UCAS is matching the results sent by examination boards to applicants, and then forwarding them to universities and colleges to make decisions on offers and places. Most students will find out if they have been successful in securing their university place on 14 August.

For those students that don't get the grades that they need all is not lost. Clearing is the UCAS system used by applicants who have not managed to secure a place at university or college for the current year.

Last year 9.3% (2,203) of accepted university students from the East Midlands were able to find a university place through Clearing.

In Derbyshire alone, 6.8% of students accepted onto a course got there through clearing.


What should students considering Clearing do?

First of all don't panic, but do be prepared to be flexible on your options. Read through the information at ucas.com/clearing to find out how Clearing works and for helpful advice.

Look on Track at ucas.com to check the status of your application and to get your Clearing number if you become eligible - you will also be sent a Clearing Passport.

Make sure that you're available to speak to universities and colleges - treat your Clearing application like a job application - deal with it yourself! Don't leave it to your parents or friends to sort out.

Start contacting the universities and colleges about the courses that interest you as soon as you can. A university or college that is interested in you will ask for details such as your Clearing number and your application number. You will probably also be asked questions about your exam results.

Vacancies will be listed at ucas.com and also in the Independent from 14 August. Make sure that the content of the course meets your needs, and check the entry requirements.

If you are accepted onto a course, the university or college will contact UCAS and the offer will be displayed on Track.

If you need help applying through Clearing or have a query about your application, you can contact the UCAS helpline on 0871 468 0 468 – opening hours below.

For expert, independent advice on applying for university or college, taking time out or choosing to enter employment speak to a specially trained advisor on the Exam Results Helpline - just call 0808 100 8000.

Phone line opening hours:

UCAS 0871 468 0 468

Sat 16 Aug
9.00am - 5.00pm

Mon 11 Aug
8.30am - 6.00pm

Sun 17 Aug
10.00am - 5.00pm

Tue 12 Aug
8.30am - 6.00pm

Mon 18 Aug – Fri 22
8.30am - 6.00pm

Wed 13 Aug
8.30am - 6.00pm

Sat 23 Aug
10.00am - 2.00pm

Thu 14 Aug
8.00am - 8.00pm

Mon 24 Aug BH
10.00am - 2.00pm

Fri 15 Aug
8.00am - 8.00pm

Tue 25 Aug as normal
8.30am - 6.00pm


Exam Results Helpline 0808 100 8000

Thu 14 Aug
8.00am - 8.00pm

Fri 15 Aug
8.00am - 8.00pm

All other times until 23 Aug
10.00am - 6.00pm