A-Level Results and Clearing 2023: 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

It's that time...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 17th August. You will be able to pick up your grades from about 8am on Thursday 17th August via your school/college, email, post or accessing them through UCAS.

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

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 believe your results are wrong, speak to someone at your school or college. This could be your teacher, your personal tutor or your principal. They should be able to discuss your options and tell you about the appeals procedure.

You may decide to challenge an A Level, BTEC or another result if:

Your school or college made an error when sending information to the exam board

Your school or college believes the result is incorrect

You have proof of wrongdoing against you, such as discrimination

You won’t be able to submit a request for a review directly to the exam board yourself. Your school or college must do this for you. If you sat your assessments independently, speak to the centre that submitted your results.

The exam board will review your result and change the grade if they agree it’s wrong. It could be re-marked above or below the original grade. If the grade doesn't change, then you or your school might have to pay for the review.

Make sure to check any review deadlines with your exam board. This year you will have until the 31st August to request a priority review of the marking for your exam. The final deadline for the review of marking and to get your results back is the 28th September 2023. ." [Complete University Guide]

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:

• Monday to Thursday: 9am - 5pm
• Fridays: 9am - 4pm 
• Thursday 17 August (A level/T level results day): 8am - 8pm
• Friday 18 August: 8am - 7pm
• Saturday 19 August: 10am - 3pm
• Sunday 20 August: the phone line is closed. You can still submit an application through our online form, which will be picked up by our admissions team on Monday.

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:

"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!