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A-level results day 2022: When is it, what to expect and how can I challenge my grades?

a level results day when what expect how challenge marks grades boundaries university ucas
a level results day when what expect how challenge marks grades boundaries university ucas

A-level results day is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences in a student's life - it's the moment when you find out whether you've secured a place at your chosen university.

While you can see which university places you've secured online, you will need to go to your school or college to find out your exact A-level results.

Should things not go to plan, you will be surrounded by teachers who can help you decide your next step.

In the run-up to A-level results day, we've got your key questions covered.

When is A-level results day?

This year, A-level results day falls on Thursday 18 August.

What time can students collect their results?

UCAS starts updating students' records from 8.15am onwards.

What do you need to bring with you on results day?

Make sure you have the following ready on A-level results day:

  • Your UCAS Track login details;

  • Your mobile phone (with camera for selfies);

  • Contact details for your university choices;

  • The website addresses of both Clearing and Adjustment UCAS pages;

  • If you aren't available on results day, give a nominated person access so they can speak to UCAS on your behalf. Check UCAS for details;

  • Details of any conditional offers and Clearing phone numbers for universities of interest;

  • If you suspect you will need to go through Clearing, a contingency list of courses you’ve researched beforehand (Clearing technically opened on 5 July, so you can already see courses available).

What happens on A-level results day?

When Track goes live, you will be able to see your university confirmation, but not your grades. You will have to pick these up from your school or college.

The UCAS social-media team will be online to answer any questions. They close at 6pm.

You met your grades

If you've met your grades, Track will update to tell you if you have got into your firm or insurance university choice. Check for any emails from the universities on whether there is anything additional you need to do (this should be outlined within any conditions of the offer). If your finances are sorted, you can relax and celebrate.

You narrowly missed your grades

Should you just have missed out on your grades, don't panic. If it's only by a narrow margin, you may find that your university still accepts you on your course – just make sure you speak to them first. You can also look into appeals, although you’ll need to do this as soon as possible.

Alternatively, your chosen university may offer you a slightly different course, which you’ll need to accept through Track. If this doesn’t happen, proceed to Clearing, where you can apply for other courses, either at the same university or at a different one.

You completely missed your grades

If you've completely missed your grades, you need to start ringing courses in Clearing that are on your contingency list or that catch your eye.

You scored higher than your predicted grades

Congratulations - if your grades are far better than you predicted, you may wish to change your university options.

Unfortunately, Adjustment is no longer feasible as of 2022 - but you can still decline your place and release yourself into Clearing to choose alternative institutions.

Can I defer my place?

If you've changed your mind about going to university or wish to take a gap year between A-levels and further education, you must call your university's admissions team to find out if this is something they can offer.

What is Clearing Plus?

Clearing Plus was introduced in 2020 and offers help to anyone who is unplaced or is applying for the first time through Clearing.

If you’re in Clearing, look for a button in Track marked ‘View Matches’ to see courses which UCAS considers would be good for you, taking into account your original choices and your qualifications and grades.

If you see a course you like, you can hit ‘Interested’ so that university or college can contact you – you can do this for up to five choices at a time.

But remember, courses in Clearing fill up quickly, and you may not always receive a call, so also look for courses in Clearing using the search tool. Saying you’re interested in a course through Clearing Plus does not guarantee an offer.

How long do you have to make a decision about Clearing?

Don’t rush your decision – Clearing only opens at 2pm, giving everyone time to speak to universities and find a place. Only add a Clearing choice once you have permission from the university or college.

While you can only add one choice at a time, if it is not confirmed (you will see in Track and get an email), you can then add another choice and repeat the process if necessary – or decide to reapply next year or pursue other options.

When is BTEC results day 2022?

BTEC National results are usually released to students on or just before A-level results day. The exact dates depends on your school or college.

Some individual unit grades will already be made known to BTEC students, from already completed exams. It is the school or college's responsibility to let pupils know how and when to pick up the remaining results.

This article is kept updated with the latest information.