Option

Why might this be a good option?

Next step

Apply for a university course through Clearing

You are passionate about studying a particular subject and you have grades other universities will accept.

Check your UCAS Hub to see if you have entered Clearing and see which available courses match your profile. You can also see which courses are still available on the usual UCAS site.

Retake your A-levels/BTecs

You are confident that you have the ability to achieve a higher grade and your current grades are preventing you from accessing a suitable course for your career plan.

Speak to your current sixth form or college immediately to see if you can retake with them. Alternatively, use nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course to see if a local sixth form or college has space for you.

Apply to university in the next application cycle

You do not want to go to any of the universities listed through Clearing and would rather apply to your preferred institutions next year.

Speak to your teachers and let them know your plans. It is a good idea to apply with their help next year.

You need to think about what you can do in the next few months that will strengthen your application – perhaps a short course, volunteering or a job.

Apply for an apprenticeship (Advanced, Higher or Degree)

You are keen to start working, developing your employability skills and gaining experience in a particular industry or sector.

Visit one of the apprenticeship search sites listed or contact one of the local colleges listed overleaf.

Apply for university level courses at a local college

You are interested in studying at a higher level, in a specific occupational area, with the potential for gaining a degree. These courses are typically much cheaper than university courses and with smaller teaching groups.

Look at the websites of local colleges to see what they offer at undergraduate/university level/higher education. See list overleaf.

Applying for a Level 3 course at a local college

You haven’t achieved enough UCAS points for university and are interested in further study in a particular area. Gaining an additional Level 3 qualification can boost your UCAS points for a future university application and is free for 16-18 learners or those with an EHCP.

Look at the websites of local colleges to see what they offer at Level 3. See list overleaf.