Schools across the country will re-open their doors tomorrow morning, as Year 13s collect their A-level results.
For the lucky ones, the results are confirmation in writing that they’ll attend, as planned, their chosen university. For others, it’ll be time to fire up Plan B.
UCAS estimates that some 50,000 students go through the Clearing process every year.
The system is designed to help allocate courses to those who haven’t achieved the A-level grades they need to win a place on the course they’d applied for.
Clearing might not be the curveball the student in your life wanted, but the system designed to allocate courses to those who haven’t managed the grades they hoped for is a lifeline on Results day
Most students secure a ‘conditional’ offer of a place that’s dependent on A-level grades, although plenty of courses are also available on an ‘unconditional’ basis, meaning students don’t need to achieve predicted grades.
For students – and their support network, ie teachers and parents, those hours immediately after A-level results are in can be a whirlwind of emotions if they don’t go a student’s way – shock, disappointment, stress and hopefully, relief, are all in the mix. Plus being surrounded by those who did get the grades – and their subsequent elation.
So, how can you ensure that the curveball of unexpected results doesn’t derail summer fun – and keep on track for a university place in September?
HOW TO TURN A RESULTS DAY CURVEBALL INTO A POSITIVE OUTCOME
As a former Head of Sixth Form, Louis Provis, Head of English at online teaching platform MyEdSpace, has witnessed how Thursday morning results day can be a cauldron of high emotion.
Provis says the first thing to consider is that plenty of universities change the offer of a ‘conditional’ place to ‘unconditional’ before results even come out.
He explains: ‘I have been astounded in recent years at how many universities will change their offers from conditional to unconditional the day before results day, to ensure students are still able to join the course when they may have fallen short of the offer.’
However, if that’s not the case – and a student needs to go through Clearing, it’s important to act quickly – and reassure students that ‘the piece of paper in front of them does not define them’.
Says Provis: ‘Clearing is a fantastic service. For those who have missed their offer, it is a doorway to the future that they might have thought closed.
Louis Provis, Head of English at online teaching platform MyEdSpace, says acting quickly to access the best courses available via Clearing is important
‘Spaces go fast, so time really is of the essence. If in doubt, call universities directly. It is often faster than UCAS.’
He adds that the uncertainty of Clearing is soon resolved: ‘Almost all students have a clear plan of action by the early afternoon, meaning they can start planning their busy summer of admin.’
On the flipside, he notes that if things go better than planned, then it’s still worth considering your options too.
‘If students have exceeded their predicted grades and the offers from their Insurance and even Firm choices, then the world is their oyster, and they may wish to look elsewhere.
‘Most people go to their Firm choice when they meet or exceed their offer for it, because they applied to it for a reason. However, Clearing is also available for students exceeding offers, not just those missing them.’
SECURING ACCOMMODATION THROUGH CLEARING
Getting a place on a course is one thing, but securing accommodation is another factor that Clearing students have to consider.
Dawn Williams, Marketing Director at Vita Student: ‘Securing a place through Clearing can be a whirlwind experience, especially when it comes to sorting out accommodation in a city you hadn’t initially planned for.
‘Once you’ve accepted your Clearing offer, it’s crucial to act quickly but thoughtfully when choosing where to live. Your accommodation will be your home for the next year, so it’s important to select a place where you can not only study but also feel comfortable, make friends, and settle into your new environment.’
Parents and teachers can help students quickly find an alternative course – via calling UCAS, or even phoning universities directly
She adds: ‘If you’re heading to a city you weren’t expecting, start by contacting a variety of accommodation providers including purpose-built-student-accommodation, university accommodation offices and local lettings agencies.
‘Each option has its own unique benefits, from being close to campus, all-inclusive bills and on-site amenities in PBSA or potentially more flexible lease terms in private rentals. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your budget and lifestyle to ensure a smooth transition into university life.’
And finally, don’t stress, adds the expert, saying: ‘The important thing is to not panic when making your decision. Like you, other students have had their plans change – meaning the spaces they acquired are no longer needed and there can be some great deals out there for quality accommodation.’
UNIVERSITY HALLS VS PRIVATE LANDLORDS
The vast majority of first year students in the UK go into catered or self-catering university accommodation, widely known as ‘halls’, while returning undergraduates are more likely to seek out a private student house. Why opt for halls? Simple; dorm-like accommodation is highly sociable, making it easier to make friends.
Alan Riddell is Deputy Director of Residential Services at the University of St Andrews, famously attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales, where there are 4,250 rooms spread across ten halls.
Catered halls remain the pick for most mums and dads, he says, often because their own memory of a Pot Noodle student diet still looms large: ‘Parents love the reassurance of three square meals a day – and uni kitchens are increasingly well-versed in dealing with more complex dietary requirements.’
Confident cooks preferring not to be tied to set mealtimes might prefer self-catering university digs. Often called ‘cluster accommodation’, it usually comprises five or so rooms around a kitchen – offering the chance to mingle with flatmates while the kettle boils.
High demand for halls in recent years means some first year students will seek out houses and halls owned by private companies and landlords. Contracts for private houses tend to work out cheaper on a monthly basis but often tie students in for the whole year rather than just term-time weeks; a deposit (usually a month’s rent) is paid in advance to secure a property.
Candace Davies, Head of Accommodation Facilities at Lancaster University, recommends checking any house-share is covered by the Student Accommodation Code before signing a contract to avoid rogue landlords. Other things to consider? Getting to campus; savings made on rent might be lost to commuting costs. Don’t compromise on safety either, make sure routes are well-lit when winter nights draw in.
HOW TO KEEP RENTAL COSTS DOWN
For many families, cost remains the dominating factor when it comes to choosing where to live. The National Student Accommodation Survey found that in 2023, students were paying on average £535 per month for rent, with those studying in London facing higher premiums of £663 per month.
In the same way Government loans are available to cover the current £9,250-a-year tuition fees, students can also apply for ‘Maintenance Loans’ to help pay rent – but bear in mind sums are weighted according to geography and household income.
The ultimate way to save on accommodation? Commute. The number of students living at home while they study is rising.
In 2021/2022, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) found that around 850,000 higher education students in the UK had made the decision to live at home rather than pay rent.
Students not wanting to eschew the rite of passage that is living away from home might consider a few sacrifices when choosing accommodation, says Lancaster Uni’s Candace Davies: ‘Ask yourself if you really need that ensuite; it makes a huge difference to cost if you opt for shared bathroom facilities and a 1:4 ratio is absolutely fine for most people.’