Clearing guidance for parents

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To help support your child through Clearing, we’ve put together a guide that includes our top Clearing tips.

What is clearing?

Clearing is the way to find a university place if your child has:

  • Changed their mind about what they want to study and where
  • Not got the grades for their firm or insurance offer or has not received any offers
  • Chosen to apply after 30 June

As a parent, you can play an important role in supporting your child through the process. From coming up with a Plan B through to preparing for that milestone moment when they start at university, we’ve got some key tips. 

When does clearing open?

Clearing opens in July 2026. You'll be able to see what courses are available via UCAS or view the full list of courses in Clearing on the University of Staffordshire website.

30 June - UCAS main applications close

The deadline to apply through UCAS. If you apply after this date your application will go through Clearing.

2 July - Clearing opens

If you have your results already, you can apply through Clearing. If you'd like to explore whether Clearing might be for you, contact us for any questions or support.

13 August - Results day

After you've collected your A-level or BTEC results, you can apply through Clearing. We have a simple and quick Clearing process, and we're available to help with your application.

Get Clearing updates

We also offer guidance to parents to help you better understand the Clearing process and how you can support your child. By registering, you’ll receive useful updates, information and guidance. If you request a call back, our team will also be in touch to talk through options.

Results day

While this can be a nerve-wracking day, remind your child that there are still plenty of options available to them.

Once they receive their results, have them log in to their UCAS hub to check the status of their offers. It's important that they don't jump to conclusions and assume they've lost their place if they haven't met all the conditions of their offers.

Encourage your child to reach out to the universities they're interested in as soon as possible. Before they make contact, remind them to gather the following information:

  • Results
  • UCAS personal ID number
  • UCAS Clearing ID (found on the UCAS hub if they've had an offer rejected)
  • UCAS Personal Statement
  • CV, if they have one

Also, ask them to prepare a list of questions they might want to ask about the university, their preferred courses, or any aspect of student life like accommodation and support services.

Step-by-step Clearing guide

  1. Be prepared

    Have a back-up plan in case your child’s results aren’t what they expected. What about a slightly different course or taking a foundation year first? Doing research in advance means you can act more quickly on results day. A growing number of students are also waiting until they get their results before considering university – it’s a route for anyone interested in a degree place.

  2. Be ready for results day

    If they already have a UCAS account, you can check if their university application has been accepted. UCAS Track is updated at around 8am on results day. If they’ve done better than expected or have had second thoughts about where to study, they can also use the "decline my place" button through UCAS to search for a new place in Clearing.

  3. Be supportive and positive

    Remember, it’s their decision and their future. Once they spot a course they are interested in, encourage them to contact the university themselves to discuss it. Before they call, they’ll need their: UCAS ID number, Details of their qualifications (including GCSEs). Your child will get through to our Admissions Team, who can help them explore their options. If they prefer, they can choose to chat with us online or try the offer calculator on our website – and get an instant offer. We make it as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

  4. Ask questions

    Our team is here to help, so ask us as many questions as you want. We can also arrange a chat with an academic or current student. It’s your chance to find out more about a course, other opportunities like placements, and student life.

    Call us 01782 294400

  5. Accepting an offer

    Once they’ve got an initial offer, they can formally accept it through the UCAS hub. Bear in mind, places tend to fill up quickly.

    Visit UCAS hub

  6. Visit us

    Knowing we’re the right fit for your child is really important. We’d love to meet you and can arrange a campus tour with a student ambassador.

    Book an Open Day

What happens next?

Now your child has accepted a place on a course through Clearing, it's time to arrange student finance and accommodation (if applicable), and get ready for welcome week.

Visit us on campus at an Open Day or book a Campus Tour before your child starts their course. 

How to arrange student finance

It’s natural to worry about your child getting into debt. But the student finance system means they can apply for upfront support. If they have already applied for a loan and are changing where they study through Clearing, they should update their details using the student finance log-in.

If they haven’t already been through the student finance process, we recommend they apply now. This will give them the best chance of getting their loan in time for the start of term. Payments are made directly into their bank account in termly instalments.

Accommodation

Campus living is a great way for them to make friends, become more independent and feel like they belong. 

We offer all students who accept an offer through Clearing, a guaranteed room in our new Student Village.

A young female student is relaxing on her bed using her laptop in a modern student room

Student Village and Village Hub

We have a range of new rooms to suit your child's lifestyle and budget, including spacious ensuites, deluxe studios and fully accessible rooms. Your child will be offered a guaranteed room in our new Student Village.

Our on campus accommodation is safe and secure, with 24/7 security, CCTV, our own police officer and emergency maintenance. Utility bills, Wi-Fi and gym membership are all included in the licence fee.

Discover the Student Village

 

Move-in weekend

Welcome! We’ve already got lots of things planned to help your child feel right at home here. The main move-in weekend is normally in mid-September. We also offer a quiet move-in if they would prefer to arrive a few days early to get used to the campus.

To help you prepare for the big day, here are five things to bring with you:

  • Sheets, duvet and cover, pillows and pillow cases
  • ID and important documents
  • Stationery, books and any IT such as a laptop
  • Clothes and hangers
  • Personal decorations to make your child feel more at home

Settling in

Our ResLife Team is dedicated to helping students feel part of their new community. As well as a packed programme of welcome activities, the team offers support and guidance throughout the academic year.

Our Students’ Union also offers lots of opportunities to meet new people, make friends and get involved in student life. The SU has more than 70 clubs and societies, covering an array of interests. We also have a variety of sports teams.

Commuting students

Stoke-on-Trent is a mainline railway and is only a 2 minute walk from campus. Students can get a third off the price of rail travel with a National Rail card – if they're in full-time education, they'll be eligible for a 16-25 railcard regardless of age.

Regular bus services operate directly outside campus, and connects students to Hanley City Centre and the main bus station, allowing students to easily get around the local area.

Your child won't miss out on the student experience. All our students have access to the new Village Hub, which has social spaces, pop-up events and areas to relax.

Parking

We have parking facilities for students on both Stoke and Stafford campuses. If they have a car, your child may be eligible for a parking permit to help with costs.

And finally...

It’s important to reassure your child that clearing is simply another route to university - one that many students take successfully each year. What matters most is that they’ve found the right place to begin their next chapter.

Frequently asked questions 

What is Clearing?

Clearing is just another name for the final admissions process of the academic year.

What is the reason for using Clearing?

Clearing provides a second chance to find the right course if a student hasn’t received the grades they were hoping for, haven’t met conditions of previous offers, or if they have changed their mind from what they originally chose.

My child is currently holding a place elsewhere. How can they self-release?

Before they decline their current place, they should get in touch with us first or use our offer generator.

When they’re ready to join us through Clearing, they can release themselves from their current place and apply to University of Staffordshire directly through their UCAS Hub.

  1. Log in: They should access their UCAS Hub account.
  2. Select decline: From their homepage, they should find and select the ‘Decline my place’ option, then follow the instructions to confirm their decision.
  3. Refer themselves: Once completed, their UCAS status will show that they are in Clearing. They’ll then be able to refer themselves through UCAS Hub for a Clearing offer from University of Staffordshire.

Is Clearing common?

Yes. Over 10% of students come through Clearing every year.

Are Clearing students treated differently?

No, Clearing offers are processed in a different way, but once an offer is made and accepted, students are treated the same as someone who has accepted prior to the Clearing process.

How do I know that University of Staffordshire is right for my child?

We are committed to student satisfaction and employability, and our accolades speak for themselves. If you’re still apprehensive, call us on  01782 294400 where you can speak to our advisors.

How can I help?

As well as providing moral support, make sure your child has their Clearing number to hand when they’re ready to make a decision. This can be found in the ‘Your choices’ section of Track.

Student support

A young female student with blonde hair wearing a grey jumper is chatting and smiling in the lab

Student support

Our student community is a place where everyone matters and where students get all the support they need to succeed.
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Academic support

Whether it’s extra support for neurodiverse students or tips on academic skills, we help students get the most out of their studies.
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Student safety

Our Campus Safety and Security Service makes regular patrols and can be contacted 24/7 if they have any concerns. We also have a CCTV network and a SafeZone app.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about Clearing or need further support for your child, fill in the form or call our enquiries team and we'll be happy to assist.

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