Here at FutureSmart Careers we're confident that by now your summer exams are becoming a distant memory and considerations for your results are starting to creep in.  

Firstly, take some time after your exams to have a well-deserved rest – you've earned it! It's time to have a break before preparing for A Level results day and for the important next steps that follow.  You might be feeling all kinds of emotions: excited, anxious, overwhelmed, confused and concerned … don't worry, this is completely normal! 

This is our guide for students and their parents and carers who are waiting on A Level results in 2024 to help you be as prepared as possible. In this guide you will find things to consider during the run up and preparation for results day, what to do on the day and what to do if things don't quite go to plan, including using Clearing.

The Countdown  

 Knowing when your results get released is important. A Level results day is Thursday 15th August 2024.  

Your results will be released from 8:00 am but find out what time your school is open to hand out results - most will open at around 8.30 or 9:00 am.  Check your school’s website or call the school office. Usually results are collected in person, but some schools will send results by post and/or email, so check with your school. 

 If you are on holiday on results day, let your school or college know so an alternative plan can be set up to get your results by phone or post. You can also nominate someone else to collect your results for you, but usually you need them to sign a letter and bring photo ID. Check the rules with your school.

If you are applying to university, you'll know whether you've secured your firm or insurance choice of course before you collect your grades. UCAS Hub updates at approximately 8AM on results day.

The BBC Bitesize Study Support website has guides and advice from experts and students to help you prepare and settle your nerves. See  How to manage your feelings on GCSE and Nationals results day. 

What can you do before results day? 

Research and Preparation: Before you get your results and as soon as possible, explore courses and universities that still have available places.  Make a list of university contact numbers and their websites, so you're ready to act swiftly, if needed. 

Find course vacancies at UCAS Clearing Search.  You can still apply to universities that have rejected you previously, if you are applying to a different course. 

Identify a course that interests you:  think about why it interests you and why your skills make you a suitable candidate for it. Make some notes!  

What should I bring with me on the day? 

Consider bringing a few things with you when you pick up your results: 

• A fully charged mobile phone to call your family to let them know your results, and of course to take those all-important results day selfies! 
• Photo ID, just in case you need it 
• Your UCAS clearing number 
• A family member or trusted adult to give you support 
• A pen and piece of paper to write down any information 
• A bottle of water – it can get hot in August! 

What should I do on results day? 

Get a clearing number: On the day you receive your final grades, you'll be able to see whether you've met the conditions of your conditional offers. If you haven't, UCAS will automatically provide you with a Clearing number – make a note of this to have it at hand.  

Look out for UCAS Clearing matches:  If you don’t get the grades you were hoping for, UCAS will show you other courses matches.  This can speed up the time you need to spend finding an alternative course. When you select some that interest you, universities can then contact you directly. Stay positive - remember universities are trying to fill their places!   

Contact the university: If you find other courses that interest you, then contact the university directly to discuss your qualifications, interest in the course, and why you think you’d be a great fit for it.  

Be ready to ask a few questions: When you speak to the university be ready to ask any further and relevant questions about the course and anything else you need to know like what accommodation is still available?  

Verbal offer: If a university is interested in offering you a place, they will give you a verbal offer.  

Formal acceptance: If you're happy with the offer, add the course as your Clearing choice on UCAS Track to formally accept it. 

Act quickly: Clearing places are limited, so act promptly to secure the best possible course that matches your interests and goals. 

Confirmation Letter: After accepting the offer, you'll receive a confirmation letter from the university and this will officially confirm your place. 

Our Top Tips for Clearing Success 

1. Stay calm and positive: Clearing can feel daunting, but many students find excellent alternative courses through Clearing and it can be onwards and upwards from there. 

2. Research thoroughly: Consider factors like course content, location, facilities, and graduate prospects.  Head to UCAS Clearing Search 

3. Get prepared for some phone calls: When calling universities, be prepared to discuss your qualifications, your skills and passion for the subject. Show enthusiasm and ask any questions you may have. 

4. Seek Advice: Don't hesitate to seek support and guidance from your teachers, parents or a careers adviser. If you would like to reach out to our careers advisers for some one-to-one careers advice and guidance, then you can contact us at helpline@futuresmartcareers.co.uk 

5. Consider other options: there are lots of other opportunities, if you didn’t get the results you wanted - you could consider a gap year or applying to an apprenticeship.   

Top 5 Resources and Websites:  

• How to manage results day: Six tips for parents in summer 2024 - BBC Bitesize 
• How Ucas Hub works on results day - The Uni Guide 
• How to support your child through university Clearing | Whatuni 
• Step-by-step guide to Clearing (whatuni.com) 
• Confirmation and Clearing: The essentials | Undergraduate, Conservatoires | UCAS 

And finally… 

Embrace the process and remember that many students do find their dream courses, even if it's not where they thought they would be.   

With some good research, a positive attitude and taking prompt action, you can find a course or other opportunity that excites you and sets you on the way to fulfilling your ambitions.    

If would like to talk to any of our careers advisers for specialised one-to-one personal careers advice and guidance about navigating Clearing and understanding your options, please do reach out to us at helpline@futuresmartcareers.co.uk.

 Good luck!