Take a look at how to approach Clearing for your young person to give them confidence as they start their university journey
We know that applying through Clearing can feel overwhelming - and not just for our loved ones - plans might have changed and they might feel like they need to make decisions quickly. We're here to show that Clearing is a very normal process and gives your young person access to the same opportunities - with plenty of support from us.
Clearing - the basics
Clearing gives students another opportunity to find the best course for them at university – whether they’ve changed their mind, their results surprised them or they’re just starting to think about going to university this year.
If the student isn’t signed up to the UCAS system yet, that's fine. They don't need a UCAS application to access these services and they can apply directly to us using our dedicated Clearing application form. You can find this on your chosen course page once Clearing opens on the 2 July.
What actually is Clearing?
Clearing is part of the UCAS application process to help students find a course to apply to after the main UCAS deadline has closed and once they have received their results.
Students can apply through Clearing at any time once it's open on 2 July 2026 and they have their results.
If they're waiting for Results Day to find out their grades, your young person can sign up to Priority Clearing for exclusive information and a dedicate Hotline, to speak to us anytime about their options.
Isn't Clearing for when you don't get your first choice?
Not necessarily - Clearing is a great opportunity for your young person to find the right course and university for them. Students go through Clearing for a variety of reasons including:
- changing their mind about what to study
- wanting to attend a different university
- having different grades from what they expected
- applying to UCAS after the initial deadline
- not receiving offers that they wanted to accept
Our Clearing Hub is full of information about the circumstances that might mean applying through Clearing and handy guides through accommodation, student finance and our clearing checklist to help them prepare.
How do students apply through Clearing?
All our courses available in Clearing will be displayed on our website - although it's best to phone our team to get the latest course advice.
To get a place on one of our Clearing courses, the student will need to give us a call. Our Admissions team will ask them some questions and help them with their application for their chosen course.
When they call us, they will need to have their qualifications, UCAS ID Number (if relevant) and Clearing number (available in their UCAS application) to hand. Reassure them that if they have not used UCAS this year, that’s fine as they can still call us. We're here to help.
What happens on Results Day?
Results Day is a big day, and the student may be looking for some reassurance. If you can, free up your day to be with them to celebrate their successes together or to listen to any concerns they may have.
If your student doesn't get the results they hoped for, remind them that they don’t need to rush to decide. They have time. Encourage them to take a step back and assess their options.
We hope the Clearing advice for parents and supporters in this guide will help you figure out the next steps. You can also find out more about the Clearing process by signing up for our live Clearing webinar.
Will they be treated differently?
Not at all - students who join us through Clearing are treated the same way as everyone else, no matter how they applied.
Once their place is confirmed they'll become a full member of the university community and will attend the same lectures, use the same student support services and have access to the same accommodation.
Many students arrive at university without anyone even knowing they came through Clearing.
What support will they get?
We know that applying through Clearing might mean that your young person could need extra reassurance and guidance. We have a range of on hand for students from student finance to disability support and helping them settle into university life.
Our Admissions team are also on hand to answer questions throughout the Clearing process and our current students are free to answer any questions on our UniBuddy community.
Top Tips for Clearing
Your reaction is likely to shape how your young person feels - calm reassurance goes a long way so here's how you can stay on top of the Clearing process to help students thrive:
Prepare in advance
Have important details ready before Results Day - whether it's printed or bookmarked these are handy to keep close to you on the day itself:
- UCAS information (including login details)
- Exam results (including GCSE results)
- Contact numbers for Clearing
- Student finance details
Avoid panic decisions
It's important that students take time to think carefully before accepting an offer - make sure they've researched the university they're interested in and can really see themselves there.
Encourage independence
It's easier for universities to speak directly with the student themselves - it helps to confirm that the decision is their own and they can answer any questions. Sometimes the caller on the other line can also give advice about the university including societies, accommodation and what it's like to live there. Supporting from the side can help build their confidence while showing support.
Our friendly Clearing hotline can tell your student about life outside of studies as well as their options during Clearing.
Keep an open mind
Your young person might be offered a different course than what they were planning to apply for - sometimes these courses can suit them better than their original choice. It can be helpful to keep an open mind to discover even more options than what they expected initially.
Want some more experiences of Clearing?
Take a look at some of the students that have gone through Clearing and how they found the process...
