What happens if you miss your grades? A guide to Clearing

Results day can feel overwhelming, especially if your grades aren't what you expected.

If you missed the conditions of your university offer, you're not out of options. Every year, thousands of students use Clearing to secure places on degree courses across the UK.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is a UCAS process that matches students without a university place to courses with spaces available.

It opens in July each year and runs until October, although the busiest period is immediately after A-level results day in August.

You may enter Clearing if:

• You did not meet the conditions of your offer
• You did not receive any university offers
• You declined your existing offers
• You applied after the main UCAS deadline

Courses available through Clearing include full degree programmes at universities across the UK, many with spaces specifically reserved for results day applicants.

What to do if you miss your grades

The first step is to check your UCAS application. If you are eligible for Clearing, you will see the option to add a Clearing choice and receive a Clearing number.

Before contacting universities, take some time to think carefully about your next steps.

Ask yourself:

• Do you still want to study the same subject?
• Would a related course suit you better?
• Are you open to studying in a different location?
• What matters most to you in a university experience?

Being flexible can give you more options, but you should still choose a course you feel genuinely interested in.

Use the UCAS search tool to explore available courses. Compare course content, entry requirements, location, placement opportunities, and student support before making any decisions.

Clearing checklist

Before calling universities, make sure you have:

• Your UCAS ID number
• Your Clearing number
• Your exam results
• A list of courses you are interested in
• A pen, paper, or notes app ready during calls

What happens during a Clearing call?

Once you find a course you are interested in, contact the university’s Clearing hotline directly.

The admissions team will usually ask about:

• Your grades
• Why you are interested in the course
• Your future goals or career interests

The conversation is normally informal and designed to understand whether the course is the right fit for you.

If the university decides to offer you a place, they may give you a verbal offer during the call.

You do not have to accept immediately. Take time to compare your options and choose the university that feels right for you.

What if your grades are better than expected?

If you performed better than expected, you may be able to apply for a different course or university through UCAS’s post-results application process.

Places can fill quickly after results day, so it is important to research your options and act promptly if you are considering a change.

Should you take a gap year instead?

Taking a gap year is also a valid option.

A year out can give you time to:

• Reapply through the standard UCAS cycle
• Retake exams
• Gain work experience
• Travel or volunteer
• Think more carefully about what you want to study

For some students, going through Clearing is the right decision. For others, taking additional time before university is more beneficial.

The most important thing is not to rush into a course simply because you feel pressure to have a plan immediately.

What about student finance?

Your student finance is not affected by applying through Clearing.

Tuition fee loans and maintenance loans are still available as long as you apply through Student Finance England in the usual way.

If your university choice changes late in the process, Student Finance England can update your application accordingly.

Explore Clearing at UEL

If you are considering Clearing, the University of East London offers a wide range of undergraduate courses and support throughout the application process.

You can speak directly with advisers, explore available courses, and find guidance on accommodation, finance, and student life.

Explore UEL Clearing courses.