Clearing 2023 Is Open

It's not too late! In uncertain times it is comforting to know that there is help out there so you can make sense of your A-Level results and assess your university options.

Generally speaking, students use UCAS Clearing because they don't quite meet the entry requirements for their preferred course. But this year, perhaps more than ever students have been using it to help them find places where they feel most comfortable. They might be feeling a little anxious or unsure about moving away to university and wanted to find places a little closer to home.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is managed by UCAS and is what universities and colleges use to help students find a place when they didn’t quite land a spot on their first choice University.

Clearing is open now until 20th October and allows you to apply for a course if you're not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has places. You can use Clearing if you're only just applying to university (anything after 30th June), you didn't receive any offers, you didn't meet the entry criteria, or you declined your offer.

Thinking of using Clearing? Read our top tips:

Utilise our careers team - they're here to help.

If things didn’t go to plan on results day then our friendly careers team is here to support and guide you. They are able to chat through all your options with you. There are also UCAS advisors available on the phone until Oct 20th.

The clearing helpline number is 030 300 39350.

Check out your options on UCAS.

If you're really not sure about moving away to university, Clearing is open now so you can browse all of the available courses on UCAS.com. However, if you currently hold an offer, you will need to self-release into Clearing. There is nothing wrong with keeping your options open, but make sure there are places available before declining any offers as you could end up without a place altogether.

If things don't quite go to plan on results day and you miss your entry requirements, then you can search for other courses that match your grades. There are thousands of student stories out there that say changing direction thanks to Clearing is the best thing they've ever done. But if you're really set on going to your first choice, you can try calling them to explain your grades and see if they can still accept you.

Perhaps you haven't applied to university yet and wanted to see the outcome of your results - well that's fine too. Our careers team can help you set up your UCAS profile so you can apply through Clearing. In some instances, you might be able to call and apply directly to the university of your choice.

You may have more negotiating power than you think.

If you are using Clearing to switch unis, then give their admissions team a call. Be confident when you call and tell them that you'd really like to study at their university. Explain your situation, ask any important questions you have, and then ask them if they will accept you onto their course.

Did better than you thought?

You may have exceeded your expectations and got better A-Level results than you predicted, in which case you can use Adjustment to find an alternative course.

Have an offer but would rather start next year?

If you're still not sure about starting university in 2023, then you still have time to defer your place until next year. However, you'll need to call your university directly to let them know what you're planning to do.

Remember - there’s still time to enrol at East Sussex College for September 2023

Whether you’ve just completed your A-Level or Vocational studies with us, or are new to the College and thinking about university courses but want to stay close to home, get in touch to find out more. Email helloHE@escg.ac.uk today.

Visit our website here for the full list of courses available. Exciting opportunities await you!