Understanding the UK Education System and UCAS
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UCAS is the main service for UK university applications.
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Students apply using predicted grades, then track and respond to offers via UCAS Track.
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Each student needs their UCAS username and password to access their account.
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VISIT: The article on this page of the UCAS website offers a clear and simple explanation of the options available to students once they have been awarded their results.
Types of University Offers
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Conditional Offer: Dependent on students achieving certain grades.
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Unconditional Offer: The place is secured regardless of final grades.
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Students choose a Firm (first choice) and Insurance (backup) offer.
University Offers via UCAS
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Offers are made through UCAS Track and can be:
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Conditional – student must meet specific grades.
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Unconditional – place is confirmed regardless of final results.
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Students may also find out if they’ve been rejected through UCAS Track.
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Most students receive their offers by 16th May, though some may get them later (e.g. 17th July).
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Students typically select two offers:
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Firm Choice – their preferred university; if they meet the conditions, their place becomes unconditional.
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Insurance Choice – a backup; if they miss the Firm offer but meet this one, they get in here.
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Students must respond to offers by a deadline in May.
RESEARCH: You can see the University League Tables here. To filter the best university by course, you’ll find the option to filter the ‘Subject League Tables’ at the top of the screen
UCAS Clearing Process
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Clearing is a system that helps students find a university place after results are released, especially if they:
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Didn’t meet the conditions of their offers,
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Didn’t receive or accept any offers,
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Are applying after 30 June 2024, or
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Declined their Firm place using the "Decline my place" button.
Key Dates:
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Clearing runs: 5 July – 20 October 2025
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The last day to add a Clearing choice on UCAS Hub is 20th October
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Around 1pm on Results Day: Students can add a new Clearing choice on UCAS
When Students Can Use Clearing:
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Applying after 30 June 2025
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No offers received or accepted
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Missed conditional offer grades
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Paid the £26.50 multiple choice application fee
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Declined firm place via UCAS Hub
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Students are automatically entered into Clearing if they miss both their Firm and Insurance offers.
Exceeded Grades? Consider "Self Release"
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If a student exceeds the conditions of their Firm offer:
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They can explore better-fitting courses via Clearing.
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Once a new offer is secured, they must Decline their place via UCAS Hub to reapply using Self Release.
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Clearing Plus may help by matching students with available courses based on their grades.
⚠️ Important: Students should not decline their place unless they’re certain they want to pursue a different university or course.