A-Level Results and Clearing 2022: What do I need to know?

The Clearing hotline:

• In the UK call 023 9284 8090
• From outside the UK call +44 23 9284 8090

The countdown is on until you receive your A-level results!

We know it is nerve-wracking, but trust us - it'll all be okay!

We are The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union. What does that mean? Well, first of all, you'll probably know us from one of the biggest events of the year - Freshers! But that's not all we do. We work with the University of Portsmouth to make your university experience the very best it can be, from groups and societies, to giving you a helping hand when you need it and fighting for your rights as a student.

But, enough about us for the moment - it's all about YOU!

The last few years have been particularly stressful and confusing for students completing their A-Levels, but you've reached the end, met the light at the end of the tunnel and your next adventure is about to begin! But how do you start the next chapter?

When?

This year, A-Level results day is on Thursday 18th August. It was brought forward last year but as schools, collages and universities return to their usual timetable, the results day has returned to its usual mid-August. You will be able to pick up your grades from about 8am on Thursday 18th August via your school, email, post or accessing them through UCAS.

Your school should have already told you if they are getting your grades by email or in the post, rather than in person.

How?

How have grades been decided this year?

Grade boundaries are more lenient this year which means that you may need fewer marks to reach a particular grade, or if you are close to the grade boundary for a higher grade, it might be looked at more favourably than in previous years.

What Now?

… good question!

If you get the grades - well done! Congratulations! Sit back and relax for a little while. You can celebrate with your family and friends and then the real work begins.

If you didn’t get the grades you were hoping for - don’t panic!

"If you're unhappy with your A-level, T-level or BTec National grades, you should talk to your school or college, who can ask the awarding body to review your marks. If you still think your grade is unfair, you can ask your school or college to appeal. The exam board will look at your mark again, and amend it if necessary. BTec students can also appeal directly. If you're still not satisfied, you can request a review from the exams regulator Ofqual.

The appeal deadline is 29 September, but if your higher education place depends on the outcome, you can request a priority review by 25 August. If you want to challenge vocational coursework marks, you should follow your school or college's internal appeals process. Arrangements in Scotland are different. Students normally receive a grade estimate which is submitted to the exam board. If your final grade is lower, you can appeal directly to the SQA, but should speak to your school first. If your appeal is accepted, the SQA will reconsider your mark. The deadline for priority appeals is 16 August, or 30 August for other appeals." [BBC News]

If Portsmouth is where you would like to go, you can speak to the University Clearing Team. They are on hand to help you find your place at University.

You can speak to them by phone or via live online chat. Find out all the information you need by visiting the University Clearing Webpage.

The University's most popular courses will fill early, so get in touch as soon as possible to discuss your options.

When you apply by phone or online chat, the University can normally give you a decision in a few minutes if you already have your results.

When you complete the online form, the University aims to get back to you within 1 working day if you already have your results.

The Clearing hotline:

In the UK call 023 9284 8090

From outside the UK call +44 23 9284 8090

Our phone lines are open:

• Mondays to Thursdays: 09.00am to 05.00pm
• Fridays: 09.00am to 04.00pm
• Thursday 18 August (A level / T level results day): 8.00am to 8.00pm
• Friday 19 August: 8.00am to 7.00pm
• Saturday 20 August: 09.30am to 3.00pm
• Sunday 21 August: Phone lines are closed

Every year, thousands of students find their place at University through UCAS Clearing or Adjustment. You are not alone and there are people to help. You’ll find your place!

Our ex-Officer Tom shares his experience:

Tom

"The plan was always to go to a Russell Group university, that’s what my brother did and that’s what my parents were expecting. And then suddenly out of nowhere I started to do bad in sixth form. I don’t really know why. But still. My grades dropped and it seemed at the time because I didn’t go to university straight away, for like two years, it seemed like everything I was doing I was failing at. I went to university and dropped out. I was meant to join the RAF and then I was late for aptitude testing so I had to wait another year. So it just felt like it was failure after failure. But then eventually I came to Portsmouth. I wasn’t particularly optimistic and then first year I didn’t really get involved that much but I stuck with it because I thought ‘I can’t drop out again’. Eventually though I started to enjoy it, then it was second year, third year and now it’s given me probably my favourite year of my life so far. It makes you realise that things going wrong at one point in your life. Just because it seems like it’s not going great doesn’t mean it’s going to end that way. Coming to Portsmouth is probably one of the best accidental decisions I ever made."

Tom was the VP Activities 2019-2020

We can't wait to see you in September!