A-Level Results and Clearing 2024: 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?

UK Students will receive their results on Thursday 15th August 2024. 

You will be able to pick up your grades from about 8am on Thursday 15th August via your school/college, email, post or accessing them through UCAS.

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!

What is Clearing?

"Every year thousands of students find their ideal undergraduate course through Clearing. Clearing matches students who are looking for a different course or university from their original choice, or who are applying for the very first time after 30 June, to courses that universities still have places on" (The University of Portsmouth).

How Does Clearing Work?

"UCAS Clearing is a second chance for students to get a place at university, by matching those that want a university place to universities with unfilled places.

You can use Clearing if you:

• Didn’t get into your firm (CF) or insurance (CI) choice universities
• Didn’t get any offers when you first applied
• Are applying after 30 June
• Don’t want the places you've been offered and use self-release to enter Clearing
• Were unsure about university during the first round of applications and didn’t apply

Alternatively, if you got better grades than predicted, you may be able to find a place on a different course at a university with higher entry requirements.

Clearing can also be useful if you've changed your mind about the course you originally applied for and want to go for a different one" (The Complete University Guide).

Can I use Clearing as an International Student?

Yes, the University welcomes "Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do. 

The majority of UK students apply through Clearing once they receive their A level / T level results in August 2024, so as an international student if you already have your exam results you can apply when Clearing opens. 

Make sure that you have time to get your visa, funding, and English language certification sorted out before the beginning of term.

If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office for advice" (The University of Portsmouth). 

Find out more by visiting the University's Clearing Page!

One of our ex-Officers, Tom, shares his story:

"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 welcome you in September!