Who is Clearing for?

What Clearing is not...

Clearing is often misunderstood. People think it’s a last resort, something you only turn to when everything’s gone wrong. But in reality, Clearing is a second chance - it gives you space to breathe, reassess, and make decisions that actually reflect where you're at now, not where you thought you'd be when you first started college. A-Levels are intense, it’s easy to get tunnel vision and try to stick to a path you chose a year or two ago. Clearing gives you permission to pause, take a step back, and ask: Is this still the right route for me?

So, who is Clearing for?

Short answer: everyone.

There’s this premeditated idea that Clearing is only for students whose exams didn't go to plan. And while it can be a great safety net in that situation, it’s also so much more than that.

Clearing can be the perfect opportunity for students who’ve simply had a change of heart, and that’s completely okay. College gives you the chance to explore a few different passions. University asks you to choose just one. So if you’ve realised along the way that your interests or priorities have shifted, Clearing is a great way to make a choice that truly reflects who you are now.

The "results didn’t go to plan" student

You worked hard, but your grades didn’t come out quite as expected and now your original university choices might not be an option.

First of all: be kind to yourself.

Exams don’t define your worth or your potential. Clearing is here to help you find a course that still suits your passions and strengths. You still have every chance of going to uni and loving it.

The "changed my mind" student

Maybe you applied back in January and now it just doesn’t feel right. Maybe you've fallen in love with a subject you didn’t apply for, or the course or city you originally chose doesn’t feel like a fit anymore. That’s normal, people grow and change. Clearing gives you the freedom to rethink and re-route, no drama required.

The "didn't apply first time round" student

If you didn’t apply to university through the main UCAS cycle - whether you weren’t sure about going, missed the deadline, or just needed more time - you’re not alone. Clearing is open to anyone, and it’s a great option if you've decided you do want to go to uni after all.

The "want to swap courses or unis" student

Maybe you’ve already started a course or completed a year, and it’s just not working for you. Whether it’s the subject, the university, or the environment - something isn’t clicking. Clearing gives you a way to pivot without losing momentum. You’re allowed to change direction, even after you’ve started.

The "gap year rethink" student

You took a gap year to travel, work, or just breathe after school and now you’re ready for the next step. If you apply for uni after 30 June, you’ll automatically go through Clearing. It’s a great way to get back into the game and find a course that fits your refreshed goals and outlook.

The "mature or career change" student

Whether you’re returning to education after a break, looking to switch careers, or finally following a passion you put off years ago, Clearing can be your path in. Your experience, life skills, and motivation matter. You absolutely belong here.

How it works

The actual Clearing process? Super straightforward.

A quick Google search will get you all the phone numbers you need. And if you want to know what to say when you call, check out my other blog here - it’s got everything you need to ask and prepare.

At Leeds Beckett, you can even register for a Priority Clearing Pass for free and it’ll allow you to have a head start on Results Day, should your course be one that tends to fill fast.

The bottom line

Whether you know exactly what you want or still feel unsure, Clearing gives you the time and flexibility to figure things out and the tools to take control of your future.

Do your research. Be open-minded. And don’t be afraid to change direction if it feels right.

You’re not stuck. You’ve got options. And Clearing might just be the thing that gets you where you really want to go.