How to Prepare for UCAS Clearing Before A-Level Results Day

Iqbal is a qualified Computer Science Tutor with over 20 years' experience, specialising in GCSE and A-Level tuition across multiple exam specifications; his students consistently achieve, and often exceed, their target grades and he has seen first hand how preparing for results is essential

How to Beat A-Level Results Day Rush (Without Expecting the Worst)

By Iqbal | Computing Tutor | Sherpa Tutor

The 2026 A-level Results Day is fast approaching on Thursday 13 August

For most students, Clearing only enters the conversation once results are in hand and the UCAS portal confirms whether their place is secure, and the panic sets in if things haven't gone to plan. But the people who end up with the best course offers, and the least amount of stress, are almost always the ones who do twenty minutes of prep work beforehand. 

Clearing isn't a badge of failure, and it isn't just a backup plan for when things go wrong. It's a standard, flexible part of the UCAS system. Every year, around 70,000 students use it to secure university places, some because they missed their target grades, but many others because they changed their minds about what (or where) they wanted to study.

Whatever your situation on the day, having a quick plan in your back pocket turns a potential scramble into a straightforward process.

Why Prep Before Results Day?

• You beat the rush. Hotline numbers open early. Popular courses can fill up in a matter of hours, so knowing exactly who to call means you aren't stuck on hold while places vanish.
• Decisions are better made cold. Results Day is loud and emotional. Trying to research module structures and entry requirements while panicking is a recipe for a bad choice.

You might find a better option. Researching early gives you time to look at courses you might have overlooked during the initial application cycle, like joint honours or foundation years.

Your Pre-Results Prep Checklist

Spend an hour doing these four things before Results Day, and you'll be set.

1. Sort out your tech and numbers

• UCAS Hub: Log in today and make sure you remember your password. On Results Day, your unique Clearing ID will appear here if you're eligible.
• Phone numbers: Save the Clearing hotline numbers for your backup universities directly into your phone contacts now, along with your school's direct advice line.

2. Build a quick shortlist

Write down a list of 5 to 10 realistic backup options. Note:

• University name and course code
• Typical entry requirements
• Direct phone line for admissions

(Tip: Search University websites for last year's Clearing lists to see what usually has space.)

3. Have a brief pitch ready

When you call a university, you're essentially doing a mini-interview. Write down a few bullet points covering:

• Your predicted or actual grades
• Why you want to take their specific course
• Any relevant A-level topics (e.g., from your A-Level Maths, A-Level Biology or A-Level English courses), work experience, or extra reading

4. Keep a basic script handy

If you're nervous on the phone, keep a sticky note next to you:

"Hi, my name is [Name] (UCAS ID: [Number]).

I'm calling about your [Course Name] course.

My grades are [Grades].

Do you currently have Clearing places available?"

Mistakes to Avoid on the Day

• Waiting around. Don't sit in a queue waiting to speak to a Teacher at school before making your calls. Hotlines fill fast, start making calls yourself first.
• Calling only one University. Treat it like applying for jobs. Call several places, gather a few verbal offers, and give yourself time to decide.
• Forgetting your Clearing ID. Universities can't process an offer on the system without this number. Keep it written at the top of your notepad.



The Bottom Line

Prepping for Clearing isn't preparing to fail; it's just smart planning. If you get the grades you wanted for your firm choice, great, you can throw your notes in the bin. But if you need to pivot, you'll be calm, organised, and ready to get it sorted before lunch.