Parents’ Guide to Clearing
Clearing offers an alternative route into university for students navigating various situations – whether they didn’t get the grades they hoped for, exceeded expectations or have decided to go in a different direction.
Your support and reassurance are crucial during this uncertain time. This guide will help you navigate Clearing confidently and provide the right support when it matters most.
Clearing Explained
Key Clearing terms you should know
If you’re a parent, carer or loved one supporting a young person through university applications, the concept of Clearing can feel confusing at first.
Understanding the key terms used during the process can boost your confidence and help you offer the right support. Below, you’ll find a simple guide to common Clearing terms – clearly explained to help you feel informed and ready to guide your young person through the process.
| UCAS | The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is the central organisation responsible for managing university applications in the UK. |
| Clearing Plus | A UCAS tool that matches students to courses they might be interested in, based on their grades and preferences. |
| Conditional Offer | An offer made by a university that depends on the student achieving specific exam results. |
| Unconditional Offer | An offer that guarantees a place, regardless of exam results. |
| Firm Choice | The student’s first-choice university offer, which they accept as their preferred option. |
| Insurance Choice | A backup university offer, in case the student doesn’t meet the conditions of their firm choice. |
| UCAS Track | The UCAS online system, where students can see the status of their application and respond to offers. |
| UCAS ID | a unique 10-digit number used to identify students on UCAS. |
| UCAS Hub | The online portal where students can manage their applications and Clearing choices. |
Key Dates
Clearing timeline
June
UCAS main scheme applications close at the end of June.
Applications submitted after this will automatically enter Clearing.
July
Clearing opens in early July.
If the student has their grades, they can now start contacting universities and applying for Clearing vacancies.
Students who are waiting for Results Day can now start researching Clearing courses.
August
Results Day takes place in mid-August.
A-level students are now eligible to apply through Clearing. Their UCAS Hub status will display either ‘You are in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’.
October
Clearing closes in late October.
After this date, individuals can no longer add a Clearing option to their UCAS Hub.
What to Expect
Before results day
As Results Day approaches, students may experience a mix of emotions, especially if they’re concerned about not achieving the grades they were hoping for.
Here are a few ways you can support them during this time:
- Encourage the student to consider creating a ‘back-up’ plan. If they’re feeling anxious about their results, knowing the steps they’ll take if things don’t go as expected can help reduce stress and provide a sense of control.
- Do your research. Take the time to research universities and the entry requirements for the course the student is interested in. This knowledge can help you offer informed suggestions or advice if they ask for guidance on the day.
- Provide reassurance. Remind them that Clearing is a standard, common process and should not be seen as a setback. It’s a valuable opportunity for many students to secure a place at the right university, and they are not alone in navigating this stage.
What to Expect
On results day
Supporting your child on Results Day, especially if they’re going through Clearing, can feel challenging, but it’s incredibly important.
Here are some key ways you can offer the best support:
- Stay calm. If the young person hasn’t done as well as they hoped in their exams, they may begin to feel anxious. It’s important that you’re a calming presence, reassuring them that other options are available to them.
- Sit with them when they make the calls. While the student will need to speak with the admissions department directly, you can provide support by being available nearby if they need you.
- Talk through any offers. When they’ve received offers from the universities they’ve contacted, sit down together and discuss them. Allow the student to assess the pros and cons and remind them that the decision is theirs and does not need to be rushed.
What to Expect
After results day
Now that the young person has secured a spot at their chosen university, it’s time to celebrate! A little celebration can go a long way in easing any lingering anxiety before preparations begin for September.
As they get ready to start their first term, here are a few helpful things you can do together:
- Apply for student finance. Make sure they’ve submitted their application and provided all the necessary documents.
- Sort out accommodation. Apply promptly to secure your spot in student halls or private accommodation. At the University of Chichester, we guarantee accommodation for all Clearing applicants, so you can relax knowing housing is taken care of.
- Start packing. Consider what they’ll need for university life and start gathering essentials.
- Check course requirements. Read through the course details and purchase the recommended books or materials.
Checklist
Clearing call checklist
Knowing what to say during a Clearing call is essential to help the student feel calm and confident throughout the conversation.
Although it’s important for supporters to let the student take the lead on the call, there are steps you can take beforehand to ensure they are fully prepared. Ensure they have ready:
Their UCAS ID and Clearing number
Universities will use this information to identify the applicant and access their details.
Grades (and UCAS points, if applicable)
This will help universities assess their eligibility for available courses.
Pen and paper
The university may share important details regarding who to contact next or follow-up steps, which need to be noted.
Personal statement
This can be helpful to reference during the call, especially if the university requests additional information about the applicant’s motivations and background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clearing FAQs for parents and supporters
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What happens once my child has found a course through Clearing?
Once the student has found a course they’re interested in, they will need to receive a verbal offer, typically by contacting the university over the phone.
To secure the place, they will then need to add the course to their UCAS application. The university will then confirm the place officially.
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How can we stay organised during Clearing?
Encourage the young person to keep all key information in one place, such as courses, UCAS login details and important dates.
Help them make a checklist, stay calm, and be ready to make quick decisions. Having a quiet space to focus and a charged phone on Results Day also helps!
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Can I speak to the university on behalf of my child?
Universities typically require students to speak with them directly, especially when discussing offers and making decisions.
However, you can absolutely sit with your child during the call, help them prepare questions and offer support throughout the process.
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Is Clearing only for students who didn’t receive any offers?
No. Clearing is also available to students who change their mind about a course or university, or want to apply for the first time after 30th June.
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Can students who apply through Clearing still apply for student finance?
Yes, absolutely. If your child gets a place through Clearing and hasn’t applied for student finance yet, they can still apply.
It’s important to do this as soon as possible, as applications can take several weeks to process. Even if it’s late, they may receive a partial payment to start with, followed by the full amount once everything is confirmed.
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What happens if a Clearing offer is made – how is it confirmed?
Once your child receives a verbal offer from a university, they’ll need to add the course to their UCAS application to accept it officially.
This is done through the UCAS Hub by selecting ‘Add Clearing choice’. The university will then review and confirm the offer—once accepted, it becomes their confirmed place. After that, they can start preparing for student life!
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How can I support my child if they’re disappointed on Results Day?
First and foremost – listen.
Offer reassurance and remind them that many successful students and professionals’ stories didn’t follow a linear path.
Clearing is a second chance, not a step backwards – and support is most helpful during this time.
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What if my child wants to take a gap year instead of using Clearing?
That’s completely valid.
A gap year can be a great opportunity to gain work experience, travel and reflect.
If they plan to reapply next year, encourage them to research courses early and keep track of any deadlines or admissions changes.