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CLEARING

Parents and Carers' Guide to Clearing

Helping your child take control of their future

Clearing can feel overwhelming for both students and parents, especially on results day. The good news is that Clearing is now a well-established route into university, and thousands of students successfully secure places every year through the process.

Whether your child’s exam results were unexpected, they have changed their mind about where they want to study, or they are applying to university for the first time, Clearing can be a fantastic pathway to a brilliant degree. At the University of Suffolk, students who join through Clearing receive exactly the same award-winning teaching, support, facilities and opportunities as every other student.

This guide explains how Clearing works, what to expect as a parent or carer, and how you can support your child through the process with confidence.

Why choose the University of Suffolk?

  • 1st in the UK for Lecturers and Teaching Quality (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026)
  • 1st in the UK for Spend on Academic Services (Complete University Guide 2027)
  • 1st in the UK for Spend on Facilities (Complete University Guide 2027)
  • 2nd in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 4th in the UK for Career Prospects (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026)

CLEARING HUB

Clearing is the UCAS process that helps students find university places after they receive their results. It is not a "last chance" system. Many respected universities recruit students through Clearing every year.

Students may use Clearing if they:

· Did not meet the conditions of their offer

· Did not receive any offers

· Declined their existing choices

· Applied after the UCAS deadline

· Changed their mind about where or what they want to study

Some students who achieve higher grades than expected also use Clearing to explore alternative universities or courses.

The process is straightforward:

  1. Receive results

Students receive their results and check their UCAS status to see if their Firm university has confirmed their place.

  1. Research available courses

Universities publish courses with available places. Students should consider:

  • Course content
  • Entry requirements
  • Location
  • Accommodation options
  • Graduate outcomes

  1. Contact universities

Students usually speak directly with university admissions teams, often by phone. Universities may ask about:

  • Achieved grades
  • Personal statement details
  • Why they want to study the course
  • Career aspirations

  1. Receive offers

Universities may make verbal offers during the conversation. Students do not need to accept immediately and can compare different options first.

  1. Confirm their choice

    1. Once they have decided, students add their Clearing choice in their UCAS hub to secure their place.
    1. Students who are already Firm at another university, should log-in to UCAS to self-release into Clearing. This will allow them to add their Clearing choice to secure their place.
    1. Students who did not apply through UCAS and are therefore applying direct to Clearing, will be sent a form to complete by the University of Suffolk's admissions team. This is a 'Record of Prior Acceptance' (RPA) form, and will ensure the University has all the information we need to confirm their place. Students should return this RPA form as soon as possible.

 

Stay calm

Results day can feel high-stakes, but students often reflect the emotions of those around them. Remaining calm, positive and practical can help them think clearly and make informed decisions.

Encourage preparation

Before results day, help your child:

  • Research alternative universities and courses
  • Prepare questions for admissions teams
  • Organise UCAS login details and important documents
  • Create a shortlist of potential options

Let them lead

Universities will usually need to speak directly with the student. Parents can support by taking notes, helping with research and discussing options afterwards, but students should lead conversations themselves wherever possible.

Please note: Our Admissions team must speak directly to the student to make an official offer. We cannot discuss application details or qualifications with parents or carers unless the student is present and gives permission. Encouraging them to take the lead is great preparation for university life.

Focus on finding the right fit

When considering options, look beyond rankings and reputation. Consider:

  • Course quality
  • Student support
  • Placement opportunities
  • Campus environment
  • Travel and living costs

The right environment often has a greater impact on student success and happiness than prestige alone.

Before results day, make sure your child has:

  • UCAS login details
  • Phone charger and laptop
  • Copies of grades and qualifications
  • Personal statement notes
  • A quiet place to make calls
  • A shortlist of alternative universities
  • Questions prepared in advance

It can also help to have:

  • Pen and paper for notes
  • Accommodation information
  • Student finance details
  • Important contact numbers saved in advance

When speaking with universities through Clearing, encourage your child to ask:

  • Are places still available on the course?
  • What grades are required?
  • What modules are included?
  • Is accommodation guaranteed?
  • Are placement years available?
  • What student support services are offered?
  • What are the graduate employment outcomes?

Students should take their time and avoid feeling pressured into making an immediate decision.

Accommodation

Securing a place through Clearing does not mean missing out on accommodation. Many universities reserve accommodation for Clearing applicants, although options may be more limited later in the cycle. Students should ask accommodation questions early in the process.

At Suffolk, once your child accepts an offer, our Accommodation Team can guide them through available options in Ipswich and help them find the right place to live and study.

ACCOMMODATION

Student Finance

If your child has already applied for Student Finance for a different university, they do not need to start again. They simply need to update their university and course details in their Student Finance account. If they have not yet applied, encourage them to begin the process as soon as possible.

STUDENT FINANCE

  • Making panic decisions – Encourage your child to compare options carefully.
  • Ignoring course content – Modules, assessment methods and placement opportunities matter.
  • Waiting too long – Availability can change quickly during Clearing.
  • Comparing themselves with others – Every student's journey is different.

Frequently Asked Questions

A close-up photo of hands typing at a laptop computer A group of four students standing on Ipswich Waterfront chatting and laughing. The marina is visible behind them

  • No. Clearing is simply another route into university. Many successful students use Clearing after changing plans, applying late, or narrowly missing offer conditions.

  • Parents can support the process, but universities generally need to speak directly with students for admissions and data protection reasons.

  • Students should act promptly because course availability can change throughout the day. However, they should still take time to compare options and make an informed decision.

  • Absolutely. Many respected universities recruit through Clearing every year, and students regularly find excellent courses and opportunities through the process.

Visit us and explore your options

Seeing is believing. Throughout August, we offer dedicated Campus Tours where you can explore our Waterfront campus, view accommodation options and get a feel for student life at Suffolk.

Book a tour