Hundreds of thousands of students across England and Wales will receive their A-level results this week. For those who miss their grades, exceed expectations, or change their minds, Clearing offers a route to university.
What is Clearing?
Mark Blenkinsop, Director of UK Student Engagement and Recruitment at Coventry University Group, explains: “Clearing is how universities and colleges advertise the courses with spaces available that you can apply to join.” Historically, it helped students who missed grades find alternatives, but now it supports many students in finding the right course, whether they did better than expected, didn't meet conditions, changed their mind, or are applying for the first time.
How to find a place
Think about the subject and location you want, research courses and universities, and check availability. The UCAS website provides information on courses and campuses. Once you've narrowed choices, contact the university's Clearing team. If you meet requirements, you may receive an offer; if not, they'll help find alternatives. Coventry University can be reached at 02476 888 888, WhatsApp 07984 423204, or via their online form.
Universities offer a wide range of courses through Clearing, some requiring specific subjects, experience, or interviews. Coventry University Group offers multiple start dates, including November, so you can begin soon. Most campus-based courses use six-week blocks, focusing on one module at a time with regular assessment.
Changing your mind
If you hold a place elsewhere but want to transfer, you can decline your place via UCAS Hub from 8am on results day, releasing you into Clearing. But ensure the new university has space first. If you want to stay but change course, contact the university instead of declining. If you've done better than expected, you can use Clearing to change university or course.
Clearing is also open to those who haven't applied before. You can apply after 30 June through Clearing, register with UCAS, and contact universities. Coventry offers a Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA) for direct application.
Clearing Plus and key dates
Clearing Plus is a UCAS Hub feature for unplaced applicants, showing matched courses based on grades and preferences. You can confirm interest, and universities may contact you. Clearing opened for 2026 entry on July 2. A-level, T-level, and BTEC Level 3 results are announced on Thursday, August 13. The last date to add a Clearing choice for 2026 entry is October 19, though multiple start dates offer flexibility.
