Published: 12 July 2026

Didn't get the results you expected? Clearing, resits and appeals

Missing a target grade feels personal when you have been working towards it for two years. It is still a result you earned, and it does not decide every next step. First, check what UCAS and your universities actually say. Do not reject a place or rush into a new course before you know your options.

1. Check UCAS Hub before doing anything else

Look for the status of your firm and insurance choices. If one is confirmed, you have a place. If it is still pending, read any message from the university and give it time to finish the decision. If you think UCAS has not received a qualification, contact the admissions team with your result.

Do not use the "decline my place" option simply to see what is in Clearing. Releasing yourself into Clearing means losing both your firm and insurance choices. UCAS says to do it only when you are sure you no longer want either place.

2. Clearing can be an option, not a consolation prize

Clearing is how universities fill places that remain on courses. You may be eligible if you are not holding a confirmed place, or if you choose to release yourself. Vacancies appear in the UCAS search tool, but a course showing there does not guarantee an offer. The university will decide after speaking to you and checking your qualifications.

1. Write down your grade, tariff points and any GCSE results a course needs.
2. Search for courses you would genuinely take, including nearby subjects and locations.
3. Call the university before adding it as a Clearing choice. Ask whether it will consider your exact results.
4. Add the choice in UCAS Hub only after the university tells you to.

For 2026 Level 3 results day, UCAS says eligible applicants can add a Clearing choice from 13:00 UK time on 13 August. Check the live timetable on the day because processes and opening hours can change.

3. A review or appeal is about a possible error

A review or appeal is not a second marking because you hoped for a higher grade. Your college can explain Pearson's process, check whether an administrative or procedural error may have happened, and submit any request that is available for your qualification.

Act quickly. UCAS advises students to talk to their school or college, request a review or appeal as soon as possible, and tell their university that an outcome is pending. A university may hold a place, but it does not have to. UCAS says most universities need outcomes by 2 September, though your choice sets its own deadline.

4. Resits depend on the assessment and your course

Some BTEC external assessments can be resat. That is different from repeating an entire qualification, and the rules vary by specification. Your exams office can tell you whether a resit is available, when it runs, what grade it can affect, and whether you need to stay enrolled.

A resit may suit you if a particular external assessment held back an otherwise strong profile and you have a clear reason for delaying your next move. It is a bigger decision if it means taking a year out, paying for accommodation later, or losing momentum. Talk it through with a tutor, careers adviser or someone who knows your course.

5. Keep the result in proportion

DDM is one route into higher education, not the only route. A different course, university, start date, apprenticeship or year of work can still lead where you want to go. The useful question is not "is this good enough?" It is "what choice fits my result and what I want next?"

FAQ