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What is Clearing?
Clearing is the way to find university courses with vacancies if you've applied late, changed your mind or your results are not as expected.
Most students use Clearing from A-Level results day (14 August) but if you’ve already got your results, e.g. you took the International Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers, you can find a place now.
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Already got your results?
Call us on +44 (0)1784 772455 to chat through your options. Our hotline is open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm.
For most of our courses*, we’ll consider IB grades from 24 overall or 444 at Higher Level, or CCC at A-level, or equivalent. Some courses may require a specific grade in a relevant subject, but please call us to discuss your results. (*some exceptions may apply)
Find out what to do to accept your Clearing offer below.
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Clearing at Royal Holloway
Want to find out more about Clearing but not sure where to start?Find out everything you need to know about Clearing at Royal Holloway, from our accommodation guarantee to frequently asked questions.
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Sign up for more information
Sign up for our Clearing emails to get tips and information on the Clearing process, hear from current students and join our online events. Plus, be among the first to hear our Clearing grades for 2026. You'll also be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher!
Sign up for our Clearing emails
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Clearing stories
Thinking of using Clearing? Find out what the experience was like for some of our students and alumni.
Whether you're using Clearing because you've missed out on your offer grades, are applying directly via Clearing or have simply changed your mind on your original choices, you can be sure you're not alone.
Plenty of our students were in the same boat in previous years and have successfully used the Clearing process to find their perfect course at Royal Holloway and then go on to achieve great things.
Abi's storyAbi is a BSc Social Science student who found her place at Royal Holloway through Clearing.
She said: “When I discovered that I had narrowly missed my grades for my firm choice on A-Level results day, I was incredibly stressed.
"I decided to give Clearing a go and phoned the Royal Holloway Clearing hotline. I didn’t have to wait for too long for my call to be answered, and I immediately felt reassured by the person on the other end of the phone. They talked me through my options, offered me a place on my course, and gave me all the information I needed to navigate the next steps.
“Looking back now I’m in my final year, I’m so pleased with how things have panned out. Clearing meant that I could still join a university of my choice, succeed on a course I’ve loved, and make lifelong friends.
“To anyone who finds themselves in the same boat, don’t panic. It isn’t the end of the world, and everything will work out eventually! Think your next steps through and accept help from the person who takes your call. They’re on your side and want to match you with a course and university that’s right for you.”
Anthony's storyWhen Results Day went unexpectedly, Anthony found his way to Royal Holloway to study Economics. He's now excelling as a Financial Services Risk Consultant at PwC.
Looking back, he says: "I remember feeling like I’d failed when I checked UCAS on results day and saw that I was in Clearing. I hadn’t achieved my predicted grades, and I was just one grade away from meeting my insurance university. As far I was concerned it meant I wasn’t going to university, and I didn’t know what to do.
"I began calling universities that were open for Clearing with the help of family and teachers, and eventually I phoned Royal Holloway. I was immediately reassured when I learnt that there were places on multiple related courses.
"Although I used to wonder how life might be different if I had gone to my firm choice, now I’m in a job I love, I can confidently say that it all worked out for the best. Clearing led me to Royal Holloway where I had the most incredible experience, achieved a first in my degree, made friends for life and learnt the skills needed to enter the working world.
"If you find yourself needing to use Clearing, don’t feel it’s the end of the world. Take comfort in the fact it’s designed to help you when things don’t go to plan and know that everything will work out."
Nathaniel's storyNathaniel is a BSc Computer Science with Integrated Foundation Year graduate. He came to Royal Holloway through Clearing after facing personal challenges in his final year of sixth form.
He said: "My A-Levels had been severely disrupted when I became ill with a physical disability, and I was devastated when my grades were far from what I expected. I missed out on both my firm and insurance offers and was thrown into panic.
"My worries soon disappeared when Royal Holloway answered my call. The person I spoke to took time to understand my situation and offered me a place on the integrated foundation year. They explained everything to me, and once I had got my head around the next steps, I could see my plans coming back to life.
"Looking back as a graduate, I know it was the right pathway for me. The foundation year got me back on track, led me onto a course I really enjoyed and gave me back my confidence. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Clearing.
"I’d advice anyone going through Clearing not to worry. While the uncertainty is scary, you’ll get through it and the right course will be waiting for you. I’ve also been on the other end of the phone as a call-handler when I was a student ambassador, so I can assure you that you’ll be in safe hands."
Helen's storyHelen came to Royal Holloway through Clearing in 2003. She studied BA English and MA Shakespeare.
She reflects on her experience: "I can still remember the absolute heartbreak of my A-Level results day. I thought I knew what the next three years of my life were going to look like, and suddenly I had to think again.
"I also remember the kindness of the person I spoke to at Royal Holloway while I was going through Clearing, and the enormous relief I felt when I was offered a place.
"I enjoyed my degree enormously and learnt so much! I also made some of the best friends of my life there, and 20+ years on our children often play together.
"I have a career I’m proud of and life is good. If I could go back and speak to that panicked 18 year old, I’d reassure her that life can often take us down an unexpected path, but it’s what we choose to do with our surprises that matters in the end."
