What to do on results day
Clearing has now closed for 2026 entry.
Looking ahead to 2027 entry? Find out what to expect on results day and what you can do if you need to use Clearing.
What can I do now?
- Explore our undergraduate courses
- Compare universities
- Check entry requirements
- Find out how to apply through main cycle and how to apply through Clearing
- Make a note of key dates for next year's application cycle.
What happens on results day?
Here’s how the day usually works:
Step 1: Check your UCAS status
In the morning, if you have applied through UCAS and have a university offer, start by logging into your UCAS Hub to see whether your firm or insurance university has confirmed your place. UCAS receives your results directly and usually updates from around 8.15 am. Some universities may still accept you even if you’ve just missed your grades.
While UCAS Hub will show whether you’ve secured your place, you’ll still need to collect your actual results from your school or college to see exactly what grades you achieved.
If you don’t hold any offers, your UCAS Hub will indicate that you’re in Clearing. You’ll also be given a Clearing number, which you’ll need when contacting universities.
Step 2: Get your results and grades
You’ll receive your exam results in the morning from your school or college. Your school will tell you how you will receive your results and what time they will be open from.
Take a moment to check them carefully and keep them to hand if you need to apply through Clearing.
Step 3: Review your options
Depending on your results, you might:
- be accepted by your firm or insurance choice university
- look into changing your course or university and need to apply through Clearing
- be declined by both your firm and/or insurance university and need to apply through Clearing
- need to apply through Clearing as you haven't applied to a university before
- have done better than expected and want to explore other universities through Clearing.
Step 4: Decide what to do next
If you’re applying through Clearing:
- Explore courses that you might be interested in
- Check entry requirements (remember that these can occasionally change during Clearing, depending on availability and demand)
- Decide what you want to apply for
Step 5: Contact universities
Once you know what you want to apply for, it’s time to speak to universities.
They’ll talk through your results and let you know if they can offer you a place.
At NTU, you can call and speak directly to our Clearing team for quick, friendly advice.
Step 6: Get your decision
Many students receive a decision quickly – usually during the call. Sometimes, our advisers may need to pass your application to our Admissions team. They’ll review your grades, qualifications and experience, and then confirm whether they’re able to make you an offer. If you’re applying for one of our creative courses, you may also be asked to provide a portfolio. If so, our friendly advisers will guide you through how to submit this. Some Teaching and Allied Health-related courses may require a telephone interview. Our advisers will explain the process and guide you through what to expect.
If you’re offered a place, we’ll explain what to do next.
Advice for results day
What should you have ready?
Make sure you have:
- Your exam results, including A Level / BTEC results, and GCSE grades
- Your UCAS ID (if you have one) and Clearing number, which you can find on UCAS Hub
- A shortlist of courses that you’re interested in
- A phone, notepad and a quiet place to talk.
What if things don’t go to plan?
If you don’t get the results you expected:
- You can still apply through Clearing
- You can explore different or similar courses
- Our friendly advisers will help you find the right option.
How to feel more in control on the day
- Know your options in advance
- Have your shortlist of options ready
- Keep your important details nearby
- Don’t rush – take a moment before making decisions.
