Preparing for Results Day: A Parent’s Guide

Results Day can feel like the moment when years of work, university plans and family expectations all collide.

Your child may be excited, anxious or determined not to talk about it. You may be trying to remain calm while quietly researching every possible grade combination at midnight.

The best way to reduce the pressure is to prepare before the results arrive.

You cannot control the grades, but you can make sure your child:

• Knows how to access their results.

• Can sign in to their UCAS Hub.

• Understands their firm and insurance offers.

• Has contact details ready.

• Knows what different UCAS decisions mean.

• Has researched possible Clearing alternatives.

• Understands the process for requesting a review of marking.

• Has someone calm and supportive beside them.

This guide explains how parents and carers can prepare for Results Day, what to expect on the morning and what to do in every possible situation.

When Is Results Day in 2026?

The main 2026 results dates are:

Qualification	Results date
International Baccalaureate Diploma	From Monday 6 July 2026
Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers	Tuesday 4 August 2026
A levels, AS levels and T Levels	Thursday 13 August 2026
Relevant Level 3 vocational and technical qualifications	On or before Thursday 13 August 2026
GCSEs	Thursday 20 August 2026

A-level, AS-level and T Level results are released on Thursday 13 August 2026. Level 3 vocational and technical qualifications used for progression to higher education should also be released on or before this date.

Students in Scotland receive Higher and Advanced Higher results on Tuesday 4 August 2026.

Schools and colleges set their own arrangements for collecting or accessing results. Your child should check:

• What time results will be available.

• Whether they need to attend in person.

• Whether results will also be sent by email or through an online portal.

• Which staff will be available.

• How long the school or college will remain open.

• Whether appointments are needed for careers advice.

Do not assume that another school’s arrangements will be the same.

What Time Does UCAS Update on Results Day?

On Thursday 13 August 2026, applicants can access their UCAS applications from 08:00 UK time.

Eligible applicants can add a Clearing choice from 13:00 UK time.

Your child may be able to see whether their university place has been confirmed before they receive their exact grades from school or college.

However, UCAS Hub does not display examination grades. It shows the status of the university application. Students must obtain their actual results through their school, college or qualification provider.

Logging in repeatedly before 08:00 will not reveal the outcome early. It may simply create an unusually tense breakfast.

What Happens Before Results Day?

Universities usually receive many applicants’ results before students do, under strict embargo arrangements.

This allows admissions teams to compare results with offer conditions and decide whether to confirm places. UCAS then makes application decisions visible after the embargo lifts.

UCAS receives and sends many common UK qualification results to universities automatically. However, it does not receive every qualification or every result. Students taking certain international, vocational or less common qualifications may need to send evidence directly to their universities.

Before Results Day, your child should check whether UCAS expects to receive their particular qualifications.

Understanding the Parent’s Role on Results Day

Results Day belongs to the student.

Parents can provide practical help, reassurance and perspective, but the student should remain responsible for decisions and conversations with universities.

Your most useful roles are to:

• Help prepare a plan.

• Keep important information organised.

• Provide transport or a quiet place to work.

• Help research alternatives.

• Take notes during telephone calls, with permission.

• Remind your child to ask important questions.

• Help them slow down before accepting an alternative course.

• Stay calm when the outcome is unexpected.

Try not to:

• Open their results without permission.

• Telephone universities immediately on their behalf.

• post results publicly before asking them.

• Compare them with friends or siblings.

• treat an unexpected result as a family emergency.

• push them into the first available Clearing course.

• make decisions while they are distressed.

UCAS advises parents to remain calm, let the student lead and remember that several routes may remain available whatever the results.

Have a Results Day Conversation in Advance

Do not wait until the night before Results Day to discover that your child wants to open their results alone, while you have arranged a family video call involving three grandparents and an enthusiastic aunt.

Ask in advance:

• Do you want me to come to school with you?

• Would you prefer to collect your results alone?

• Do you want me nearby when you check UCAS?

• Who can be told the results?

• Can I help if you need to contact universities?

• Would you like advice immediately or some time to process the outcome?

• What would help you feel calmer?

Respect their preferences where possible.

Some students want a parent beside them. Others need a few private minutes before discussing anything.

Review the Firm and Insurance Offers

Before Results Day, your child should check the exact conditions of their offers.

They should record:

• The firm university and course.

• The exact firm offer conditions.

• The insurance university and course.

• The exact insurance offer conditions.

• Any required subject grades.

• Any GCSE conditions.

• Any non-academic conditions.

• Any outstanding evidence requested by the university.

• Contact details for both admissions teams.

A conditional offer may involve more than an overall grade combination.

For example, the offer might require:

• ABB overall.

• A specific grade in one subject.

• Completion of a practical endorsement.

• A particular GCSE result.

• Evidence of English language ability.

• A DBS, health or occupational assessment.

• Submission of qualification certificates.

University decisions are based on the exact offer shown in UCAS, not on what the student remembers from the university’s general entry requirements.

Read Firm and Insurance Choices Explained if your child is uncertain about what each offer means.

Check UCAS Sign-In Details

Several days before Results Day, your child should confirm that they can sign in to their UCAS Hub.

They should have:

• Their correct email address.

• Their password.

• Access to any authentication method required.

• Their UCAS Personal ID.

• An updated telephone number.

• Access to the email account used in the application.

Password problems are much easier to solve on an ordinary afternoon than at 08:01 on Results Day.

Do not rely on passwords being saved on a school laptop that may no longer be available.

Check Nominated Access

A student can nominate a parent, carer, guardian or adviser to speak to UCAS or universities about the status of their application.

The student must add or update nominated access themselves. The nominated person may need the student’s Personal ID and must be able to answer security questions.

Nominated access can be helpful when:

• The student becomes overwhelmed.

• The student has communication or accessibility needs.

• The student is temporarily unavailable.

• A parent needs to help resolve an administrative problem.

• The student wants practical support during Clearing.

However, universities will often still want to speak directly to the applicant, particularly when discussing an alternative course or Clearing place.

Nominated access is a safety net, not permission to take over.

Check the Student’s Contact Details

Universities may contact applicants by telephone or email around Results Day.

Check that UCAS and the universities have:

• The correct mobile number.

• A personal email address the student can access.

• Current home details.

• Any updated nominated access information.

Students should also check:

• Spam and junk folders.

• University applicant portals.

• Messages within UCAS Hub.

• Voicemail.

An unfamiliar telephone number on Results Day could be a university admissions team rather than a heroic attempt to sell replacement windows.

Confirm How Results Will Be Received

Your child should contact their school or college before the summer closure if anything is unclear.

Ask:

• What time does the school open?

• Are results collected in person?

• Will they be available online?

• Can someone else collect them?

• Is written authorisation required?

• Which teachers or advisers will be present?

• Will examination officers be available?

• How can private candidates obtain their results?

• Who should students contact about reviews of marking?

Where your child cannot attend in person, arrange the alternative well in advance.

Prepare a Results Day Folder

Create one physical or digital folder containing everything that may be needed.

Include:

• UCAS Personal ID.

• Firm and insurance course details.

• Offer conditions.

• University admissions telephone numbers.

• University email addresses.

• School or college contact details.

• Examination candidate number.

• Clearing shortlist.

• Notes about alternative courses.

• Personal statement responses.

• GCSE and existing qualification results.

• Details of relevant work experience.

• Questions to ask universities.

• A notepad or spreadsheet for recording calls.

• Copies of any previous university correspondence.

The student may not need most of it, which is excellent. A contingency folder is at its best when it spends the day feeling unnecessary.

Prepare the Technology

On Results Day, have access to:

• A charged mobile phone.

• A charger or power bank.

• A laptop or tablet.

• Reliable internet access.

• Headphones if calls need to be made privately.

• A backup device where possible.

• Paper and a pen.

Charge everything the night before.

Students using Clearing may need to search vacancies, read course pages, make calls and update UCAS. Doing all of that on a phone with 7% battery is an avoidable form of character development.

Create a Plan for Every Possible Outcome

The aim is not to predict the result. It is to remove the need to invent a plan while emotions are running high.

Discuss five possible outcomes:

1. The firm place is confirmed.

2. The insurance place is confirmed.

3. Neither place is confirmed.

4. The application remains pending.

5. An alternative or changed course is offered.

You may also want a plan for a student who receives higher grades than expected and wants to reconsider their choice.

Write down the first two or three steps for each outcome.

Outcome One: The Firm Place Is Confirmed

If UCAS shows that the firm place is confirmed, the student has been accepted.

They should:

• Read the complete status message.

• Check their actual grades.

• Look for messages from the university.

• Complete any remaining registration tasks.

• Check accommodation arrangements.

• Review student finance details.

• Celebrate in whatever way feels right.

A confirmed place normally means there is no need to telephone the university simply to ask whether the place is confirmed. The UCAS decision provides that information.

However, the university may still require:

• Proof of a qualification.

• Identity documents.

• Registration.

• Accommodation payments.

• Occupational health information.

• DBS or safeguarding checks.

• Visa documentation.

• Other administrative steps.

An unconditional or confirmed academic place does not necessarily mean every administrative requirement has been completed.

Read What Happens After Results Day? for the next steps.

Outcome Two: The Insurance Place Is Confirmed

If the student does not receive their firm place but is accepted by their insurance university, the insurance place becomes their confirmed place.

This can produce mixed emotions. The student may be pleased to have a university place but disappointed about losing the firm option.

Give them time to process both feelings.

They should:

• Check the UCAS status carefully.

• Read any message from the insurance university.

• Confirm accommodation arrangements.

• Check whether student finance details need updating.

• Review travel and moving plans.

• Contact the university if important information is missing.

The student cannot normally choose to take the firm place after being placed at the insurance university unless the firm university agrees to reconsider them.

If they no longer want the insurance place, they may be able to decline it and enter Clearing, but they should research alternatives first.

Outcome Three: Neither Place Is Confirmed

If neither the firm nor insurance university confirms a place, the student may be eligible for Clearing.

Before doing anything:

1. Check the exact UCAS status.

2. Read all messages.

3. Obtain the actual grades.

4. Speak to the school or college adviser.

5. Check whether either university is still considering the application.

6. Begin contacting suitable Clearing universities.

Clearing is not a punishment and it is not limited to weaker universities or unsuccessful students.

It is the process through which universities fill remaining places and applicants find courses that still have vacancies. Students may use it because they missed an offer, received no offers, applied late, declined a place or changed direction.

Read Clearing Explained and How Clearing Works before Results Day.

Outcome Four: The Application Is Still Pending

A pending decision means the university has not yet made or communicated its final decision.

This may happen because:

• The university is still considering the student.

• A result has not been received.

• A condition remains outstanding.

• The qualification information does not match the application.

• The admissions team needs more time.

• The university is waiting for another result, such as a GCSE.

A pending status does not automatically mean rejection. A university may still accept a student who missed the stated grades.

The student should:

1. Check the offer conditions.

2. Check whether all results have been sent.

3. Look for university messages.

4. Telephone the admissions team.

5. Ask what information is missing.

6. Ask when a decision is expected.

7. Record the name of the person spoken to.

Do not withdraw from a pending choice without understanding the consequences.

Being released into Clearing can mean losing both firm and insurance options, so the student should only request this when they are certain they no longer want either place.

Outcome Five: A Changed Course Offer Appears

A university may offer a different course, start date or point of entry.

For example, it might offer:

• A related degree.

• A degree with a foundation year.

• A different subject pathway.

• Deferred entry.

• Entry at a different campus.

This often happens when the student has not met the original conditions but the university still wants to offer an alternative.

Do not accept immediately without investigating.

Ask:

• What is the exact course title?

• Why has the alternative been offered?

• Which modules are included?

• Is the course professionally accredited?

• Can the student transfer later?

• Does it add an extra year?

• Are tuition fees or living costs different?

• Is accommodation still available?

• What careers does the course lead to?

• What is the acceptance deadline?

A related course is not necessarily an inferior option, but it must still suit the student.

What If Your Child Misses Their Offer Grades?

Missing the published grades does not always mean the university has rejected the student.

The university may:

• Confirm the original place.

• Keep the application pending.

• Offer a changed course.

• Offer a foundation year.

• Reject the application.

• Ask for further information.

Admissions teams consider factors including available places, the student’s complete results and how closely the offer was missed.

The first step is always to check UCAS rather than assuming the outcome from the grades

alone.

If the Place Has Been Confirmed

No further negotiation is required. The university has accepted the student.

If the Application Is Pending

Telephone the university and ask whether a decision can be made.

If the Application Is Unsuccessful

Ask politely whether the university would reconsider the student, particularly if:

• The grades were narrowly missed.

• A required subject grade was achieved.

• There were documented mitigating circumstances.

• The student is requesting a priority review of marking.

• A related course may be available.

Universities do not have to reconsider the application, but asking calmly can clarify the available options.

What If Your Child Exceeds Their Offer?

Higher grades do not automatically move a student to another university.

If the firm place is confirmed, that is the university place they currently hold.

A student who wants to apply elsewhere can explore Clearing vacancies. However, they should not decline their confirmed place until they:

• Have researched the alternative course.

• Have spoken to the new university.

• Understand accommodation availability.

• Have considered the financial implications.

• Are certain they no longer want the original place.

From 2 July, students holding an unconditional firm place can use the “Decline my place” option to release themselves into Clearing. UCAS advises applicants to use this only when they are sure they no longer want the confirmed place.

Declining a place is not a harmless way to browse. Once released, the original place may not be recoverable.

Read What If You Exceed Your Offer? before taking action.

Prepare for Clearing Before Results Day

Even students who expect to meet their offers should understand Clearing.

Preparing does not show a lack of confidence. It simply prevents hurried decisions if the morning brings an unexpected result.

Clearing opened on 2 July 2026, and the final date to add a 2026 Clearing choice is 19 October 2026. Eligible applicants can add a Clearing choice from 13:00 on A-level Results Day.

Before Results Day, identify several possible alternatives.

Record:

• University.

• Course title.

• Course code.

• Entry requirements.

• Key modules.

• Accreditation.

• Location.

• Accommodation position.

• Contact number.

• Why the course might be suitable.

• Questions that still need answering.

Clearing vacancies can change quickly, so this list is a starting point rather than a guarantee.

How Clearing Works on Results Day

The basic process is:

1. Check that the student is eligible for Clearing.

2. Search for suitable vacancies.

3. Read the full course information.

4. Telephone the university.

5. Provide results and application information.

6. Discuss the course.

7. Receive an offer in principle.

8. Consider the offer carefully.

9. Add the Clearing choice through UCAS.

10. Wait for the university to confirm the place.

Students should only add a Clearing choice after the university has offered them a place and given permission to add it.

Adding a course without speaking to the university does not guarantee acceptance.

Read How to Call Universities During Clearing for a full telephone guide.

What Students Need When Calling Universities

Have the following ready:

• UCAS Personal ID.

• Clearing number, where shown.

• Full examination results.

• GCSE results.

• Course name and code.

• Personal statement responses.

• Details of relevant experience.

• Contact information.

• A list of questions.

• Pen and paper.

• Information about any review of marking.

The student should make the call where possible.

Parents can:

• Sit nearby.

• Pass written prompts.

• Take notes.

• Research accommodation.

• Check course details.

• Help compare offers.

Universities want to speak to the applicant because the student needs to demonstrate interest, ask questions and make the decision.

Questions to Ask During Clearing

The student should ask:

• Do you still have places on this course?

• Would you consider my grades?

• Is this the same course shown on your website?

• Are there compulsory modules I should know about?

• Is the course accredited?

• Is a placement year available?

• Is accommodation available to Clearing applicants?

• Is accommodation guaranteed?

• When must I make a decision?

• Is this a formal offer in principle?

• Can you email confirmation?

• What do I need to enter in UCAS?

• Is there an offer-holder event or campus visit?

• What happens if a grade changes after a review of marking?

Record:

• The name of the university.

• The staff member’s name.

• The date and time.

• The course details.

• The offer.

• The deadline.

• Any conditions.

• A reference number.

Do Not Rush Into the First Clearing Offer

Results Day can create a false sense that every place will disappear within minutes.

Some courses are competitive and vacancies can close quickly, but Clearing continues beyond Results Day. UCAS notes that students also secure places in the days and weeks that follow.

Before accepting, check:

• Course content.

• Assessment methods.

• Accreditation.

• Location.

• Accommodation.

• Total costs.

• Student support.

• Placement opportunities.

• Travel arrangements.

• Whether the student genuinely wants the course.

A quick decision can still be an informed decision. It does not need to be a panicked one.

What If Your Child Thinks a Grade Is Wrong?

Begin by speaking to the school or college.

Ask for:

• The mark.

• The grade boundary.

• A breakdown of marks where available.

• Advice from the subject teacher.

• Information about accessing the examination script.

• The school’s internal deadline.

• The cost of a review.

• Whether a priority service is appropriate.

Being close to a grade boundary does not prove that the marking is wrong. Grade boundaries are set after papers have been marked and can change each year depending on the difficulty of the assessments.

A review of marking checks whether the original marking contains an error. It is not a request for a more generous marker.

Priority Reviews of Marking

A school or college can request a priority review where the result affects access to further or higher education.

For the summer 2026 examination series, the deadline for awarding bodies to receive requests for Priority Service 2 reviews of marking for A levels, T Levels and relevant Level 3 vocational qualifications is 20 August 2026. Schools may set an earlier internal deadline.

Awarding organisations aim to complete priority reviews by 3 September 2026, the UCAS advisory deadline for higher education providers to hold places open.

However, a university is not automatically required to keep a place available while the review is completed. The student should contact the university immediately and explain that a priority review is being requested.

Ask the university:

• Will you hold the place?

• What is your deadline for receiving the reviewed grade?

• What evidence do you need?

• Should the school contact you?

• Would you consider the student while the review is pending?

Read Priority Reviews of Marking Explained before submitting a request.

Can a Grade Go Down After a Review?

Yes.

During a review of marking:

• The mark may stay the same.

• The mark may rise.

• The mark may fall.

• The grade may stay the same.

• The grade may rise.

• The grade may fall.

Students must normally give written consent after receiving their results because the outcome could be lower as well as higher.

A review should therefore be discussed with the school or college rather than requested automatically because the student is disappointed.

Should Your Child Appeal Their Results?

A review of marking and an appeal are not the same thing.

The usual process begins with a clerical re-check or review of marking. An appeal may follow where there are grounds to challenge the result of that process or the examination board’s procedures.

Students normally request these services through their school or college. Private candidates may have different arrangements.

Read Should You Appeal Your A-level Results? for a detailed explanation of the stages.

Prepare Emotionally, Not Just Practically

Results Day is not only an administrative process.

Students may experience:

• Relief.

• Excitement.

• Disappointment.

• Anger.

• Embarrassment.

• Confusion.

• Grief for a plan they had imagined.

• Anxiety about telling other people.

• Pressure to make an immediate decision.

A technically successful outcome can also feel complicated.

A student may receive their firm place and suddenly feel frightened about leaving home. Another may secure an insurance place but still feel disappointed. Someone entering Clearing may eventually find a better-fitting course but feel devastated during the first hour.

Allow these emotions without immediately trying to correct them.

Helpful Things Parents Can Say

Try:

• “Let’s check exactly what UCAS says.”

• “You do not have to solve everything in the next five minutes.”

• “Would you like advice, or do you need me to listen?”

• “We prepared for this possibility.”

• “Let’s speak to your school before deciding.”

• “One result does not determine your whole future.”

• “We can look at the options one at a time.”

• “You have not let anyone down.”

• “A different route is still a real route.”

• “Take a breath, then we will make the first call.”

Things to Avoid Saying

Avoid:

• “I told you that you should have revised more.”

• “Your friend managed to get in.”

• “This is a disaster.”

• “Just take any course.”

• “You cannot possibly go there.”

• “What will we tell everyone?”

• “Your future is ruined.”

• “I will call the university and sort it out.”

• “There is no point being upset.”

• “At least you got…”

Even a well-intended “at least” can sound like the student is not allowed to be disappointed.

Protect Your Child’s Privacy

Ask before sharing results with:

• Family members.

• Friends.

• Social media.

• School parent groups.

• Employers.

• Neighbours.

Results belong to the student.

They may want time to understand their own feelings before managing everybody else’s reactions.

Avoid posting photographs of results sheets. These may contain names, candidate details or other personal information.

Results Day Evening

By the end of the day, try to establish:

• Whether a university place is confirmed.

• Whether any decision remains pending.

• Whether a Clearing offer has been received.

• Whether a review of marking is being considered.

• What deadlines apply.

• Who needs to be contacted next.

• Whether accommodation or student finance must be updated.

Do not assume every issue must be fully resolved before bedtime.

Some decisions take longer, particularly where universities are reviewing borderline applications or waiting for results.

Once immediate actions are complete, encourage your child to eat, rest and step away from their phone.

After a University Place Is Confirmed

The next steps may include:

• Reading the university’s confirmation email.

• Completing online registration.

• Accepting accommodation.

• Paying a deposit.

• Updating student finance.

• Arranging a student bank account.

• Checking course start dates.

• Preparing documents.

• Planning travel and moving.

• Reviewing university support.

• Checking reading or equipment lists.

Read What Happens After Results Day? and Moving to University for complete checklists.

What If Your Child Decides Not to Go?

A confirmed place does not mean the student must ignore serious doubts.

They may decide to:

• Decline the place and use Clearing.

• Request deferred entry.

• Reapply next year.

• Take a gap year.

• Pursue a degree apprenticeship.

• Enter employment.

• Study through another route.

They should speak to the university, school or careers adviser before making an irreversible decision.

A change of plan is not automatically a failure. It may be the result of better information or changed priorities.

Results Day Preparation Checklist

Two to Four Weeks Before

• Confirm the official results date.

• Check the school or college collection arrangements.

• Review firm and insurance offer conditions.

• Check UCAS sign-in details.

• Record the UCAS Personal ID.

• Update contact information.

• Check nominated access.

• Research Clearing.

• Identify alternative courses.

• Record university contact details.

• Discuss how your child wants to receive support.

The Day Before

• Charge phones and laptops.

• Prepare the results folder.

• Check internet access.

• Confirm travel arrangements.

• Set an alarm.

• Prepare breakfast and drinks.

• Find a quiet place for calls.

• Check school opening times.

• Avoid last-minute speculation.

• Encourage a reasonable bedtime.

On the Morning

• Check UCAS from 08:00.

• Read the complete status message.

• Obtain the actual results.

• Compare results with offer conditions.

• Check email and university portals.

• Speak to school advisers where needed.

• Contact universities if the position is unclear.

• Research before entering a Clearing choice.

• Record every offer and deadline.

• Take time before making irreversible decisions.

Before Accepting a Clearing Course

• Check the full course title.

• Review modules.

• Confirm entry requirements.

• Check accreditation.

• Ask about accommodation.

• Calculate costs.

• Ask about placements.

• Confirm the offer in writing where possible.

• Record the deadline.

• Make sure the student genuinely wants the course.

If Considering a Review of Marking

• Obtain the mark and grade boundary.

• Speak to the teacher.

• Ask about the script.

• Check the school’s internal deadline.

• Understand the possible outcomes.

• Contact the university.

• Ask whether the place will be held.

• Submit the correct service promptly.

• Keep evidence of all correspondence.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is A-level Results Day 2026?

A-level, AS-level and T Level Results Day is Thursday 13 August 2026. Relevant Level 3 vocational results used for higher education progression should be issued on or before the same date.

What Time Does UCAS Open?

Applicants can access their UCAS applications from 08:00 UK time on Thursday 13 August 2026. Eligible students can add a Clearing choice from 13:00.

Will UCAS Show My Child’s Grades?

No. UCAS Hub shows the status of the university application, but it does not display examination grades. Students usually receive grades from their school or college.

Should My Child Check UCAS or Their Results First?

Either may be available first, depending on school arrangements.

Students need both pieces of information. UCAS shows whether the place is confirmed, while the results explain the grades achieved.

What If My Child Misses Their Offer by One Grade?

Check UCAS before assuming they have lost the place.

Universities may accept applicants who narrowly miss their conditions, keep the application pending or offer an alternative course.

Can I Call the University for My Child?

Universities normally prefer to speak directly to the applicant.

You may be able to help if you have nominated access, but the student should participate in important discussions and make the final decision.

Should We Prepare for Clearing Even If the Grades Look Secure?

Yes.

A basic backup plan reduces pressure and does not suggest that you lack confidence in your child.

Can My Child Add Several Clearing Choices?

A student can contact and receive informal offers from several universities, but they add one Clearing choice at a time through UCAS.

They should only add a choice after the university has given permission.

Is Clearing First Come, First Served?

Vacancies can fill quickly, particularly on popular courses, but students should still investigate a course before accepting it.

Clearing continues beyond Results Day, and some students secure places later in the cycle.

What If UCAS Still Says Conditional?

Check whether the university is waiting for a result or other condition.

Contact the admissions team and ask what information is outstanding. Do not assume the student has been rejected.

Can a University Offer a Different Course?

Yes. A changed course offer may involve a different subject, start date, campus or point of entry.

The student can review the details and decide whether to accept or decline it.

Can a Grade Fall After a Review of Marking?

Yes. A mark or grade may rise, stay the same or fall after a review. The student must understand this before consenting.

What Is the Priority Review Deadline in 2026?

For A levels, T Levels and relevant Level 3 vocational qualifications in the June 2026 series, awarding bodies must receive Priority Service 2 requests by 20 August 2026. Schools may set earlier internal deadlines.

What If My Child Does Not Want Their Confirmed Place?

They may be able to decline the place and enter Clearing.

They should research alternatives and speak to an adviser before using the “Decline my place” option because the original place may not be recoverable.

Final Advice for Preparing for Results Day

The purpose of preparing for Results Day is not to remove every uncertainty.

It is to make sure your child does not face that uncertainty without a plan.

Before the day:

• Know the offer conditions.

• Check UCAS access.

• Confirm how results will be received.

• Prepare contact details.

• Research Clearing alternatives.

• Understand reviews of marking.

• Discuss how your child wants to be supported.

On the day:

• Check the facts before reacting.

• Let your child lead.

• Ask for advice when needed.

• Avoid rushed decisions.

• Keep each outcome in perspective.

Results Day is important, but it is not a final judgement on your child’s ability, potential or future.

A confirmed firm place is one successful outcome. An insurance place, a Clearing course, a changed course, a gap year or a different route can also lead somewhere brilliant.

The most valuable thing you can bring to Results Day is not a perfect solution.

It is calm.