A Level Results Day & Clearing

Preparing for Results Day

A Level Results Day takes place on Thursday 14 August 2025. For Year 13 students applying to university, decisions will be available early that morning on UCAS Hub.

We know this can be an exciting but also anxious time. Whatever your results, there are always opportunities and next steps available to you. Our team will be on hand to provide support, guidance, and reassurance throughout the process.

If you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, UCAS operates Clearing, which helps students find a suitable course with available places.

“Results Day felt daunting, but with the right support and advice, I realised there were lots of positive pathways open to me.”

Sixth Form student

What is UCAS Clearing?

Clearing is a UCAS service that matches students with university courses that still have spaces after A Level results are published.

The video below explains Clearing in more detail.

UCAS guide to Clearing Video

You may be eligible for UCAS Clearing if:

You didn’t receive any university offers
You didn’t meet the conditions of your offers
You applied after 30 June 2025

Key facts about UCAS Clearing:

Clearing opens on 5 July and runs until 20 October 2025
If you are eligible, a Clearing ID will appear in your UCAS Hub on results day
You can then contact universities directly to discuss available places

Last year, over 30,000 courses were listed in Clearing – there are plenty of opportunities.

The video below explains the processes of making a plan in more detail.

Unifrog Plan of action video

Before Results Day

Be Prepared

The best way to approach Clearing is with a calm, organised plan:

Make a list of possible courses, universities, and locations you would be happy to consider.
Use Unifrog to research options ahead of time.
Familiarise yourself with the Clearing process through guides and videos.
Talk through your options with family, friends, or your teachers.

Having a plan in place will help you feel confident and avoid making rushed decisions.

A Step by Step Guide to Clearing

Step 1: Check UCAS Hub

Log in from 8:00am to see your status
If you haven’t met your conditions, your status will change to Unsuccessful
If you are eligible for Clearing, you will be given a Clearing Number

Step 2: Research Available Courses

Use the UCAS Clearing Search Tool – new courses are added regularly
Stay calm and take your time – think carefully about each option
Consider similar or related courses that could lead to the same career outcome
Remember there are also alternatives such as apprenticeships, gap years, or foundation years

Step 3: Make Your Calls

Prepare a shortlist with university names, phone numbers, and course details
Call universities directly – they will only speak to the applicant, not parents
Find a quiet place with a good signal before calling
Be polite, confident, and enthusiastic – universities want to help you succeed
Be ready with your UCAS ID, Clearing Number, results, and a few clear reasons why you are interested in their course

Step 4: Add Your Clearing Choice

Once you receive an offer you are happy with, log into UCAS Hub
Select “Add Clearing Choice” and enter the details
When confirmed, your place is secure

“I didn’t get my first choice, but Clearing helped me find a course that turned out to be an even better fit.”