By Gareth Jackson, Director of UK Student Recruitment at the University of Central Lancashire
Clearing is synonymous with being the last resort option for students seeking a university place but times have changed.
Now, Clearing has never been more crucial to the higher education sector in what is an increasingly competitive market and it is also becoming the go to option for students looking to take advantage of the many routes into universities.
Previously, students and their families viewed Clearing with a negative lens. Often, it was associated with students not achieving their grades, or having to change their plans last minute which can, understandably, involve some levels of disappointment.
However, these associations risked diminishing the value of Clearing and what it can offer prospective university students.
Indeed, with UCAS finding that only 30% of 2023 students who entered Clearing not meeting the terms of their original offer, the idea that it is solely a ‘back-up’ or ‘last-ditch attempt’ at university is far from reality.
With another results day on the horizon, it’s important that we address any bad reputation that Clearing might have developed and take a closer look at the opportunities that it can provide.
Keeping the doors open
Let’s start with the traditional understanding of Clearing and its purpose.
For years, Clearing has provided anxious A Level students with much-needed reassurance during results season, and options for accessing higher education.
It means those who fail to meet the grade requirements of their first-choice university can still secure a place on another course. This provides them with the control to make informed and positive decisions about their future.
According to The Guardian, last year saw 67,000 fewer A*-A level grades awarded to students compared to 2022. Whilst this could be an alarming statistic to students awaiting their results, it’s a valuable reminder that preparing for different outcomes on results day is always a good idea.
Knowing the available options allows students to make clear and informed choices as soon as they have their results – reducing the likelihood that results day will be a stressful or negative experience.
Unlocking new possibilities
It’s interesting to note that the reason most people went through Clearing last year wasn’t because they missed the grades of their original offer. In fact, 70% of students who secured a place through Clearing did so after declining their original offer or because they held no firm choice.
Choosing the right university and course can feel like a huge decision and investment. Through the traditional application process, many students are required to make their choice months before they are set to start the course, without yet fully knowing what is available to them.
For students who need longer to think about their options or wish to be fully equipped with the knowledge of what courses are open to them, Clearing can be the preferred route into university.
Far from a ‘last-ditch attempt’ at accessing higher education, Clearing can give students the luxury of time to explore new education and career pathways and still join their peers in the next academic year.
Preparation is key
The best way for students to make the most of Clearing and the opportunities it provides is through preparation. Building a list of potential universities, courses and contact numbers ahead of results day is a good place to start. Many universities will release the courses available of Clearing earlier than the 15th August, meaning you can take the time to research them.
It might be that Clearing allows you to enter a course that you hadn’t previously thought of. High quality courses such as business, engineering, nursing and computing, are often available through Clearing, and can open a myriad of exciting career paths. Keeping an open mind is a good way to make sure you choose the best option for you.
Could Clearing
sbe right for you?
Thousands of students access university every year through Clearing and go on to achieve numerous successes in higher education and beyond. It’s vital that we remove any negative feelings from Clearing, and, instead draw attention to the significant, positive role it can play in making university accessible to anyone who wants to move onto higher education.
