🎓 Results Day & Clearing: A Parent’s Guide
Results Day can be overwhelming for students—and parents. If your child doesn’t get the results they expected, knowing how to support them calmly and clearly is key. Here’s what you need to know.
📅 Key Dates
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SQA Results (Scotland): Tuesday 6 August 2024
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A-Level Results (England, Wales, NI): Thursday 15 August 2024
✅ How Results Work
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UCAS Track will update to show if a student has met their offer.
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If both firm and insurance choices are declined, they’ll be automatically entered into Clearing.
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Track does not show grades—students get those from their school or exam centre.
💡 Still waiting on an update? Call the university directly to check the status—especially if grades were narrowly missed.
🔍 What to Do if They’re in Clearing
1. Stay Calm & Organised
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Keep a charged phone and set up in a quiet space.
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Have snacks and water on hand—Clearing days can be long!
2. Check UCAS Track Features
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Use “My Matches” to get course suggestions based on their profile.
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Make sure contact details are up to date to receive calls/emails from universities.
3. Explore All Options
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Use the UCAS Search Tool (official and regularly updated) to find vacancies.
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Students can apply for different courses than they originally chose.
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Research new course options carefully—know the modules, structure, and what excites them.
4. Gather Offers Strategically
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Students can receive multiple verbal offers but can only accept one in Track.
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Don’t rush—universities will often give a deadline to confirm an offer, allowing time to compare.
🗣 Parent Tips for Results Day
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Be the calm in the storm. Your steady support can ease anxiety.
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Reassure them. Whether they’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, remind them this is just one step in a bigger journey.
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Help prepare. Go through Clearing contacts together before Results Day. Our Clearing Directory includes university hotlines and websites—saving time and reducing stress on the day.
