Clearing runs from 5 July and gives students another opportunity to apply for university courses with available places.

Clearing is ideal for:

1. Students who didn’t get the grades for their original choices
2. Those who didn’t apply earlier in the year
3. Students who have changed their mind
4. Those who performed better than expected and want to explore new options

Universities that have places available in Clearing will advertise them through UCAS and on their own websites.

They’ll also advertise ways they can be contacted – many will have set up special Clearing helplines to take calls. Durham University’s number is +44 (0) 800 987 4120 and is available from 7 July to 13 August, between 10am and 4pm, 14 August 8am-6pm and 15-22 August 9am-5pm BST (GMT+1)

If your child/dependent decides to enter Clearing starting from 5 July, they will need to submit their application directly through the UCAS Hub. Our Undergraduate Admissions team will then review the application. They will then receive an update via UCAS.

From 14th August they will need to call our Clearing hotline or complete our Clearing online web form. They’ll need to tell us what course they’re interested in, their results (including any English Language qualifications, secondary school qualifications like GCSEs or equivalents).  They’ll also need to provide their contact details, including an email address they can access easily. Please note no verbal offers will be given over the phone. If successful they will be emailed a provisional offer providing instructions on how to formalise their Clearing offer through UCAS.

Whatever the reason your child/dependent decides to enter Clearing, it’s important to be prepared. 

Help with research:

1. Look through course listings and university Clearing pages together
2. Make a shortlist of options with phone numbers and entry requirements

Offer practical support:

1. Be there during the calls
2. Hold a place in a queue or assist with note-taking
3. Help them stay calm and focused

Explore accommodation:

1. Research university accommodation and private housing options
2. Durham will try to offer accommodation to Clearing students where possible

Celebrate together

No matter the outcome, support and encouragement go a long way.

Whether or not your child/dependent receives a provisional offer in Clearing, they will need to refer themselves via the UCAS Hub, to formalise their Clearing place at Durham.

Here's what you need to know:

1. UCAS Hub will show if your child/dependent is in Clearing
2. They will need to refer themselves to one course at one university at a time (e.g. Durham’s code is D86)
3. UCAS Hub is now open for Clearing applications.
4. On A Level results day (14 August), Clearing applications will re-open on UCAS at 1pm BST (GMT+1)

Once your child/dependent has referred themselves, they are accepting the provisional offer the university has given them. They’ll then need to wait for the university to process their decision and send it to UCAS. When that happens, they can start to prepare for the start of term.

If your child doesn’t want to go through Clearing, that’s okay too. There are other pathways, such as: Appealing their results, resitting exams or taking a gap year and reapplying next year. 

We will make an offer of accommodation to all new undergraduate students who request it.

Find out more about our colleges