Introduction:
A Level Results Day marks the culmination of months of dedicated studying and hard work. It’s a moment filled with anticipation, especially for those who are awaiting decisions about university placements. As a parent, supporting your child on this significant day can be challenging, but fear not, we’re here to help.
Timings:
Your child should be able to collect their A Level results in person from their school or college, usually starting from around 08:00 BST. However, opening times may vary, so it’s essential to check the specific arrangements of their educational institution.
Online Access:
If your child is unable to collect their results in person, they should contact their school in advance to ascertain if results can be accessed online, sent via post, or collected by a designated representative.
UCAS Updates:
For students who have submitted an Undergraduate UCAS application, UCAS will update the status of their application on the UCAS Hub around 08:15 BST on Results Day. This means that your child may learn about their university acceptance before they even pick up their results.
UCAS Terminology:
Navigating UCAS terminology can be confusing. Here’s a quick reminder of key terms and definitions to support your child on A Level Results Day:
– UCAS Hub: The online platform where your child can view their application status.
– Firm Offer: The first-choice university where your child hopes to study.
– Insurance Offer: The second-choice university where your child will go if they don’t meet the entry requirements for their firm offer.
Congratulations! If your child has secured their firm offer, they can relax and let UCAS handle the rest. They will soon receive written confirmation and communication from their chosen college or university.
Preparing for University:
While waiting for results, it might be beneficial to encourage your child to start preparing for university life. This could include researching accommodation options and managing their finances to ensure a smooth transition.
Unexpected Outcomes:
If A Level Results Day doesn’t go as expected, don’t despair. There are several options available if your child does not meet the entry requirements for their firm or insurance choices.
Clearing:
If your child has received higher grades than their initial offers, they can browse Clearing vacancies for courses that align with their new grades. They should contact universities they are interested in directly to confirm the availability of places and seek confirmation of a new place before declining their original offer.
Gap Year and Reapplication:
Taking a gap year and reapplying to a different university or course the following year is also an option.
UCAS Clearing Eligibility:
According to UCAS, your child is eligible for Clearing if their firm and insurance choices have been declined, or they have not yet applied to any universities. On Results Day, if your child is eligible for Clearing, it will be displayed on their UCAS Hub, and they will be given a unique Clearing ID number.
Clearing Process:
Using this number, along with their UCAS ID, your child can contact prospective universities through their Clearing hotlines to enquire about course vacancies. If your child is offered a place, they can add this as their Clearing choice in the Hub.
Remember:
– Your child is only allowed one Clearing choice at a time and cannot select another unless they are unsuccessful or request that their place is cancelled.
– Encourage your child to carefully research potential university courses and not select the first one out of panic.
– Once your child declines their existing offer, their contract with that university or college will be cancelled, and they will lose their place. Therefore, ensure they have a confirmed new offer in hand before making any decisions.
Conclusion:
A Level Results Day can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right guidance and preparation, it can also be a day of exciting new opportunities. Remember to stay calm, research your options, and support your child every step of the way. Good luck!
