Students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving their A-level results today, after months of study. For many, the grades will confirm their university places.
How Clearing Works
Clearing is the process universities and colleges use to fill remaining course places. It is available to students who did not meet their offer conditions, received no offers, changed their mind about what to study, or applied outside the normal window.
From July 2 until October 18, 2026, applicants who do not already hold an offer can apply for courses with vacancies. UCAS states: "we'll match you to courses you may be interested in, using what we know about you from your application, and what universities and colleges are looking for."
What to Do on Results Day
More than 50,000 students secure places through Clearing each year, while others choose apprenticeships, internships, gap years, or employment. Students can contact universities directly to ask about acceptance. Once an offer is made, it can be added to the UCAS application. On results day, choices can be added from 1pm via the UCAS Hub.
For Clearing calls, students need their UCAS number, Clearing number, and new exam grades. Even without required grades, universities may still offer a place. The first step is to speak to your school or college and preferred university.
Options If You Miss Grades
Alternatives include taking a gap year, entering work, or resitting exams at school, college, sixth-form, or online. Specialist independent colleges can also help but are more expensive. In the UK, A-level subject resits are capped at four attempts, except for subjects like maths and English. Resitting incurs course and exam fees, which vary by institution.
If you suspect a marking error, appealing your grade is an option. The exam board will reassess your work and decide if corrections are needed.
