Clearing advice for parents and carers
For parents and carers, results day can be an emotional and fast-moving day, especially if you’re supporting someone who is going through Clearing. Your support can make a huge difference.
If your child, family member, or someone you support didn’t get the results they expected, has changed their plans since applying, or is making their first university application now, Clearing is a normal and well-established route into higher education. Thousands of students use it every year to find the right course and university for them.
What is Clearing?
Clearing is UCAS process that helps students find a university place if they didn’t get the grades for their firm or insurance choice, have changed their mind about their original choice, or haven’t yet applied to university.
You can use Clearing if you:
- Didn't receive any university offers
- Didn't meet the conditions of your offers (for example, your exam grades were lower than required)
- Applied after the main UCAS deadline
- Declined your offers and want to look for a different course
- Changed your mind about where or what you want to study
Before Results Day
Before the day arrives, encourage your young person to explore different options, consider alternative courses that interest them, and keep important information, such as their UCAS details, to hand. Having open conversations about the different routes into higher education can help reduce pressure and ensure they feel prepared and confident, whatever their situation.
You can help them by:
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Understanding how Clearing works
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Encouraging them to join our Early Access Club for priority access, updates and support ahead of results day
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Researching alternative courses and universities
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Saving UCAS IDs and important contact details
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Making a list of courses they may be interested in
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Discussing accommodation and commuting options
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Reassuring them that there are multiple routes into higher education
On Results Day
Results day can be an emotional rollercoaster for students and their families. There may be excitement, relief, nerves, disappointment, uncertainty or a combination of all these feelings as plans begin to take shape.
If your young person doesn't get the grades they expect, or is going through Clearing for other reasons, expect the day to feel busy and fast-paced.
How you can help
- Remain calm and listen to their concerns
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Help them explore universities and keep track of available Clearing courses and their UCAS codes
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Help them calculate their UCAS tariff points
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Help them research accommodation options
- Take notes during calls if they ask
- Make sure they have food, water, and breaks
- Encourage them to speak for themselves when contacting universities, as we can only discuss applications and make offers directly with applicants
As a parent or carer, one of the most valuable things you can do is remain calm, listen, and provide reassurance. Your support can help them stay focused and confident while they explore their options and make decisions about their next steps.
Key things to remember
- Clearing is a normal part of the admissions process
- Thousands of students secure university places through Clearing every year
- A different path does not mean a worse outcome – it can open new possibilities, opportunities and experiences
- Staying calm and focused helps students make better decisions
Results day is just one step in the journey. Whether they receive their first-choice place or apply somewhere new through Clearing, your support can help them navigate the next steps with confidence.
What our students say
"Clearing allowed me to find my niche here at º£½ÇÂÒÂ×. The amount of industry connections I've made means I've got the experience I need for my next step. º£½ÇÂÒÂ× set me on a path that I didn't think could be mine, but it ended up being exactly that."
Sara secured her place at the º£½ÇÂÒÂ× through Clearing. Discover her story and hear from other students who joined us through Clearing, including their advice for anyone going through the process.
Questions parents and carers often ask
Whether you're supporting a child, family member or someone you care for, it's natural to have questions about the Clearing process. Here are answers to some of the questions parents and carers ask most often.
Common questions from parents and carers
Can I speak to the university on their behalf?
Universities need to speak directly with the applicant, as they are responsible for making decisions about their application. However, you can support them by helping to gather information, taking notes during calls and discussing their options afterwards.
How quickly do students need to decide?
There isn't a fixed deadline for students to accept a Clearing offer. However, some courses can fill up quickly, so we recommend encouraging your child to contact the universities they are most interested in as soon as possible.
Once they have received a verbal offer, students can take the time they need to make an informed decision. However, it's worth bearing in mind that course availability can change, particularly as universities get closer to registration, so they should consider this when making a choice.
What information should they have ready?
It's helpful to have their exam results, UCAS ID (if they have already made a university application), contact details, and the names of any courses they're interested in to hand. They may also find it useful to calculate their UCAS tariff points before contacting universities. Having this information ready can make conversations with universities smoother.
Can they change their mind later?
Yes. Receiving a verbal offer does not commit a student to studying at a particular university. Students should only submit a Clearing application once they have received a verbal offer and decided it is the right choice for them.
If your child has already applied or accepted an offer and their circumstances change, contact our Admissions team on +44 (0)300 555 5030 (option 1) as soon as possible to discuss the options available.
What if I have other questions about Clearing?
If you can't find the information you're looking for, take a look at our Clearing 2026 FAQs and How Clearing Works guides. They include detailed information about the Clearing process, key dates and what to expect before, during and after Results Day.
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Applications can be made through Clearing by contacting our friendly team. Calling is the quickest way to speak to an adviser and secure an offer. Students can contact the team on +44 (0)300 555 5030.
If calling isn't possible right now, they can request a callback or apply online. Once we've received their details, we'll be in touch within one working day, or sooner.