You’re probably feeling anxious as your child awaits their A Level/BTEC results, and this is completely understandable. We’ve got some top tips for parents and carers to help your child navigate their results day.
Reassurance
A lot of students will be worrying if they have done enough to get the grades they need to get into their chosen university. Reassure your child beforehand that they have done the best they can and it’s not the end of the world if they don’t achieve their expected grades.
Each year tens of thousands of students get their university places through Clearing, and this year will be no different. UCAS Clearing is available and shows all the university places that are available across all universities and subject areas.
Our Clearing Team have a group of dedicated careers advisers. They're on hand to help your child choose a course that's right for them. Simply call us on +44 (0)1772 830777 and we’ll be happy to talk through options. We offer support and places to those who didn’t achieve their expected grades or have changed their mind about their university or course choices.
Some universities (including us) will make live offers via social media, so this is another route to pursue.
Help your child through the day
We have Foundation Entry courses available for those who don’t quite have the grades needed so this could be another route in. It’s important to remain calm and explore alternative universities and courses that are in Clearing. Phone lines may be busy so they may need to be prepared for a wait.
Encourage your child to explore alternative courses offered in Clearing at other universities. They can do this by checking university websites to see what’s available and making a note of their telephone number. Your child will need to have:
- Their exam results
- Personal UCAS ID number
- Login details for UCAS
- Any UCAS codes for Clearing courses they are interested in
- A pen and paper
- A fully charged phone
- A quiet space for making the calls
Being prepared beforehand will help with making any decisions on the morning of Results Day.
There are still plenty of options to be considered including:
- Accepting their insurance place
- Applying to different universities through Clearing
- Retaking A Levels
- Reapplying for next year
They may feel uncomfortable about another university that they hadn’t considered earlier but many universities will have campus tours available in person and online, if they feel they need to visit before making a firm decision. If they need advice, they can always talk to someone at college too for guidance.
Related information
How Clearing works
Confused about Clearing? Our guide to Clearing is here to help you prepare, so you can apply with confidence.
Clearing next steps
Applied through Clearing and wondering what happens next? Let us take you through your next steps. From student finance and accommodation, to preparing for university life.
Parents and carers guide to university
From applications to accommodation, help your child take the next step as a university student with our comprehensive parents and carers guide to university.
