Clearing advice for parents, guardians and supporters

The journey to university isn't always a straight path.

If you're a parent, guardian or supporter seeking guidance for a young person, we're here with Clearing advice to support you every step of the way.

We provide extra financial support and help with costs for students in Clearing thanks to the Brighton Summer Boost.

Financial support for students in Clearing: Brighton Summer Boost
Clearing advice for parents and carers
Student Clearing stories
Clearing help and advice blogs

Parents and carers sign up for Clearing updates

Financial support for students in Clearing: The Brighton Summer Boost

Going to university requires careful financial planning for both students and their parents, and carers - especially if the student is going through Clearing.

To help with this, we have a package of financial support, resources, and services to help our students as they start their lives at university.

The Brighton Summer Boost includes:

up to £700 to help with travel costs
free technology loan scheme
free parking on campus
a student job hub
and help with the cost of halls if you choose that option.

Seagull on a rocket with the words: Brighton Boost

Clearing events for parents and carers

On 12 August, we will be holding a virtual talk and Q+A from 5-6pm to provide parents/carers with information on Clearing at Brighton.

Book your online Clearing talk with Q+A for parents and carers

Clearing advice for parents and carers

There are lots of ways to support young people through the Clearing process. It's good for them to inform themselves about how Clearing works, and if they need support they can always call our friendly advice team on 01273 644000.

Courses are available in Clearing that will help them start a student life that leads to a bright future. Remember, we're here to support them every step of the way.

Parents' and carers' questions about Clearing

Helping young people through the university Clearing process: What can you do?
Do universities get results before students?
How long do universities take to respond to Clearing applications?
What's the best way to get a Clearing place?

Staff answering parents questions about Clearing

1. Helping young people through the Clearing process

There are many ways to help young people through Clearing, including:

Sharing resources: Start by pointing them to our questions about Clearing page. It has lots of helpful advice.
Exploring course options: Course availability changes during Clearing. Use our course finder to look for courses that might interest your child.
Calling for guidance: Our course enquiries team is available to talk through their options. Encourage your child to call and discuss their choices with a knowledgeable adviser.
Encourage visits: One of the best ways to help is to encourage them to attend a Clearing campus visit day or join an online event. This gives them a chance to see the campus and ask questions.

2. Do universities get results before students?

Yes, universities receive exam results a week in advance of students, but we are not allowed to share this information. This helps us confirm places quickly, so we're prepared for Results Day.

Students will get their results from their school or college in person or electronically.

They won't need their results to talk to us about options in clearing, so [they can/should] chat to the team on 01273 644000.

3. How long do universities take to respond to Clearing applications?

Universities generally respond to Clearing applications very quickly. In fact, if young people call us, we will speak to them straight away and it's possible they could receive a verbal offer of a place.

Our friendly Clearing team will share more advice about how to apply through Clearing and talk them through what they need to do next to accept their offer.

4. What's the best way to get a Clearing place?

Once a young person has received their results, the best way for them to get a Clearing place is to pick up the phone and call the university on 01273 644000.

There are a variety of courses available throughout Clearing, however the longer they leave it, the fewer courses there will be.

If you need help to better understand the Clearing process, you can always call our friendly advice team on 01273 644000.

Students asking questions about Clearing

Student Clearing stories

Confused about Clearing? Take a look at how some of our students found their way, and pick up great Clearing advice and tips before starting the application process.

Seniz's Clearing story

I applied through Clearing because I didn’t get the grades I wanted and was offered a foundation year. I was already 19 and had this idea everyone would be 18 and so didn’t want to wait another year to get onto my course.

Knowing what I do now that assumption was completely wrong. I knew that I absolutely was going to study in Brighton and loved the topics on my course so I had my mind set almost immediately.

Seniz, Ecology and Conservation MSci

Istvan's Clearing story

It took me seven years of circling the idea of going to university and losing my job as a chef, due to the pandemic, to finally commit. Then it all fell into place, I applied through Clearing, and got accepted in less than a month. It hasn’t always been the easiest time, but I would not change anything about it.

Istvan, Computer Science with Cybersecurity BSc(Hons)

Ousainou's Clearing story

I have not done my A-levels in the UK and as a mature student, Clearing was the only available option through which I could apply with. I choose the University of Brighton because, at the time of looking into applying for university, I was already living and working in Brighton.

Studying in Brighton would mean the continuity of the life I have already built here. I applied through Clearing online, followed all the steps laid out in the application portal, and submit the relevant documents required.

The process was straightforward. My best advice to students thinking of going through Clearing is to apply on time and make sure you have all the required relevant documents at hand. The process is simple and whenever you need help speaking to someone, the Clearing help team is very supportive.

Ousainou, Philosophy Politics and Ethics BA(Hons)

Eva's Clearing story

My A-level results didn’t match the standard offer for my course, but I had just enough UCAS points to scrape through, and I also had relevant work experience. I wrote a personal statement and sent it to the School of Pharmacy Admissions Tutor directly.

He emailed me back promptly, I did a short maths test and phone interview and got offered a place the next day. And then I started the process of uprooting my life in London, quitting my job, and moving to Brighton – all in the space of two months!

Eva, Pharmacy MPharm

Clearing help and advice blogs

Still need help to understand Clearing and prefer to read a blog? Take a look through our collection of student blog posts.