How does this work for gap years/UCAS?

[tillygod06]

I completed my A-levels this year and have decided to take a gap year.

I know that I will have to create a new UCAS application and pay a new fee and that I will have to fill-in all of my details again but something that I find confusing is the following :

When I declare my GCSE grades and A-level grades and then submit my UCAS application, when they process my application before sending it off to the universities that I have chosen, will they seek to verify the grades declared so will I have to get into contact with them and provide them with proof of certificates or do they check the exam boards before sending it off; or does UCAS do none of that and simply send whatever you declared whether you’ve declared the right grades or false grades and it’s the universities who have to verify?

The reason why I ask is because obviously I would be declaring the legitimate grades that I got, but one of the universities that I asked about this said that UCAS has linked to exam boards and can verify A-levels declared that way and then universities see if UCAS has verified it; and if not verified, the universities ask for proof like scans. But, that’s confusing because, if UCAS couldn’t verify it wouldn’t that mean they assumed it was fraud and flag it as such and that mean that if UCAS doesn’t verify it then universities are suspicious? Or, if UCAS sends off the application you declare with the correct grades, why do certain universities still ask for certificates to prove the grades if UCAS has verified this?

I asked UCAS themselves about this and they said that they hold data from prior admissions cycle but don’t do verification checks for grades at point of application andtake what you declare at face-value so it’s the job ofuniversities to verify all of this.

So, how does this work?

@tillygod06 , your school / college still needs to write your reference (it's new style as well as the PS for 26). The UCAS form should be submitted via your school / college and depending on whether you took your GCSEs or just A levels they verify the grades you took with them.

But if she’s finished her ALevels and is doing a gap year she won’t be enrolled in a school or college?

sorry OP, I’ve no idea how it works, maybe ring admissions at the university you fancy applying to.

Schools / colleges submit ucas forms for past pupils for several years after they leave as a reference is needed and the results need verification.

You need to speak to the college you last attended. They will process the UCAS application with you and verify that it is correct. When you enrol at the uni you will need to produce the certificates. Usually for gcse it is Maths and English unless there is a specific subject requirement.

You also need to include all of the exams that you have taken, whether or not you were happy with the grades or re-sat them. So, for example, if you got 3 Bs the first time but upgraded them to a mix of A*s & B you would need to declare all of your exams from each attempt.

Don't forget to demonstrate what you are doing in your gap years.

Yes, it’s still through the school or college even when you take a gap year. My nephew has just done this for September 2025 entry although he say his A levels last year. He wrote his personal statement then emailed the sixth form college and they did their part and submitted it.