Clearing guidance for parents, guardians and carers

As A-level results day approaches in August, our team is ready to provide the advice, guidance and reassurance you need. Supporting someone through their A-level results can be daunting. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you on the big day.

1. Be prepared

Before results day arrives, make sure you’ve explored alternative options together – even if everyone is feeling confident about what will happen on the day.

Research other potential courses, keeping a range of entry requirements in mind. We offer a diverse range of courses that are worth exploring. Get started with our course search.

2. Make sure you’re fully available on results day

Students who find themselves in Clearing will need to be available on results day, for discussions regarding their options and application. Make sure you keep the day free.

3. Check the UCAS Hub

From 8.15am on results day, students can log in to UCAS to check their status.

Students who haven’t met their offer, or are eligible for Clearing, will see the option to ‘Add a Clearing choice’ appear on their UCAS Hub. This can be found in the Next Steps section from 3.00pm.

For some students, the decision might be visible on UCAS before they receive their results. It will indicate that their results are not as expected or that they haven’t met their offers.

If this is the situation you’re in, take some time to absorb the information and prepare for the day ahead.

4. Keep calm

Thousands of students successfully enter Clearing each year and there are many places available.

Emotions may be running high, but keep calm and remain positive. Clearing is now a widely accepted method of university application and can be a positive experience.

If you’ve already prepared for the possibility of Clearing, you’re off to a great start. If not, don’t worry. Take time to reflect together, considering the original course criteria and the options available through Clearing.

5. Have all the essential details ready

During the Clearing process, students will likely spend the day on the phone with various universities. Some top tips include:

• Making sure they have their UCAS login, UCAS ID number and grades readily available before making any decisions or phone calls.
• Keeping a record of the institutions they speak to and the information they receive.

Remember, they can still contact their first-choice university, to enquire about alternative options that may be available.

Getting in touch

Due to Data Protection laws, we can only communicate directly with applicants, unless you are their nominated contact on their UCAS form.

Students looking for support during Clearing can contact our Recruitment Team or request a call back on +44 (0) 1603 751485, or email admissions@norwichuni.ac.uk