Clearing 2025: Summing up a busy Exam Results Day

The phones were ringing off the hooks yesterday as hundreds of exam students dialled University of Northampton (UON) dedicated Clearing Helpline.

Clearing is an annual period that allows budding university students who might not have achieved their desired Level 3 examination grades a second shot at getting a degree place.

It also means they can make a late application, or, if they have changed their mind about what and/or where they want to study, an opportunity to switch courses or universities.

Clearing also provides universities with the chance to fill remaining course places before the start of the new academic year.

Clearing runs from July to October, but the busiest day is undoubtedly Level 3 (A and T Levels, BTECs etc.) Exam Results Day, which this year was Thursday 14 August. The totals are:

• 799 calls to the Clearing Helpline were taken yesterday alone and the total continues to rise as the line has been open today, Saturday (9am–4pm) and then from 9am-5pm until Friday 17 October.
• 1,476 Clearing applications completed since 5 July.
• 756 Clearing offers have been made since 5 July.
• 350+ academics and professional services staff have been talking to applicants and completing Clearing applications with them since 5 July.

Dawn Mains, Deputy Academic Registrar (Admissions), says: “University of Northampton’s calendar contains many key dates and one of the most important – and busiest! – is Level 3 Exam Results Day.

“Most students opened their results envelopes to happy news and will be on their way to their chosen university, degree and future career success. Clearing helplines such as ours offer advice and signposting for those who didn’t quite make the grade or otherwise need to discuss their university options.

“For those who haven’t made the call yet, perhaps the most important one they’ll ever make, we are here to talk with you tomorrow and Saturday this week – when we will also hold our August Open Day – and will be on the phones until Friday 17 October.”

Call our Clearing helpline on 01604 214 808; there’s further information about Clearing at University of Northampton on our website.