A student and their parents at a university open day

Applying through Clearing can be stressful for you and your child. But, we’re here to support you through every step.

Clearing Clearing

To help support your child through Clearing at the University of Portsmouth, we’ve put together a guide that includes our top Clearing tips for parents and caregivers. 

Clearing - the basics 

Let’s start with what Clearing is. Clearing is an opportunity for potential undergraduate students to get a place at a university. It’s part of the UCAS application process where students can find available courses to apply to after the initial UCAS deadline and once they have their results. If your child isn’t signed up to the UCAS system yet, they can apply to us directly. 

Most students decide to go through Clearing on Results Day, but your child is able to apply anytime during the Clearing period if they know their grades. Clearing opened on 5 July 2024 and closes on 21 October 2024. 

Want to find out more? Our Clearing Hub is full of information. 

Should your child apply through Clearing? 

If your child wants to explore their options and find the right university to attend, then Clearing is for them. 

Your child will be able to go through Clearing if: 

  • they have changed their mind about what or where to study 
  • they haven’t received any other offers 
  • their grades were unexpected 
  • they declined the offers they received 
  • they want to apply after the 30th of June

If your child is thinking about going through Clearing, our checklist will help them prepare. Why don’t you work through the checklist together? 

How to apply through Clearing

Course vacancies will be announced on our website. To get a place on one of our Clearing courses, your child will need to give us a call. Our admissions team will ask them some questions and help them find a course that is suitable. 

When they call us, your child will need to have their qualifications, UCAS ID Number (if relevant) and Clearing number (available in their UCAS application) to hand. 

Our top Clearing tips for parents: 

Preparing in advance is the best way to help your child go through the Clearing process smoothly. Here’s our Clearing advice for parents: 

  1. Make a list - Discuss which alternative courses your child is interested in. Note down what the entry requirements and the Clearing hotline number are for the University. 
  2. Pick up the phone - If your child didn’t receive the grades they wanted, don’t worry, they still have lots of options. Ring our Clearing hotline to talk through the alternatives. We want to hear from you and provide helpful advice. 
  3. Offer an extra pair of hands - Any help you give your child will make a big difference. Whether it’s doing some research about accommodation, holding their place in the Clearing queue, or providing moral support, your child will appreciate it. 
  4. Visit the university - The best way to get a feel for a place is by visiting it. Why not come along to our Clearing Visit Day together on 8 August? It's a great opportunity for both of you to see our facilities and speak to our staff and current students.

On Results Day 

Results Day is a big day and your child may be looking for some reassurance. If you can, free up your day to be with them to celebrate their successes together or to listen to any concerns they may have. 

If your child doesn't get the results they hoped for, remind them that they don’t need to rush to make a decision. They have time. Encourage them to take a step back and assess their options. 

We hope the Clearing advice for parents and supporters in this guide will help you figure out the next steps. You can also find out more about the Clearing process and your child's options by signing up for our live Clearing webinar on 6 August.