Kent's Clearing guide for parents and carers

Results day can be a nerve-racking time for students. Whether you’re a parent, legal guardian, supporter, carer or step-parent, we’re here to help you support them.

How will I know if my child is eligible for Clearing?

Your child can use Clearing if they: 

• have had a change of heart since they applied to UCAS and want to explore other options
• have received unexpected exam results and need to look for alternative courses
• haven’t applied through UCAS before
  
• applied through UCAS but didn’t receive any offers by 30 June 2023.

When does Clearing start? 

Clearing will open on 5 July 2023. If your child is taking A levels, they will be able to use it from results day on 17 August 2023. Students taking BTECs or other qualifications can enter as soon as they receive their exam results, usually in July or August.

If they receive an offer they would like to accept, they need to head to their UCAS Hub (formerly UCAS Track) and add the course as a Clearing choice. Encourage them to carefully consider their decision as they can only enter one choice at a time.

Clearing at Kent 

Our Clearing hotline will be open between 08:00 and 20:00 on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 August, and for extended periods until Friday 25 August 2023. Your child can make a Clearing application online, or they can call our hotline on 01227 768896 to speak to one of our operators. If they meet the entry requirements for their chosen course, we will make them a verbal offer over the phone, which will be confirmed via email on completion of our application form. 

To find our hotline opening hours, please visit our contact page.

Stay in-the-know

Sign up for our emails to receive further information, reminders and updates about the Clearing process.

Get in touch

We know this can be a stressful time so if you have anything you’d like to ask, then please do get in touch on +44 (0) 1227 768896 or by email at information@kent.ac.uk. Our friendly and experienced team can answer any questions you have about studying at Kent and/or applying in Clearing.    

1. Help them prepare 

Clearing moves at a fast pace, so being able to make a beeline for their preferred course will be key to your child’s Clearing success. Most universities will publish their course vacancies on 5 July 2023, giving your child plenty of time to research and decide which courses they like the look of. Encourage them to get into the nitty-gritty detail, such as module content, methods of assessment, graduate opportunities and sandwich years. 

They should look at the student experience at each university too. What is the accommodation like? Are there opportunities for part-time work? Which societies do they like the sound of?

2. Support with their Clearing admin 

Before your child starts calling university hotlines, help them to gather some essential info. They’ll need their UCAS Personal ID, details of their qualifications (including GCSE and equivalent results), and examination bodies. We've put together a list of these things to get you ready for results day. Download the checklist before results day to help you get organised.

Although you can’t call on their behalf, you can help them prepare for possible questions, read and remind them of what’s included in their personal statement and stay with them for moral support as they call around. 

3. Keep them going 

Clearing can still be overwhelming, even if your child has done everything they can to prepare. To help maintain their momentum, be on hand to provide meals and snacks and encourage them to take regular breaks. They might not want to move an inch from their computer for fear of missing out, but it’s important to have time away from their screen. Giving them a space that is quiet and free from distractions is really helpful too. 

4. Visit the University

Our campus tours are open to everyone, whether you're just beginning to look at universities, or you've already applied to Kent.  We tailor our tours for your needs and will be able to answer any queries you have about your Clearing application. Book your campus tour online.