A Level Results Day & Clearing
Preparing for Results day
A Level Results Day - Thursday 14th August 2025
A level exam results are published on Thursday 14th August 2025. For Year 13 students with University applications, UCAS Track will update with decisions early that morning. We all hope that this will bring good news, but, if not, UCAS operates Clearing to help students who have been unsuccessful find a suitable course.
Use UCAS to check the status of your university place on results day. If there is any doubt, then get in touch with the university, particularly if you only just missed your predicted grades. Universities have dedicated phones for clearing and will be able to advise you and explain the next steps.
What is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is a service that helps students find university places if they haven't secured an offer or don't meet the conditions of their offers.
Key Points on Clearing
- Clearing is a way to apply for university courses that still have spaces available after A-level results day.
- It's available if you didn't receive any offers, missed your required grades, or applying after 30 June 2025
- Clearing opens on 5 July and runs until 20th October 2025
- On results day, if you are eligible, a Clearing ID will appear in your UCAS Hub – you can then contact universities directly to discuss any available places.
There were 30,000 courses featured in UCAS Clearing in 2024.
What to do before Clearing Starts
Being prepared is the best way for you to get ready for clearing. Start by making a list of alternative courses, universities, towns or cities that you would be happy to consider as an alternative to your firm and insurance choice. You can use Unifrog to help you do this.
Clearing opens on 5th July so you will be able to see the courses on offer. They are updated all the time and more courses will be added on A-level results day. Having a look at what’s there ahead of time will give you a clear idea of what’s likely to be available.
The benefit of having a backup action plan and being prepared is that you will have done the research and hard work before results day so you won’t rush to a decision on the day that you might regret.
Create an Action Plan for Clearing before Results Day
The videos below explain the process in more detail. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the process and create an action plan which you can use as soon as you need to. You should also consider if clearing is the right choice for you, as there are lots of alternatives to University. For example, taking a foundation year, resits, work, travel or applying for an apprenticeship.
A Step by Step Guide to Clearing
On Results Day
Get up early and check UCAS
- After 8:00 AM on results day, log into your UCAS Hub.
- If you haven't met your offer conditions, your status will update to "Unsuccessful".
- If you're eligible for Clearing, you'll receive a Clearing Number.
Research Available Courses again
- Use the UCAS Clearing Search Tool to find courses with available places. There may be some additional ones added.
- It is understandable that you might feel emotional, especially if your results were not quite what you hoped for. Try to stay calm and avoid blind panic. Don’t commit yourself to three years studying for a degree you did not want to do in the first place. There are lots of fantastic opportunities out there, such as FE colleges providing degree level studies and gap year adventures. Consider all your options carefully
- Grab a pen and paper and make a list of
- Uni Name
- Phone number
- Course code and title
- Leave space to down anything important -you can then concentrate on making the calls without confusing the courses or Universities.
- Make sure you research the University and the course before picking up the phone. If you can’t demonstrate why you want to go, you may not be offered a place.
- Find out some key information about them first. You could use uni websites, league tables, and chat to current students on social media platforms.
Consider Universities you have looked at before.
Just because you turned down a place at a university before, doesn’t mean you can’t try and get another offer. Especially if you visited the campus, and it felt like a good fit for you.
“There’s nothing wrong with looking back at institutions whose offers you previously declined, especially if it’s somewhere you’ve visited and liked” – Rob Evans, Head of Admissions at University of Sussex.
Take your time
- It’s a busy time but be sure to make an informed decision. Don’t call out of desperation, make sure it’s somewhere you actually want to study.
- If you had your heart set on a specific course or university, and you didn’t get the grades, you may want to consider reapplying the following year or taking a gap year.
- You could even look at options like foundation years to still study the course you want to do, at the same provider.
- And don’t forget that a lot of courses will have similar routes – if you didn't get accepted for a business studies degree? Why not try marketing or accounting, for example?
Talk to people
Don’t bottle up how you’re feeling – talk to someone about your decision. Use someone as a sounding board, whether it’s a family member, friend, or someone at your school or college. There will be lots of people who want to help you make the right choice for you.
Calling the Universities
You have your shortlist - now it is time to call the Universities.
Be prepared! Phone lines can get busy!
As tempting as it is to let your mum or dad take the phone calls, you need to speak to the University directly, as they will only offer a place if they speak to the applicant directly. Although it may be daunting, everyone on the other end of the phone is there to help, and it’s nothing to worry about.
Try and find a nice quiet environment with a good phone signal to take calls. You want to make sure you can clearly hear each other.
Call universities offering courses you're interested in. You can only accept one offer, so contact the universities in order of preference.
Prepare Your Information: Have the following ready
- Your UCAS Personal ID
- Clearing Number
- A level and GCSE exam results
- Personal statement
- Information about why you want a place: you’ll be speaking to universities about why you’re looking to join the course and your achievements, so have some bullet points written down in front of you
- Practice answers to general questions like: Why do you want to study this subject? Why do you want to study at this university? What makes you a suitable candidate? You already have great answers to these questions in your personal statement, so dig it out again and refresh your memory ahead of the game.
Be Clear and Concise: Explain your situation and why you're interested in their course.
Be positive, enthusiastic, and polite. Making a good impression is key. Show your passion and enthusiasm for the course and clearly explain why you want a place there. Even if you’re stressed about your situation, be polite and calm on the phone to give yourself the best chance.
Be open-minded. There might not be any places on the exact course you want to do, but there may be spaces on joint honours or similar courses that may allow you to pursue similar interests. For example, if you originally wanted to study Law but cannot find a vacancy, you might opt to take up a place on a Psychology and Criminology course. Do consider career outcomes; for example, if you opt for a nursing course over midwifery, it will lead you to an entirely different career path.
Be patient and keep calm - You might feel panicked if you need to call lots of Universities but, remember, there are lots of places available, and you’ve got plenty of options other than just doing an undergraduate degree – such as an apprenticeship.
Be confident- you’ve got this!
Add Your Clearing Choice
- After speaking with the university, log into your UCAS Hub.
- Click on "Add Clearing Choice" and enter the course details.
- Once confirmed, your place will be secured.
You’ve got the place – what’s next?
Once you have found a place through clearing, the next challenge is sorting your university accommodation. And don’t forget to update your student finance when everything is sorted.
Higher results than expected?
If your results exceed your firm offer's conditions, you can apply for a place on a higher entry requirement course.
- Contact Universities: Reach out to institutions offering courses you're interested in.
- Secure Your Place: If offered a place, add it to your UCAS Hub.
See a students success story here
Parents Guide to Clearing
It would be wise for all parents to familiarise themselves with this process just in case. Here is a useful guide.
Unifrog have also put together a really comprehensive guide here
Final Tips
- Stay Organised: Create an action plan before results day. Keep a checklist of universities, courses, and contact details. Familiarise yourself with the process.
- Be Proactive: On results day, contact universities early to increase your chances.
- Seek Support: Discuss your options with your teachers, careers advisors, or family members.
Remember, Clearing is an opportunity to find the right course for you, even if it wasn't part of your original plan. Stay positive and proactive!
Additional Resources
https://www.whatuni.com/university-clearing/
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/university/apply/clearing/guide-to-clearing
https://www.ucas.com/applying/after-you-apply/clearing-and-results-day/what-is-clearing
https://www.whatuni.com/advice/clearing/clearing-faqs/102216/
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We held our open evening 28th November 2024
We welcomed all students who are considering applying for our Sixth Form on Thursday 28th November.
Every year we recruit a proportion of our Year 12 from other schools. Everyone, whether new to the Academy or already here, is assured of a warm welcome, and we pride ourselves on our specially tailored induction programme for all students.
If you missed it, please watch our Sixth Form Life video - written and produced by our Sixth Form students.
Please see the Sixth Form Courses page for information about each of our courses.