Clearing advice for parents and guardians

Tips on how to support somebody through Clearing

Currently reading: What is 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

  • Clearing Opens: 2 July 2026
  • SQA results day: Tuesday, 4 August 2026. Applies to Scottish students only.
  • A-level results day: Thursday, 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.

How can you help?

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

  1. Encourage your child to sign up for early Clearing support - this will open for registration close to the time that Clearing opens. They will benefit from a dedicated 15-minute call with a Clearing advisor, and get priority Clearing access on results day. They will also be able to submit their portfolio for early review, if the course they want to apply for requires one.
  2. Research our undergraduate courses and register your interest using our quick online form.
  3. If your child has changed their mind about what to study, explore our foundation courses. These are a great choice for students who want to explore different fields before committing to a full degree.
  4. Visit our undergraduate bursaries page to see if your child is eligible for a bursary towards their study costs.
  5. Book a building tour
  6. Chat to our staff and students to find out what it's like to study at Ravensbourne.

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