A-Level students receive their grades: what next?
Universities are encouraging A-Level students to apply through clearing
Last updated 10th Aug 2021
Sixth formers across the UK are receiving their A-Level results today. Grades this year have been determined by teachers, as the pandemic meant that students could not sit their exams as they would usually do.
But for students who applied for university and did not meet their course’s entry requirements, they may be left wondering: what next?
One option for students is to apply through clearing. This means that applicants who have not met their offer can be matched with different courses which have spaces that need filling.
What does clearing mean?
The clearing route has become more popular over the years. And today, universities are urging people to phone up their hotlines and apply today to secure their places.
Last year, over 70,000 students in the UK were accepted into their courses through clearing according to UCAS, and many universities have a hotline dedicated to this busy day.
The University of Hertfordshire is keen to welcome students to their institution. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Matthew Weait said: “We’ve got enough places to be able to offer people who get in touch with us places on the courses they want to do.”
As the pandemic is still a significant factor, the competition is also higher than in previous years. Professor Weait noted: “There will be more students with higher grades this year because of the way that they’ve been assessed.”
For students who are worried about their grades or who are applying to university through clearing, Professor Weait said: “The really important thing is if people are disappointed because the grades are not what they expected; not to think of that as being a failure.”
“There are so many opportunities we get in life that are at the result of unexpected events, and so many things that can be good.”
“I would encourage people to be optimistic and realise that the future starts today for them, and to be upbeat about it.”