Achieving higher grades
Take a look at your options if you achieve higher grades than you expected and would like to explore new possibilities.
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Clearing 2026 opens on Thursday 2 July 2026.
I think I will achieve higher than my predicted grades
If you think you may achieve higher grades than you were predicted, applying through Clearing, gives you the opportunity to explore new possibilities, including different courses or different universities.
Clearing isn’t just for students who miss their offers, it can also be a route if you outperform expectations and want to reconsider your choices.
Most of our programmes are available through Clearing each year.
Register your interest in one of our programmes, and we will contact you when it’s time to make your Clearing application.
If you're worried about applying through Clearing, we have some handy advice on the process.
What does achieving higher grades mean for Clearing?
Your predicted grades are only an estimate used during your initial UCAS application. If your final results are better, this may:
- Increase the range of courses available to you
- Make you eligible for universities with higher entry requirements
- Strengthen your application during Clearing discussions
You do not need to have applied through the original UCAS cycle to apply through Clearing. If you did plan to attend university, but would now like to, Clearing is your opportunity to join in the upcoming academic year.
In Clearing, universities typically make decisions based on:
- Your final exam results
- Course availability
- Any additional requirements (portfolio, interview, or personal statement)