YOUR GUIDE TO CLEARING 2025

A-level results day can be an emotional rollercoaster, and whilst news sites are often filled with photos of celebrating students, every year thousands of students fail to achieve the grades required to meet their university offers. 

If this is you, all is not lost, and university clearing can provide you with an alternative pathway of securing yourself a fulfilling university experience. With this helpful guide, you can rest assured that you are adequately prepared for any outcome of events on results day. 

What is clearing?

Whilst you might have heard a lot about spaces always being available in “clearing”, many students leave school sixth form or college without a clear idea about what exactly is entailed in the process. Every year, many universities end up with free spaces left over after students have confirmed their offers on results day. Clearing is the process that matches any students who haven’t met the requirements for their university offers with these free spaces. It runs from early July to mid-October, but most students access clearing on or just after A-level results day. 

Myths about clearing

There’s a lot of misinformation about clearing. Here are some of the most common clearing myths:

Myth 1: Only poor universities have opportunities in clearing

Every year, spaces become available at some of the UK’s top universities, including Durham, Loughborough, and Lancaster. Remember, clearing can be used not only if you’ve done worse than expected, but also better than expected. 

Myth 2: You won’t find the course you want

A variety of courses become available in clearing every year, including medicine and law. If you’ve had a change of heart on results day about the subject you want to pursue, clearing can be a way to explore opportunities you haven’t yet considered.

Myth 3: Clearing is too chaotic and rushed

Results day can be a stressful time, but with a bit of preparation, you can reduce the chaos of results day if your results aren’t exactly as you expect. The following tips will help you prepare. 

Before results day

Before results day, potential undergraduates will have secured offers for a university place, and will be armed with a “firm” and an “insurance” offer, If you are worried that you haven’t met either of your offers, some simple preparation before results day might help to alleviate your anxiety and ensure your best chances of success if you do end up entering clearing. 

• Have your UCAS details to hand. Reset your password if necessary, and check your details are up to date.
• Put together a shortlist of alternative courses. Are there any similar courses to the ones you have applied for that typically have lower entry requirements? Is the same course offered at other universities that have historically appeared in the clearing process? 
• Research alternative universities. Do this in advance, as you may not have time on results day. How far would you be willing to move? What is the campus atmosphere like?

On results day

There are a few things you can do before entering clearing: 

• Check UCAS Track. It is a good idea to do this before opening your results, if possible. Sometimes, your place can be automatically confirmed even if you have missed your offer requirements. Checking Track first can avoid any unnecessary panic if your results are below your offer requirements.
• Speak to a member of staff at your school or college. If your offer has not been confirmed, your educational institution can help you explore your options and provide guidance.
• Speak to your firm or insurance university. Your university may be flexible, especially if fewer people have taken up their offers than expected. If you still want to attend one of your choices, it is always worth making contact.

If your offer has  not been confirmed by your firm or insurance, and you still wish to attend university this year, then you will need to enter clearing. Clearing places are published on the UCAS website, which regularly updates (https://www.ucas.com/clearing-launch). You can also check university websites, as many have a dedicated clearing page with all the required information. Here are some tips for undergoing the clearing process itself:

• Make sure you have the required information
  When calling universities, you will need your clearing number from UCAS before you call universities to look for a place. You should be prepared to talk about your motivations for wanting to do the course and to discuss the grades you have achieved. Make sure you have a pen and paper handy so that you can write down the names and phone numbers of universities, as well as the titles and codes of your courses.
• Have a good, positive attitude
  This may be difficult during what is a highly stressful time. However, making a good impression is essential to giving yourself the best chance possible.
• Follow up quickly
  Though clearing runs until October, demand for spaces is high on results day. You may find it challenging to assess all your options within a very short period, but unless you follow up with universities promptly, you risk losing a free space.
• Make an informed decision
  It might seem tempting to accept the first university that offers you a place, but you should ensure it is a course and city you are happy to dedicate three or more years of your life to. 

If clearing isn’t for you

The stress and pressure of clearing isn’t for everyone, and it’s natural to want to take a step back to explore your options. If necessary, you can always take a year out and reapply, giving you time to research universities in more detail. Alternatively, you could consider apprenticeships or another vocational course. If you’re set on university, foundation courses can offer an alternative route into top universities.

Clearing will always come with uncertainties and inevitably some amount of stress. However, if you prepare and follow the tips provided here, it can end up being a fresh start rather than a setback. Keep in mind that for many students, clearing is how they find their perfect fit.