Kent's Clearing guide for parents

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.

When does Clearing start? 

Clearing will open on 5 July 2022. If your child is taking A levels, they will be able to use it from results day on 18 August 2022. 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 hotlines will be open between 08:00 and 20:00 on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August and for extended periods until Friday 26 August 2022. To speak to one of our hotline operators, your child should call 01227 768896. Our hotline opening hours can be found on our contact page. 

If you’d like to find out more about Kent before Clearing opens, come along to our in person and online Clearing Information Event on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 August 2022. Bookings will open soon. 

Stay in-the-know

Sign up for our emails to receive further information, reminders and updates about 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 2022, 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.  

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 a Clearing Open Event

Clearing Open Events are usually held the weekend following results day, but a few universities, like Kent, will have early information events too. These are opportunities for your child to see if a university is right for them and can help them feel more confident about their decisions.

Don't worry if you’re unable to make the journey - there are many other ways for your child to get a feel for a place. Suggest that they look at a university’s social media accounts, such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Socials are great for flicking through videos and photos of student life, or your child could head to the university’s website where there might be a virtual tour of the campus.