A-level results 2026: Clearing, appeals and finance

By the GlobeBids Education Desk | 14 August 2026

The morning after A-level results day on 13 August, students across England are confirming university places, searching Clearing vacancies and reconsidering courses. Applicants should check their UCAS application first, contact universities directly before changing anything, and review the financial and accommodation consequences of a new choice.

Check your university status before using Clearing

UCAS Clearing helps applicants find undergraduate courses that still have places. It may be relevant if expected offers did not materialise, no place is confirmed, or an applicant now wants to consider a different course.

A practical sequence is:

• Sign in to UCAS and confirm the current application status.
• Search live vacancies, checking each university’s own course page too.
• Call universities to discuss entry requirements and whether they will offer a place.
• Compare modules, teaching arrangements, location, tuition costs and additional course expenses.
• Obtain the university’s agreement before adding a Clearing choice through UCAS.

Vacancies and institutional deadlines can change quickly. Applicants should not rely on an old course list or assume that an initial telephone conversation guarantees admission.

A review of marking is not an automatic re-mark

Students who believe a result may be wrong should first speak to their school or college, according to GOV.UK guidance. The centre can explain the available checks, request a review under the relevant exam-board process and, where appropriate, pursue an appeal afterward.

A review of marking checks whether the mark scheme and marking procedures were applied correctly. It does not automatically mean every answer will be marked again, and a challenge does not guarantee a higher grade.

Ask the school about deadlines, possible fees and potential outcomes. If a university place depends on the disputed grade, contact the admissions team immediately to ask whether it can wait for the review result.

Update Student Finance England after changing course

A university or course change must also be reflected in the student-finance application. Student Finance England guidance says applicants should keep their details current, including relevant changes to their university or course.

Check whether the change affects tuition-fee information, maintenance support, course length or payment timing. Updating UCAS does not remove the need to update the finance application separately.

Read accommodation terms before paying

Before accepting accommodation linked to a new university, confirm the course place and read the booking conditions. Check the deposit, cancellation rights, contract dates, total rent, guarantor requirements and whether the agreement remains binding if plans change.

Students leaving accommodation attached to an earlier choice should ask the provider, in writing, what cancellation or release terms apply. The safest next check is the live UCAS vacancy, followed by confirmation from the university, finance account and accommodation provider before committing.

Source: UCAS