A-level results day 2025 – expert advice from York student

The A-level and AS results are out today (August 14), while GCSE results will be released next Thursday, August 21.

As thousands of students get their results the University of York’s deputy head of admissions, Maxine Charlton said the day can be ‘a whirlwind of emotions, often sending stress levels soaring’.

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She said that for many, Clearing emerges as a crucial pathway to university, yet it’s frequently misunderstood.

“Clearing is an opportunity for students to find the right course and university for them, even if their initial plans didn’t work out,” she said.

“Many successful students enter university this way.”

“It is for anyone who wants to start university in September or October, whether you already have a place or not, and these days, people use Clearing to move around the system, even if they’re already in it but have had a change of heart and decided to go elsewhere. So, whether you’ve missed out on your firm choice, exceeded expectations or simply changed your mind, Clearing could be your path forward.”

“Clearing phone lines are notoriously busy on results day,” said Maxine.

“I urge students to keep calm and be patient. Places are first come, first served and at the University of York our phone lines will open at 8 am. Look up courses in advance and make a plan, save the number of the university/universities you are interested in on your phone to save time. Have your UCAS number, results and a pen and paper to hand when you call to make the process as efficient as possible.”

Maxine Charlton (Image: Supplied) Harrogate Ladies’ College head of sixth form, Dr Davina Kirby said: “If things don’t go exactly as planned, please remember there are options.

“Many pupils find excellent courses through Clearing every year and go on to have wonderful careers — it’s an important safety net that keeps doors open and shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Pupils are eligible for Clearing if they applied after 30 June, didn’t receive or declined all their offers, or didn’t meet the conditions of their offers on results day.

“Clearing officially opened on July 5 and runs until mid-October, but most pupils enter it on results day if needed. We always advise our pupils to prepare for all possible outcomes.”

Dr Davina Kirby, head of sixth form, Harrogate Ladies’ College (Image: Supplied) Jack Boswell, 19, who went through clearing and is now a first year accounting, business, finance and management student at the University of York said: “I achieved better grades than I was expecting.

“I knew I wanted to study accounting, business and finance, but my predicted grades weren’t good enough for my first choice. However, when results day came around my BTEC grades came back much better than expected. At that point, I decided to go for it and see if I could trade up.

“I was scared to call, but when I got through to the clearing team, the person I spoke to on the phone was lovely and calm, even though they were unsure at first if they had a space for me. They were very helpful and reassuring.

“My advice for results day? Don’t stress. There’s always another option.”

​Jack Boswell went through Clearing to get into the University of York (Image: Supplied) People can also find support in York from: