Clearing advice for parents and guardians

Tips on how to support somebody through Clearing

What is Clearing?

Clearing is the name of the process universities use to fill any available spaces on their courses. It is an exciting opportunity for students to get into a university and on a course that best suits them. Last year, over 70,000 UK students secured their university place through Clearing. 

Clearing is a great option if your child has: 

  • changed their mind about where or what they’d like to study 

  • not met the conditions of their offers 

  • not received any offers 

  • received better grades than predicted 

  • rejected all their offers 

  • applied after 30 June 

  • not applied through UCAS at all 

  • only just decided to go to university 

  • taken a year out/gap year and already has qualifications. 

Key dates

For all students

Clearing opensThursday 2 July 2026
SQA results day: Tuesday, 4 August 2026. Applies to Scottish students only.
A-level results dayThursday 13 August 2026. On results day, your child will have time to add their new choice of university to their UCAS hub profile which is the online system that shows how applications are progressing. Under the Consumer Rights Act (2015), applicants have the right to cancel their offer within 14 days.
Welcome Week startsMonday 14 September 2026
Teaching startsMonday 21 September 2026

For international students only:

Request CAS (non-priority visa)Monday 7 September 2026
Request CAS (priority visa)Monday 14 September 2026

Please note: All outstanding documents and deposit payments must be received by these dates for CAS issuance.

The Clearing process can seem daunting, but there are practical steps that you can take to help your child get organised ahead of results day.

How can you help?

1. Encourage your child to apply for early clearing support

2. Register your interest for one of our courses

3. Check our bursaries page to see if your child is eligible for help with study costs

4. Book a building tour or chat to our staff and students

If you and your child are curious about what it's like to study at Ravensbourne, our tailored building tours and friendly team are here to help.

Need more support?

Drop our friendly team an email at [email protected]