Clearing process searches
Answers who can use Clearing, when it opens and how to add a choice.
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A-Level Clearing Guide 2026
Clearing can be useful if plans change on results day, but it is easy to rush. This guide explains how Clearing works, who can use it, what to say when calling universities and when resits may be the better route.
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Quick answer
Fast answers for A-Level Clearing 2026
Clearing helps eligible students find available university or college places. On A-Level Results Day 2026, eligible applicants can add a Clearing choice from 13:00, but students should speak to universities first and compare the offer carefully before adding it in UCAS.
- Clearing helps eligible students find available university places.
- Eligible applicants can add a Clearing choice from 13:00 on A-Level results day.
- Students should call universities before adding a choice in UCAS.
- Clearing is useful, but resits may be better if the available course is not the right fit.
Choosing between Clearing and resits? Book a free consultation and discuss A-Level resit support and subject-specific preparation.
Direct answer
How does A-Level Clearing work?
Clearing helps eligible applicants find available university or college places. For A-Level results day 2026, UCAS says eligible applicants can add a Clearing choice from 13:00 on Thursday 13 August. You should contact the university first and check details before adding a choice.
Clearing checklist
What to have ready before you call
UCAS ID
Keep your UCAS Personal ID and login details ready.
Your grades
Have grades, subjects and any relevant marks in front of you.
Course contacts
Save admissions numbers and course codes before results day.
Questions
Write down questions about entry requirements, start dates and next steps.
Call script
What to say on a Clearing call
Example: “Hello, my name is [name]. I’m calling about Clearing for [course name]. My UCAS ID is [ID]. I’ve achieved [grades] in [subjects]. Could you tell me whether the course has places available and whether my grades would be considered?”
1
Confirm the course
Check the exact course title, campus, start date and whether the vacancy is still available.
2
Ask about next steps
Ask whether they can make a verbal offer and when you should add the Clearing choice in UCAS.
3
Do not rush the wrong course
A fast offer is only helpful if the course, location and outcome still suit your plans.
A-Level tutoring support
Helpful A-Level results guides
Move between the main results guide, UCAS points, Clearing, missed grades and resit support without losing the next step.
Common questions covered
Common questions students and parents ask next
This guide brings the main question together with the follow-up decisions students and parents usually need to make next.
Phone call searches
Includes call preparation, scripts and questions to ask universities.
Decision searches
Compares Clearing with resits so students do not take the wrong course under pressure.
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FAQ
A-Level Clearing 2026 FAQs
Clearing is the UCAS process that helps eligible applicants find available university or college places.
UCAS says eligible applicants can add a Clearing choice from 13:00 on A-Level results day.
Yes. Contact the university first and only add the choice when you have been told to do so.
Have your UCAS ID, Clearing number if shown, grades, course title, questions and notes ready.
Consider other courses, apprenticeships, a gap year, review of marking or A-Level resits depending on your goals.
More questions people ask
Extra A-Level results questions answered
Should I accept the first Clearing offer?
Not automatically. Check course fit, location, costs, accommodation and whether you would genuinely be happy there.
Can parents call Clearing for a student?
Universities usually need to speak to the applicant. Parents can help prepare notes and questions.
What if Clearing does not work?
Consider a gap year, resits, apprenticeships, alternative courses or subject support before reapplying.
Sources and further reading
Official sources used for this guide
This guide uses official UCAS, GOV.UK, Ofqual and awarding organisation guidance, with National Learning Group advice added to help students and parents plan their next step.
Need help deciding between Clearing and resits?
Book a free consultation and discuss A-Level resit support and subject-specific preparation.