A-level results: what now – Clearing, retakes or something new?

Clearing is the process that matches unfilled university places with students.

You can often get onto a different course through Clearing if you :

• don’t make your grades
• have done better than expected or
• have changed your mind

Try and get to grips with the Clearing process before results day so you’re on the front foot when Clearing opens.

Over the summer, you can register for Clearing Plus and identify other courses and universities you like. Universities will contact you directly if space is available.

Take your time – do read through the information before diving straight in.

See the UCAS Clearing FAQs for more details.

If you think your grade is wrong, there is an appeals process you can follow. But beware – grades can go down as well as up!

The first step is to speak to your school.

Find out more about how reviews and appeals work.

Didn’t give your studies your best shot? Feel you could do much better second time round? Retakes could be the answer. You may be able to repeat a year at your existing school or college, or find this option is offered by other colleges in your area.

Look into evening or remote learning courses. It’s often possible to combine your retakes with a part-time job or work experience, which may give you an advantage later.

Taking some time away from education can give you breathing space to work out what you really want, try new things and take stock.

A fresh perspective gained from traveling, volunteering or work, may help you find a more fitting path than continuing your studies without a break. And a gap year can be a lot of fun too.

University isn’t the only choice – take a look at higher and degree apprenticeships which offer pathways to careers often followed by graduates. And investigate other courses, training schemes and job vacancies. You may find an option that suits you better than the standard university route.

Speak to a careers adviser or check out sites such as Not Going to Uni for more information.

With most degree courses now offering virtual learning components, distance-learning could be a natural next step. The Open University offers full-time and part-time courses which means you can study where and when you want.

Some universities allow you to defer your university place after exam results. So if you’ve got the grades you need but now feel you want to take a year out before starting your course, contact the university direct to see if this might be possible. You will need to explain the reasons for your late request (the standard time to apply for deferred entry is with your application) and it is not always an option. Alternatively, you can decide not to accept your place this year and can apply again to start next year (but there’s no guarantee you will get the same offers).

UCAS has more details on deferring entry after exam results.

Eight questions to help decide if university is your next step

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What is an apprenticeship and where can it lead?

Find out where to get help and support, whatever your problem or issue.