We realise results day can be just as stressful for parents as it is for students. Knowing the effort that your child put into their studies (good or bad) can lead to an uneasy night's sleep for everyone in the household the night before results day, so we've got some information to make your child's options easier to understand.
Lots of factors on results day could lead to your child entering Clearing; they might not quite have got the grades for their first choice uni, or they might decide they want to go to a different university or want to study a different course.
Clearing can be confusing, and not just for students. We've put together a guide to help you support your students before, during and after results day.
What is Clearing?
Clearing offers your child a chance to find a full-time undergraduate course to start this September. Many students find their university place through Clearing, so they wouldn’t be alone in exploring their options.
How does Clearing work?
A university will publish a list of the courses which have places available to start in the coming September. We list our Clearing courses from the beginning of July. As soon as your child has their exam results, they can apply for the course either online or by calling the university’s Clearing hotline which opens on A Level Results Day.
If they have the required exam results for the course, they can be made an offer in Clearing. Once they have been made an offer, they will receive an email from the university which explains what they need to do next to accept their offer and make arrangements for student finance or accommodation if they need it.
Your child can contact multiple universities to see what their options are.
Who is Clearing for?
There are many reasons why your child might want to apply for university in Clearing:
- Their exam results aren't what they expected
- They decide to apply at the last minute
- They change their mind about the course they've already applied for
- Their exam results are better than they expected and they want to explore other options
How can you help?
1. Before results day
- Be prepared - know when and where you child can collect their results.
- Have a backup plan - If your child is feeling nervous about their results, you could encourage them to look at other universities or courses they would be interested in. See what courses are available and make a note of them as well as the number to call on results day. Sign up for free Clearing updates and advice.
- Reassure them - Remind your child that you're proud of them no matter what happens on results day and that there are always options.
Find a course in Clearing
See what courses are currently available through Clearing.
2. During results day
- Be supportive - If they get the results they need but decide they want to change course or university through Clearing, back their decision. You can still share your opinion on what they do next but if their first choice isn’t for them any more, that’s their call.
- Let them take the lead - Universities will need to talk to your child over the phone to process their application, so let them do the talking. You can still be there to support them but remind them that making a call isn't scary and that our hotline workers are there to help, sign up for Clearing updates and we'll send tips to help prepare for the call.
3. After results day
- Discuss their options - offer unbiased help for your child to choose which university and course is right for them. If you can, attend a Clearing Open Day or take a virtual tour to see if it's a good fit. Weigh up the pros and cons of each option to help them make a decision.
- Help them to digest the information - Your child may have received a lot of information from different universities, help them organise the information and follow the next steps recommended by the university they've chosen.
- Don't rush but keep an eye on the deadline - your child will have 2 hours to accept their place with most universities. Remind them not to rush into a decision but to confirm on time.
Once they have accepted, your child has got a uni place! You can now help them by preparing to start their studies. Make sure they apply for accommodation and look into the appropriate student finance.
Lastly, reward yourself. After all, you’ve made it through Clearing with them!
