare what you can in advance: You should have a shortlist and alternatives when browsing university-clearing sites. If you have a shortlist of alternative universities to contact, it may help you save time on the day.
• Check entry requirements: This can be found on the university’s website.
• Make sure you have important information at hand: You will need your UCAS ID number as it will be the first thing you might be asked for when contacting universities.  You should also say the course or subject area you are interested in (if you have the course code, that’s even better) and the grades you have achieved. If you’re an international student, you may also need your English language qualification.
• You will also need to provide your name, date of birth and potentially your email address and phone number.
• Take notes: It’s important to write down any important information given to you.
• If given an offer, the applicant will receive an email that will explain when the offer should be accepted. It is important not to rush a decision. Take your time looking at the pros and cons of each course and university.