Not getting the A-Level results needed for a specific university place might seem like the end of the world at the time, but that's exactly what Clearing is for, and it's certainly not uncommon.

In 2023, a total of 38,140 students managed to secure their university places through Clearing, which is organised by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), the national body which handles student places across the UK. This was up from 33,280 in 2022 - a rise of nearly 15 per cent.

But in the heat of A-Level results day, it can be hard to think with a clear head about the best way to proceed, which is why it's a great idea to get a grasp of Clearing way ahead of time.

Clearing actually starts earlier than you might think. It opens this year on Friday 5 July 2024, and can be used for students who already have their A-Levels grades but haven't yet got a university place - however most students who need to use Clearing will be doing so from results day itself and onwards. But it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Clearing system well ahead of time and to see what courses are available in advance.

What is Clearing and how does it work?

Clearing is a way for universities to fill places on their courses and for students to get places on a course if their grades mean they weren't able to take up a planned place. It's a way of giving students a second chance at university and a way for universities to make sure all their courses are filled.

In 2024, Clearing begins on the 5 July and ends on 21 October.

Who is Clearing for?

You are eligible to go through Clearing if:

• You didn't get the A-Level grades you were hoping for and are looking to get onto another course or at a different university
• You want to go to university but didn't receive any offers of a place
• Your results were better than you were expecting and want to change universities
• You turned down all the the offers you received and are looking for another university or course which would be more suitable for you
• You applied to universities after the deadline (which was 30th June 2024)

How to go through Clearing

Before results day

You can register for Clearing in advance of getting your actual A-Level results. This means that universities can start considering you for courses the moment you get your results and you will have a good idea what is out there, so you can hit the ground running come results day.

From 5 July when Clearing opens for 2024, you can check available courses on UCAS. You can search by subject or by university, and by proximity to you. Almost every university participates in Clearing, so there will be thousands of courses to choose from and more added all the time.

You can check your application regularly in the lead-up to Clearing. This is where students can find the latest updates and reply to any offers. Make sure you can access your UCAS account before results day and that all your contact details are correct, so you don’t miss important updates.

Find out what your Clearing number is on the UCAS website or from your school and make note. Keep this and your UCAS ID number handy.

On results day

If your exam results don’t meet the requirements of a conditional offer you’ve expected, you’ll be automatically entered into Clearing on results day, unless your university has confirmed your place anyway.

Once you’ve found a course you want to apply to, you can either apply through the UCAS website or get in touch with the university or college directly to see if they will accept you for the course you’re interested in. They are likely to get you a verbal offer over the phone, which should then be followed up by a email confirming your place.

Once you have received permission from the university or college to do so, add your Clearing choice to your UCAS application so the university or college can officially accept you - you should get confirmation within 48 hours.

Top tip: Try the original university if you didn't quite meet the offer requirements
It's worth calling up the universities that were first and second choice to find out if they'd be willing to accept applications despite a fall in grades. Make sure you have the contact details of each handy in advance. Universities can sometimes show some flexibility or might be willing to put them on a similar course.

What if I get an offer through Clearing?

If you've been in touch with a university and secured a place, make sure you add it as your Clearing choice in your application. Once it’s confirmed then it's time to start looking for accommodation as you might need to move fast.

What if I already have an offer?

From 5 July, if you are holding a firm unconditional place, you can release yourself into Clearing, by using the ‘Decline your place’ button in your application. You should only use this button if you no longer wish to take up your place at your firm choice.

If you are unsure, you should speak to your university or college, or an adviser at your school to discuss your options.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.

Hitting the phones on results day is a great way to find out directly from the admissions department what your options are. If you are lucky to be given a verbal offer of a place over the phone, then ask them to email it to you straightaway, so you know that you have a definite offer. Only then should you decline an existing place, as you don't want to be left stranded.

Using the 'Decline your place' button in your application will mean any arrangements you have made for accommodation or scholarships will also be cancelled, so only hit Decline if you are definitely sure you no longer want your place.

If you have an insurance place, you should phone them to see if they will accept you before declining your firm place, as that will also be declined.

UCAS Clearing Matches

Top tip: as well as checking out available courses through Clearing, UCAS also offers Clearing Matches, which is designed to make the process more streamlined by matching people with courses suitable for them.

Clearing matches are only available if you’re unsuccessful with your application or are applying for the first time for a place in Clearing. You’ll be able to ‘view your matches’ in your UCAS Hub.

General advice for going through Clearing

Make notes

Keep a notepad handy. Help them make a shortlist of the options, so you can call the top choices first. Have their results (A level and GCSE) nearby and a computer so you can see the UCAS website, university website and any other information you might need. It's also good to list any other achievements, like sports and prizes, to mention to the university.

Hit the phones

While lots of information is available online, there's no substitute for talking to someone actually at the university and finding out the likelihood is of you getting on a particular course, or one which is similar. If you have dropped a grade, don't give up on being accepted onto that course until you have spoken to someone, who will then be able to advise you on alternative options.

You don't need to rush a decision

Once you have tried the possibility of still getting on your preferred course, you have a lot of time to consider alternative options. Clearing lasts until October so if you are not able to make a decision on the day there's still time, but be aware that accommodation options could be more limited the closer it gets to the start of term.

Parents - support your children emotionally...

... but don't do everything for them - this is something they need to do for themselves. Be the person to talk to, to discuss what's best and the shoulder to cry on but don't talk to the universities for them. The Clearing helplines are manned by professors and lecturers who will want to discuss the ins and outs of the course. It's a better impression if your child speaks to them.

Consider alternative options

Taking a gap year could be a good idea. Make sure you use this year wisely: retaking a subject, doing charity work or work experience, which are all viewed very positively by universities. This means you can apply to universities knowing what your grades are. Or if you'd rather join the world of work, look into apprenticeships and Further Education colleges that offer vocational courses and check out career options.