To think going through clearing after A Level results day only takes a couple of days?

[LetsFaceTheMusicAndDance]

Because DH's work have suddenly decided that he and a colleague cannot be off work at the same time in the summer (and both men are married to teachers) we can't have a family holiday until the colleague is back - on A level results day.

Supposing DS gets the grade he needs, that would be no problem - chunnel and tent so no need to book. But if DS doesn't get the grades for his first choice, how long does it take to get through clearing? I can't be bothered with all the packing and driving etc just for a few nights.

really depends on grades, subject, spaces ...most stuff doesnt get properly sorted until the following week xxx

Bugger

Still, it's better to know, thanks.

So it's get the camping gear out and hope to hell he gets the grades for his first choice....

And not just so we can have a holiday, obviously, I'm not that selfish yes I am

I went through clearing and had two interviews in the following week so don't count on being able to go away.

We only found out about the work thing yesterday so we're saying nothing as it's his last exam tomorrow and he wouldn't appreciate the added pressure.

If your DS doesn't get the grades for his first choice, he still gets an automatic place at his insurance if he makes those grades. It's only if he misses the insurance place that he would have to go through clearing. Unless, he decides he doesn't want to go to his insurace, in which case he has to go through clearing. Sorry if this is obvious, but you mentioned missing his place for his first choice only, so I thought I'd clarify.

Usually, getting a potential place happens quickly or not at all, but your DS may need to attend interviews or fill in additional paperwork, which may take a few days to arrive and need to be returned quickly. He may also need to go to the area to sort out accomadation, or just to see the place he is going to.

Hopefully he gets into his first choice though :)

Clearing can take several days to a week. You get a lot of panicked, stressed students trying to get onto new courses and into accommodation at the last minute. I never went through it thankfully, but my friend's brother did in 2006 and it took him about 10 days to get it all sorted!

Fingers crossed for your DS though :)

Ok so the plan is to go if he gets the grades for his first/insurance choice (after he's sobered up from the inevitable results day party).

If he doesn't get the grades, we'll stay home.

After last year's last minute passport renewal debacle, I'd vowed to be more organised this year!

And thank you all for your advice

I went through clearing. I knew I would have to, so I found out which unis would take me on the course I wanted for the grades I reckoned I would get.
I listed them all in order or preference, with phone numbers for the right departments and names of the people who were heads of those departments.
I prepared a statement to deliver over the phone explaining why I wanted their course and uni.
As soon as I had my grades, I phoned the first one on the list, had an immediate phone interview, it was a good job I'd prepared. They accepted me.
So clearing took half an hour of time that day, but quite a lot of prep!
Good luck.

Wow Nails I'm in awe of your foresight and organisational skills (genuinely)

Well, y'know, I was desperate!

About 20 years ago it took just over a week (felt like over a month )
Depends on how many people get their grades, which courses may have spaces - much longer than 2 days - sorry

Dd1 didn't need clearing last year but a couple of friends did. One was sorted in a couple of hours the other gave up after a week decided to resit and reapply this year. Some uni's were complete idiots over last years A lvl results and didn't fill courses that they should have done easily. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a bit more flexibility over grades this time. Good luck.

DD was sorted after a few angst-ridden stressy hours which involved tears and shouting (both of us). But hours not days. Good luck!

Can you plan a long weekend over Bank Holiday Monday so that there is at least a short break to look forward to?

was the plan that your son came with you then? I am confused, why do you need to not have a holiday? can he not sort it himself? I seem to remember I sorted out all my higher education from 16 and parents where not asked for input.

I am not saying don't help him but the person who got themselves organised before hand, you could help him with that and leave him to it, with emergency money for any transport needs for interviews.

I would have hated my Mum and Dad interfering with "helpful comments" which to be fair would have been helpful, I just would not have seen it that way at 18.

fingers crossed anyway, it is an exciting time for him, flying the nest in a few months and finding his feet as an adult.

If you fear he might not sort it out on his own, it might be better for him to take another year to retake and mature a bit.