Confused about UK Clearing? Discover everything you need to know in our Q&A along with some top tips to navigate Clearing with confidence from Adam D’Arcy, an ex school counsellor…

What Happens if I Miss My Offer? Understanding Clearing and Your Students Next Steps 

Nobody plans for the worst to happen. Going into IB and A-Level exam season, it’s vital to prepare your students as best you can for success and to instigate their study plans – this will give them the best chance of achieving the grades required for their UCAS Firm choice. However, it’s important to recognise that there are always uncontrollable circumstances – an unexpected cold, bad traffic before an exam – that could lead to them not performing their best. 

Remember: missing out on their preferred Firm or Insurance choices isn’t the end of the road. When considering their options in the UK, there’s always the opportunity for students to secure a place through Clearing. 

What is Clearing?  

Clearing is the process that allows UK universities to accept applications when they have places unfilled on certain degree programmes. There are many variables that dictate which universities have Clearing places, and which courses have the places. Universities themselves may not know which degree programmes will have Clearing places until exam results have been released and they get a full picture of how many applicants have achieved their conditional offer.  

Students who have not achieved the conditions of their Firm or Insurance offer and have been declined in UCAS are able to apply for Clearing places. If they miss their Firm or Insurance conditions, they may not be declined right away – some universities can be flexible on Results Day if students miss their conditions by a small margin. In the case of IB Diploma or IB Career-Related Programme candidates, there’s the possibility that universities will ask them to wait 39 days until A-Level results are released.  

Most UK universities will publish a Clearing Hotline number so students can speak to them directly on Results Day. They can find these numbers on the Clearing Hub.  

Why do students go through Clearing?  

Missed Entry Requirements

The main reason students use the Clearing system is because they have missed both their Firm and Insurance conditions and have been declined by both. If they are still keen to attend university in September, these students can review the Clearing Hub to find opportunities.  

We always recommend students speak to the university directly before they make it their Clearing choice. Remember: they only get one Clearing option!  

Changed Their Mind

Even if they hold a Firm or Insurance option, with Clearing they are still able to change their mind. Students can “self-release” in the UCAS system, meaning they can decline both their offers and go into Clearing. Obviously, there are risks involved here! They need to be sure they have found a course in Clearing that they will definitely be accepted onto.

As an international student, students also need to understand how this will impact their visa application to enter the UK!

Applying After the Deadline

For many reasons, students may choose not to apply to university in their final year of high school. Maybe they are planning a gap year, or maybe they wanted to focus entirely on their studies. With Clearing, it’s not too late to secure a UK university place in September. You can set up a UCAS account (remembering to add your high school’s Buzzword) and apply “straight to Clearing”.  

What are their other options?  

Take a gap year: If their parents/guardians agree, students may wish to take a gap year and apply again for 2026 entry. They could gain valuable work experience, resit certain exams or explore different opportunities and apply with grades they’ve already achieved, rather than predicted grades for 2026.  

Consider alternative pathways: Students may wish to consider alternative entry routes to university through international colleges or foundation programmes. If they are eligible, they might want to research degree apprenticeship opportunities. 

How to Navigate Clearing Successfully 

Tip To No.1: Stay Calm & Check UCAS Track

Encourage students to review their options carefully before making any decisions. 

Top Tip No.2: Research Available Courses

Use BridgeU’s Clearing Hub to explore alternative universities and courses with students that match their interests and qualifications. 

Top Tip No. 3: Act Fast, But Thoughtfully

Encourage your students to contact universities directly as soon as possible. Places can fill up quickly! 

Top Tip No. 4: Prepare for Clearing Calls & Interviews

Emphasise the importance of good preparation with your students – they should have exam results, and questions ready when speaking to university representatives. 

Final Thoughts 

Missing out on their initial offer can feel discouraging to students, but there are still plenty of opportunities for them to find a suitable alternative. Clearing is a second chance to secure a university place that aligns with your students goals and aspirations. Yet if they do their research and use the resources available on our platform, they can make informed and considered choices about this crucial next stage in their journey.