Clearing guide for parents and supporters

Clearing hotline

0800 052 2248

If you are outside the UK, call our international line:

+44 (0)1483 686828

Clearing guide for parents and supporters

As a parent, guardian, or carer, helping a young person find the right course for them is a key life decision. Find out how you can advise and guide them towards making the right decision and getting them through the Clearing process. 

Call for Clearing
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What is Clearing?

Clearing matches applicants to university places that are yet to be filled. It’s available to anyone who has made a UCAS undergraduate application and doesn’t hold any offers. 

There is always a wide range of courses that become available in Clearing. This is why Clearing is an ideal opportunity for those who have missed their conditions or had a last-minute change of heart about the university or course they want to study. 

How it works

When Clearing opens (Saturday 5 July 2025), universities publish the courses that will be available through Clearing on the UCAS website. 

If your child already applied to university they will have to wait until results day (Thursday 14 August 2025) to see if their place has been confirmed. UCAS Hub will tell you if your child is eligible for Clearing on results day. If they are, they will be given a Clearing Number. Keep a note of the Clearing Number and UCAS Personal ID as they will need these when calling universities. 

When your child enters Clearing, all the courses that still have spaces available will be accessible on the UCAS website. You and your child will need to consider which universities and courses fit with their aspirations. Create a shortlist of preferred universities and courses, at this point you should start making the calls and speak to the admissions teams who will advise and make an offer or rejection. When your child has an offer they want to accept, they'll need to go back onto UCAS Hub and add the university as their Clearing Choice. 

Parent and child at open day getting directions

A parent's experience

Knowing the best way to support your child through results day can make a big difference. Read this parent's journey through Clearing.

students looking at open day map outside campus buildings

Parents and supporters' Clearing guide (PDF)

If you’re unsure about how the Clearing process works or would like a few tips on how best to handle the day, take a look at our Clearing guide for parents and supporters.