What if I missed the grades for the only university I applied for?published at 15:07 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

15:07 BST 17 August 2023

Samantha Sykes
Ucas adviser

One of BBC News's Instagram followers asks: What do I do if I missed the grades and haven’t applied anywhere else?

Check out the courses in clearing, there will be tens of thousands of choices on offer.

You can also view your clearing matches to help you explore what might be a fit for you. Listen to UCAS’s Streetview video series and Clearing Choices podcasts to get more advice.

You’ll also see personalised support to help guide you, reconsider your original choice, find a new option if you don’t achieve the grades or take a different pathway, including support to consider an apprenticeship.

Also check out the UCAS Clearing, external where all our support can be found.

How do you cope with the stress of results day?published at 15:05 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

15:05 BST 17 August 2023

Richard Brennan
Assistant principal, Walsall College

Another Instagram user asks: How do you cope with the stress of results day and how do you handle the pressure of exam results in general?"

Remember that results day is not a final destination on your journey and is just a point in time.

Some people will need to take resits or retake courses as everyone will be ready to achieve at different stages of their life.

It might be best to re-attempt a qualification and depending on your age you may still be fully funded.

Are A-level alternatives less recognised by universities?published at 15:00 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

15:00 BST 17 August 2023

David Seaton
Admissions director, University of Bedfordshire

This question comes from an Instagram user: Are alternatives to A-level less recognised by universities and is it harder to get in with alternatives?

The majority of UK universities make offers based on the Ucas t, externalariff system, external, rather than stipulating specific qualification types.

This is where an applicant’s qualifications are assigned a tariff score based on the type of qualification and the predicted grades.

While there are a few universities that may have specific course requirements, this is not a commonality across the board. Most applicants will discover the variety of level 3 qualifications (for example A-level, T-level, BTec) available to them will not significantly affect their likelihood of being accepted.

Nevertheless, it still remains important to select level 3 qualifications that are complementary to your learning style and interests as this can enhance the likelihood of good performance and results.

Why do we have to wait until schools open to get results?published at 14:55 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

14:55 BST 17 August 2023

Hazel Shearing
Education correspondent

An Instagram user asked why students have to wait until schools open to get results, when clearing opens before then.

The short answer is that generally you don’t have to. Results can be sent by email and post – in fact, some schools choose to do this for everyone.

But most schools and colleges ask you to come in and get your results. That’s because there will be teachers on hand to help you, whether that’s with applications, remarks or resits.

If you can’t make it in, you can ask to get your results sent to you or to arrange for someone else to pick them up for you.

Clearing opens well before A-level results day, partly so students can prepare a plan B in case they don’t get the results they hoped for (applicants have been urged to do this in recent weeks).

What options are available to students post A-levels?published at 14:45 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

14:45 BST 17 August 2023

Paul Grainger
Honorary Senior Research Associate, UCL

This question is from a BBC News Instagram follower: What options are available to students post A-levels?

The straight forward options are going into employment, undertaking some form of vocational or professional training, an apprenticeship, or going to university.

There are plenty of university places still available through clearing. Your local FE college will advise you on vocational or professional options, and your careers adviser could discuss employment.

Some students choose to take a gap year, which can be a good thing - enabling you to earn some money and gain real world experience.

It's important to do something positive, and not let the time slip by.

Why do UK students apply before their results?published at 14:40 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

14:40 BST 17 August 2023

Hazel Shearing
Education correspondent

Paul asked why the Ucas application system is based on predicted grades, rather than results.

The government in England has floated the idea of “post-qualification admissions” before.

Gavin Williamson proposed it back in November 2020 when he was education secretary.

Then there was a public consultation a few months later. But ultimately, the Department for Education decided against it. It said 60% of people who responded were worried the new models proposed wouldn’t actually improve the system, and there wasn’t any agreement on what the change should look like.

It concluded it would be a “major, time-consuming reform” and there were more urgent priorities, such as recovery from disruption to learning caused by Covid.

Are entry requirements for top universities higher than before?published at 14:30 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

14:30 BST 17 August 2023

Carl Cullinane
Director of Research and Policy, The Sutton Trust

This question was sent in to our BBC News Instagram account, asking: "Are entry requirements for top universities higher than previously?"

Top universities substantially reduced the number of offers they made this year.

They took on lots of extra students during the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021, but have cut back since as in some cases they have been stretched to capacity.

In the data released this morning, the number of acceptances at higher tariff universities has indeed fallen, but perhaps by less than anticipated.

Do many universities accept AS-level qualifications?published at 14:20 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

14:20 BST 17 August 2023

David Seaton
Admissions director, University of Bedfordshire

Hinali, 17, is collecting her BTec results today. She asks: Do many universities accept AS-level qualifications? I want to apply for biomedical sciences at university next year, but it’s not clear whether some universities accept them.

The Ucas tariff does allocate points to AS qualifications, which can help boost your overall point score for university admission.

However, it's important to keep in mind that not all universities take your AS tariff score into account and may only focus on your full A-level score.

To ensure you're on the right track, reach out to the universities you're interested in and ask their advice directly. If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask for guidance!

For biomedical sciences, it's especially important to check if there are any additional entry requirements related to your GCSE grades. It's common for universities to request specific grades in certain GCSEs for this discipline.

Is it better to apply through clearing or reapply next year?published at 14:15 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

14:15 BST 17 August 2023

Samantha Sykes
Ucas adviser

One of the questions sent to our BBC News Instagram account asks: Is it better to apply through clearing or reapply next year if you miss your results?

It depends on what’s right for you.

There’s a great range of choice available through clearing if you want to start University or college this year. Use the UCAS search tool to explore options; you can also view your clearing matches to see some courses you might like.

If you don’t find a course that’s right for you then you can always re-apply next year.

Can students use clearing if they take a gap year?published at 14:10 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

14:10 BST 17 August 2023

Hazel Shearing
Education correspondent

Tom De asked whether students can use clearing if they decide to take a gap year after their results.

No, you can only use clearing to apply for courses starting in 2023.

If you’ve been offered a place on a course for 2023 but want to take a gap year, you can ask the university whether you can defer your place - which just means delaying it. They might allow you to, but they could say no and ask you to reapply for entry in 2024.

If you don’t have an offer, you’ll just need to make an application for entry in 2024. You can start the application now and submit it to Ucas from 5 September. The deadline for most courses starting next year is 31 January, but some have an October deadline, so make sure you check.

How will university strikes affect the new cohort?published at 14:06 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

14:06 BST 17 August 2023

David Seaton
Admissions Director, University of Bedfordshire

We have another question from Instagram, this one asking: Will uni lecturer strikes affect students starting in September?

The impact on students in relation to the university strikes to date has differed from place to place, with some students being impacted more so than others.

It's definitely a valid concern, but all universities are doing everything they can to make sure the strikes don't negatively affect students' education and support.

While we can't predict exactly how long the strikes will go on, unis continue to take students' needs into account and adjust assessments and coursework as needed.

So there's no need to worry too much - just keep focusing on your studies and know that your institution has your best interests in mind.

What happens if you fail everything?published at 14:00 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

14:00 BST 17 August 2023

Jo Fellowes
Careers Adviser, National Careers Service

This Instagram user asks: "What happens if you fail everything?"

Don’t panic - you have options, take a breath and some time to explore.

You could consider retaking your exams or if you think your grades are wrong, you might be able to appeal.

Clearing can help you understand what other universities are out there and the different courses you could be accepted on. You could also consider other options such as an apprenticeship, higher technical qualifications or school leaver schemes.

Going into work or having a gap year may also interest you. You could also explore a supported internship if you are aged 16 to 24 and have an education, health and care plan (EHC). You can chat to a careers adviser who can talk you through all the different options and what might be right for you.

Can you use clearing if you didn't apply for uni?published at 13:59 British Summer Time 17 August 2023

13:59 BST 17 August 2023

Hazel Shearing
Education correspondent

Now to our first question. Deborah Jones asked us if someone who didn't apply for uni can use clearing.

The short answer is yes. Every year there are students who decide they want to go to university after the January deadline, and who use clearing to find a course.

You don’t need to have started a Ucas application beforehand, but you will need to now. You can register and make an application up until 21 September - and you’ll have until 17 October to choose your clearing course (you only get to pick one!)

Once you have started your application you’ll be given a clearing number, which will show under ‘application status’ in your application.

Make sure you have that - and your grades - to hand when you’re calling up universities.

There's lots to consider for students getting exam results today. At 14:00 BST we'll be putting questions to our panel of experts, which includes:

Hazel Shearing, Education correspondent, BBC News

Paul Grainger, Honorary senior research associate, UCL

Carl Cullinane, Director of research and policy, The Sutton Trust

Richard Brennan, Assistant principal, Walsall College

Samantha Sykes, Ucas advisor

David Seaton, Admissions director, University of Bedfordshire

Jo Fellowes, Careers adviser, National Careers Service

You can get in touch in the following ways:

• Email: yourquestions@bbc.co.uk
• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay, external
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

In some cases a selection of your comments and questions will be published, displaying your name and location as you provide it unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published.

Image source, .

Jo Makel
Reporting from Wyke Sixth Form College in Hull

Olivia's hands were trembling as she ripped open the envelope her T Level results were in.

“I don’t even know what to expect,” she laughs nervously.

But she soon breaks into a large smile: “I got a merit overall, so that’s really good, that’s what I wanted.”

Olivia already has a job offer.

“I had an unconditional offer for a degree apprenticeship to be a nursing associate, so it didn’t really matter what I got. But that’s really good,” she says.

Ellie Cleverley
Reporting from Basingstoke

Matt Pearce found he had a spinal tumour in the summer before his second year of study at Queen Mary's College in Basingstoke.

But he managed to complete his exams and get the grades to study philosophy and politics at uni.

“I had to have an operation to remove the tumour and it meant I missed the first month of A-levels,” he says.

"It wasn't easy, but I kept working at it and got the grades I needed and that's all that matters really".

“It’s been tough for our students” say Mark Henderson, principal at QMC.

“But our students worked very hard, and we are immensely proud”.

Image source, PA Media

Jake Zibe, from Newcastle, spent months away from school due to long Covid.

He caught the virus in his first week of sixth form and ended up “completely bedridden, on steroids and other medication”.

When Jake finally returned, two years of A-level learning was crammed into just one by catching up during the summer holiday and extra lessons after school.

Today he achieved an A in biology, B in geography and C in maths, earning him a place at Sheffield Hallam University to study computer science.

“I felt determined not to let the condition rob me of a year of my life,” the 18-year-old says.

Read more: A-level student who lost year to long Covid wins university place

Image source, PA Media

As students tear open envelopes to reveal their A-level, T-level, AS-level and BTec results across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, let’s recap the key points so far.

• About 27% of students got A or A* grades - down from a peak of around 45% during the pandemic
• That fall was steepest in England, where 26.5% of exams got the top grade
• In Wales, the figure was 34%, with 37.5% in Northern Ireland getting top grades
• Across the UK, 79% of those receiving results gained a place at their first-choice university, Ucas says

Have questions? At 14:00 BST we’ll be hosting a panel of experts. Send yours to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on +44 7756 165803

Cormac Campbell
Reporting from Assumption Grammar, Ballynahinch in Northern Ireland

There are more smiling faces at Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland - Emma Leckey and Erin Fay got the results they need to study medicine at Queens University Belfast.

"I can’t stop smiling," says Emma. "It’s been horrible waiting for the results but summer truly starts now."

"People have been treading lightly around me," Erin adds.

"It’s been a nervous couple of months and especially these last couple of days there’s been sleepless nights."

Principal Peter Dobbin says seeing students coming in to collect their results has been "wonderful" but that a lot had opted to receive their results at home.

He says getting results by email removed a lot of the emotion from the process for some.

"They get the results in the comfort of their own homes with their families, then they come in here after... to celebrate with us if they want to."

Rachel Stonehouse
Reporting from New College Swindon

There's no shortage of options you can take now the results are in.

Brione, Tori, Melody and Lauren all picked up their T-level results at New College Swindon earlier and each of them has a different plan for what's next.

Brione is the only one getting ready to head to university in September where she'll be studying midwifery.

Melody's going to take a year off and is thinking of applying for uni next year instead.

Meanwhile, Tori's secured a dental nursing apprenticeship and Lauren's got a job as a teaching assistant.

Before all that though, it's party time - they tell BBC Newsbeat they'll definitely be heading out later to celebrate.

• What are apprenticeships and how do I choose a good one?