UCAS Clearing made calm
Whatever your A-Level results say today, you have good options. Use our decision helper to find your next step — then get expert help with retakes, admissions tests and reapplication.
What happened with your results?
Pick the option that fits, and we'll show you exactly what to do next.
Pick the option that matches your results to see your next steps.
What is Clearing?
Clearing is how UCAS matches students who don't yet hold a place to university courses that still have vacancies. It runs from early July until late October and is busiest on results day. Every year tens of thousands of students — including many with great grades — find their place this way.
The single most important thing: don't panic. You have until late October, and a rushed decision is rarely the right one.
Live vacancies are always on the official UCAS Clearing search and university websites.
You're eligible for Clearing if…
- You didn't receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept)
- You didn't meet the conditions of your firm and insurance offers
- You're applying after 30 June
- You declined your firm place using 'decline my place' in the UCAS Hub
- You did better than expected and want to self-release for a different course
How Clearing works
Four steps from results morning to a confirmed place.
Check your UCAS Hub
On results morning your status updates. You may already be accepted — or a university may offer you an alternative course before you do anything else.
Get your Clearing number
If you're eligible, the Hub shows a Clearing number. You'll also see Clearing Plus matches — courses UCAS thinks suit your grades.
Search vacancies & call universities
Use the official UCAS Clearing search and university websites to find open places, then phone the universities directly. Have your grades and Clearing number ready.
Get a verbal offer, then add it
Once a university gives you a verbal 'yes', add it as your Clearing choice in the UCAS Hub — one at a time. When they confirm, the place is yours.
Clearing 2026 timeline
Dates follow the standard UCAS cycle — always confirm exact deadlines on ucas.com.
Make your next step your strongest
We don't place you in Clearing — we make sure whatever you choose next actually works out.
A-Level retakes
Missed a grade? A focused term of one-to-one tuition often lifts it decisively for a stronger reapplication.
Retake tutoringAdmissions tests
Trading up or reapplying to a course that needs a TMUA, ESAT, TARA or MAT/STEP? We prepare you fast.
Admissions test prepPersonal statement
Reapplying next cycle? We help you rework your statement for the new three-question UCAS format.
Personal statement helpClearing & results day questions
What is UCAS Clearing?
Clearing is the process that matches students without a confirmed university place to courses that still have vacancies. It runs from early July until late October, and is busiest on A-Level results day. You're eligible if you don't hold an offer, didn't meet your offer conditions, or are applying late.
I missed my grades — have I definitely lost my place?
Not necessarily. Always check the UCAS Hub first: universities often still accept students who narrowly miss, or offer an alternative course. If not, Clearing lets you approach other universities with vacancies. A resit and reapplication is also a strong route back to your original goal — that's where our A-Level tutoring comes in.
I did better than expected — can I trade up?
UCAS replaced 'Adjustment' in 2021. Instead you can 'self-release into Clearing' to look for a course with higher entry requirements. Only self-release once you have a verbal offer you're happy to accept, because it gives up your current confirmed place.
Does Beyond Tutors place students into Clearing?
No — Clearing vacancies are handled by UCAS and the universities themselves, and you should always use the official UCAS Clearing search. What we do is help you make the right decision on the day, and prepare you for retakes, admissions tests and reapplication so your next step is your strongest.
Should I go through Clearing or resit and reapply?
It depends on how far you are from your target and how much the specific course matters to you. Clearing gets you to university this year; a resit and reapplication can get you to the course you originally wanted. We're happy to talk it through honestly on a free call — there's no pressure to book anything.
Not sure what to do next? Talk it through with us — no pressure, no obligation.
Book a free results-day chat