What EVERY parent needs to know about Clearing

What EVERY parent needs to know about Clearing: How A-level students can find a university place even if they miss out on their predicted grades – and what you can do to help

Students who fell short of expected A-level grades can apply through Clearing
The system also allows universities and colleges to fill vacant places
Here, a complete guide to everything you need to know before tomorrow

Students across the country will be hoping for good news when they open their A-level results tomorrow, but the reality is that tens of thousands are facing disappointment.

It is estimated between 40,000 and 60,000 students will fall short of their predicted grades, meaning they could miss out on any conditional university offers.

The lower grades are a result of Ofqual’s attempts to reduce grade inflation, which soared when exams were cancelled during the pandemic.

John Blake, director for fair access and participation at The Office for Students, said it was ‘only fair’ to warn A-level pupils, most of whom are aged 18, about disappointing grades to avoid a ‘shock’ on results day.

Many students will want to apply for university. If their current offers are no longer suitable – because they haven’t achieved the necessary grades, have exceeded their grades, or changed their minds – they can still secure a place through Clearing (stock image)

Disappointment can be difficult for students, and their parents, but lower grades are not the end of the world and there are still plenty of options available.

‘Whether their results are better than expected, or not as high as they had hoped, there are so many options,’ Elaine Bowker, principal at The City of Liverpool College told FEMAIL.

‘From further study and qualifications to the world of work and work experience, the list goes on. Sit down together to talk through the options, the pros and cons of each, and what the best one is for them.’

Clearing is the system universities and colleges fill open places, and students who don’t already have a place at university find their best fit.

Last year 41,000 people secured their place in Clearing after applying earlier in the year and a further 15,000 applied directly.

Parents and guardians play a key role in guiding students through the process. Here, a complete guide to everything you need to know…

What to do on results day as a parent

Parents and guardians play a key role in guiding students through the process. Here, a complete guide to everything you need to know. Stock image

‘Don’t panic. It might be tempting to think that you need to take action quickly, but it’s important to stay calm,’ advised the experts at the University of Derby.

When does Clearing open?

Clearing opened on July 5 and prospective students need to have received their grades to apply.

Most Clearing activity takes place from A-level results day.

Clearing remains open until October 18, although it is run on a first come, first serve basis because courses fill up.

‘Your son or daughter will need you to offer reassurance and guidance, particularly if their results aren’t what they expected.’

Make sure your son or daughter still checks their Ucas account, even if they haven’t achieved their grades.

There is a chance they might still be accepted by their firm or insurance choice. If they haven’t, and they still want to go to university, then it is time to apply through Clearing.

Who can use Clearing?

A student who has an offer but has changed their mind about where or what they want to study since applying to university can use Clearing to find a new course
Students who aren’t holding any offers because they weren’t accepted onto courses, or they declined their offers, can still find a place through Clearing
Anyone who hadn’t intended to apply to university but changed their mind can use the service
Any A-level student who fails to meet the grades of their conditional offers for their firm or insurance choice can apply through Clearing

What is Clearing Plus?

The idea of starting from scratch and searching for new university or college courses can seem overwhelming, which is why Ucas developed Clearing Plus.

This system matches a student with 50 courses that are related to the one he or she originally applied for.

Ucas explains:

‘First, we look at the original choices you applied for, combined with your qualifications and grades.
‘Universities and colleges have already told us what courses they’d like to make available in Clearing Plus (only relevant courses are included in your matches), and the entry requirements for them.
‘Then, we analyse what students in Clearing went on to study in previous years.
‘Our team then matches your profile to each course.’

If the student’s grades are better than expected

Congratulations! This is, of course, a wonderful position to be in.

Students who have outperformed their expected grades might want to seek out alternative courses or institutions through Clearing.

Start by searching Clearing and speaking to any universities or colleges that might be a good fit.

Once you have an informal offer over the phone, decline your original accepted offer and add a new Clearing choice.

Be aware: if you want to remain at the same university or college, but swap your course, you must speak to your university or college in the first instance.

Using the button in your application will mean any arrangements you have made for accommodation or scholarships will also be cancelled.

If a student is eligible, they will see a button in the application called ‘See matches’. This takes the student to the full list of courses that are considered a good fit based on the criteria above.

If a student expresses an interest in a course, that university or college can get in touch.

Ucas adds: ‘Remember, courses in Clearing fill up quickly, and you may not always receive a call, so we recommend you also keep your options open and look for courses using Clearing.’

How to apply using Clearing

1. Ask for advice

‘It’s really important to encourage your child to think about how their next step will support them to take the one after that, and this is where teachers or advice and guidance teams at schools and colleges come in,’ said Elaine Bowker, principal at The City of Liverpool College.

‘Speak to them about what their goals are and take it from there.

‘There are plenty of people available to help them navigate their choices through straightforward, personalised information and guidance, and remember – you can get independent advice from your local college on the options available as well as their current school for a wide range of options and industry knowledge.’

2. See what courses are available

Use the search tool on the Ucas website to find courses. Hopefully the perfect fit pops up immediately. If it doesn’t, consider:

Different subjects: Maybe there is one close to your child’s original idea, or a joint honours or flexible degree that incorporates it into a broader curriculum

Keep checking: Universities continue to update their course information regularly. Some might remain full but others might have vacancies pop up later on

Research: Check the structure of the course, it’s assessments and modules to ensure it fits the student’s strengths and needs. Make sure to check the entry requirements

3. Phone the university or college

This has to be done by the student. The student will speak to the college or university directly and give over information like their Ucas number and Clearing number (which will be on their application).

The phone number will be clearly listed on the university or college website.

‘They’re friendly and will be able to answer any questions you may have, and you can explain why you’re a good fit for them and the course,’ Ucas chief executive Clare Marchant explained in a piece in The Times.

‘The phone call will be like a short interview, so show enthusiasm for the course and the subject and you will go far.’

Ask for an informal offer. The student might want to repeat this process for several colleges or universities.

4. Decide which one to accept and add the Clearing choice

Once the student has researched the institution – ideally with a campus visit – and looked into details like accommodation, they can add a Clearing choice to their application. This will use details provided over the phone.

This counts as the student definitely accepting the offer, so if they confirm, it’ll show as an acceptance on the ‘Choices’ page in your application.

5. Prepare for finance and accommodation

Once the student has their place, make sure they have sorted their student finance. This can be updated on an existing application. The information needs to be accurate in order to receive a loan.

The student will also want to speak to the university or college about accommodation options as soon as possible as these may be limited

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