Higher Education Applications Guide 4
2026
Contents
– Key Dates
– Confirmation and Clearing: The Essentials
– What is Clearing?
– Why Everyone Should Take a Look at Clearing
– What You Need to Prepare for Clearing
– On the Day: Clearing
– What to Expect on Results Day
– Atmosphere
– Timing
– Receiving Results
– Support Available
– Practicalities
– Peer Interaction
– Keeping Perspective
– Different Confirmation Decisions
– Conditions Met
– Conditions Exceeded
– Conditions Not Met
– Unsuccessful Applicants
– Commitments During Confirmation
– Results Day Checklist
Confirmation and Clearing: The Essentials
Confirmation and Clearing 2026
What is Clearing?
Clearing allows students to apply for unfilled university places. It is available if:
• No offers were received or accepted.
• Conditions of offers were not met.
• Students wish to apply for a different university/course.
Why Everyone Should Take a Look at Clearing
1. Unexpected Changes in Results – Provides a backup plan.
2. Better Opportunities – Some high-ranking courses enter Clearing.
3. Flexibility – Allows students to reconsider choices.
4. Safety Net – Understanding Clearing reduces stress.
5. Adjustment for Overachievers – Exceeded results can unlock better options.
6. Insight into Demand – Helps students gauge competitiveness.
7. Avoiding Regrets – A chance to realign goals.
8. Maximising Options – Some universities release extra places.
How Clearing Works
• Students must contact universities directly.
• Be prepared by researching available courses.
• Stay calm and ready for action on Results Day.
• Have UCAS details and course preferences ready.
• Seek advice before making final decisions.
What You Need to Prepare for Clearing
• University Contact Details – Hotline numbers for Clearing.
• Personal Statement Review – Revisit your motivations.
• Course Preferences – Have course titles and codes handy.
• Grade Information – Know your results before calling.
On the Day: Clearing
• Contact universities directly.
• Universities may make verbal offers these must be added to UCAS within the deadline they provide.
• Compare multiple offers before making a decision.
• We are here to support you in those conversations!
• Be prepared by researching available courses.
• Stay calm and ready for action on Results Day.
• Have UCAS details and course preferences ready.
• Seek advice before making final decisions.
What to Expect on Results Day
Atmosphere
Expect a mix of excitement, nerves, and anticipation. Teachers and staff will be available for guidance and support.
Timing
We will let you know when to come in to collect your results. If you are not available to come in, please make sure you are available to make contact with school via phone easily, should you need urgent advice.
Receiving Results
Results will be given in envelopes and also available on the portal.
Support Available
• Subject Teachers – Discuss your exam grades and scores if necessary, will help with advice on re-marking/re-sitting.
• University Advisory Team – Assistance with Clearing or help for students who need guidance on their options.
Practicalities
Bring necessary documents: UCAS login details, a phone or laptop (fully charged), and any university correspondence.
Peer Interaction
Sharing the experience with friends can help with processing emotions and decisions.
Keep Perspective
Results are just one step in your journey - many pathways lead to success.
Different Confirmation Decisions
Conditions of Offer Met
• Placed at firm choice (UF) or insurance choice (UI).
• Application status updates will confirm final placement.
Conditions Exceeded
• Students exceeding their offers can decline their place and apply through Clearing.
Conditions Not Met
• Universities may still accept students, but some may offer alternative courses or deferment.
Unsuccessful Applicants
• Applicants are entered into Clearing and can use Clearing Plus for personalised matches.
Commitments During Confirmation
• If students change their mind after confirmation, they must contact the university or decline their place through UCAS.
Results Day Checklist
Before the Day
• Research university options in advance.
• Identify backup choices and their requirements.
• Review previous applications and reconsider offers.
On the Day
• Bring UCAS details and essential documents.
• Have a plan for next steps based on your results.
• Stay in touch with teachers for guidance.
• Contact universities for Clearing if necessary.
Final Reminder
• Do not update your UCAS application before speaking with the University Advisory Team!
