Clearing opens in July, but for those waiting for A Level results, it really becomes useful in the week before results are released and particularly the day before and evening before, as then you can see what really is available and at what grades.
Yes, to finding out when school or college release results. UCAS tells you if you’ve got into firm or insurance or clearing but not grades. It’s not possible to navigate Clearing for better unis or if disappointed, without those grades. Best places go by9.30 so you want your results at 8am.
Being available to do speedy visit to a Clearing option on the Friday (day after results) or around to deal with Clearing in early part of following week is good too.
You can’t usually apply for a student bank account until you have your results and a code showing that from UCAS.
Different unis allow different categories of student to apply for accommodation or Colleges in the case of a few. Some only allow those who’ve firmed, others firm and insurance,others any offer holder. Worth doing a spread sheet to show that info for each place…at least firm and insurance. Also worth noting if they allocate firstcome, first served (less do it now) or after results etc.
One other thing….for your firm choice, if you’re fairly confident of getting it, worth booking nearby Premier Inn on flexible rate (can be cancelled without charge) for the Sept/Oct day before term starts if you will have a long return journey that can’t be undertaken in a day. Accommodation fills up and gets more and more expensive. No need to do that right now, but maybe after firming.
Also worth looking at exam timetables to see when all the exams will be, especially if there might be any logistical issues of getting to them.
If your DC has exam Access Arrangements for special needs, check everything is in place now….don’t wait to find out that it’s too late to sort out.
Make sure you know what to do and who to contact at school or college if there are any issues in the lead up to exams or during, that might require special consideration. These might include a close family bereavement or illness of DC.
Make sure you are available on results day to collect results and find out grade boundaries and know how to apply for review of marking if a grade is narrowly missed. It has to go through school or college but doing it on results day is often easier than a few days later when staff might not be in. Priority remarks can come back very fast and mean a student gets their place, rather than being deferred to the following year.
Before results day, have chats with DC about worst case scenarios. Look at alternatives in Clearing. Have a plan. Be prepared to help them on results day if Clearing is needed, which is difficult if they are terribly disappointed.
All might sound bewildering and rather ‘boot and braces’ but pre-armed is pre-warned.