Your results day plan
Results day can feel overwhelming – but having a plan makes all the difference. And remember that feeling nervous or unsure is completely normal.
This guide shows you exactly what to expect and what to do on results day, step by step.
Your results day plan at a glance
On results day (Thursday 13 August 2026), follow these steps:
- Check your UCAS status (if you have a university offer)
- Get your results from your school or college
- Review your options
- Decide your next step
- Contact universities if you need to secure a place in Clearing
- Get your decision
What happens on results day?
Here’s how the day usually works:
Step 1: Check your UCAS status
If you’ve applied through UCAS and have an offer, start by logging into UCAS Hub in the morning 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. Check with them to find out how you will receive your grades and what time they will be open from.
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. Check with them to find out 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.
Step 4: Decide what to do next
If you’re applying through Clearing:
- Look at your shortlisted courses (if you don’t have a shortlist yet, take 10 minutes now to explore courses before results day.)
- Check entry requirements (remember that these can occasionally change during Clearing, depending on availability and demand)
- Decide what you want to apply for
- Take a look at our tips on how to prepare for Clearing.
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 speak directly to our Clearing team for quick, friendly advice – and in many cases, you’ll receive a decision during the call.
- Call us on +44 (0)115 848 6000
- Or apply online
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.
If you’re offered a place, we’ll guide you through what to do next.
Get ahead before results day
The best way to feel confident is to prepare early. Before results day, you can:
- Explore courses
- Shortlist your options
- Understand how Clearing works
- Sign up for NTU Priority
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 in your application 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.
