Clearing for parents: how to support your child

Watching your child prepare for university is an exciting milestone, but Results Day and Clearing can often feel just as stressful for parents as they do for students.

If your child is considering Clearing, it’s important to remember that this route isn’t a second-best option. Every year, thousands of students use Clearing to secure a place on a degree that suits their ambitions, whether they’ve changed their mind, achieved different grades than expected, or simply decided to apply later in the year.

At UCFB, many of our students have successfully joined through Clearing before going on to build careers across the sports industry, from football clubs and governing bodies to broadcasters, agencies and major events.

Here’s how you can support your child through the Clearing process.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is the application process that helps universities fill any remaining places on undergraduate courses.

Students may be eligible for Clearing if they:

• Didn’t receive the grades they expected.
• Applied after the UCAS deadline.
• Haven’t yet applied to university.
• Have changed their mind about where or what they want to study.
• Declined their firm and insurance choices.

Rather than seeing Clearing as a setback, it can be an opportunity to find the right course and university.

You can find out everything you need to know about the process on UCFB’s Clearing page, including available courses, how to apply and what to expect.

Encourage them to stay calm

Results Day can bring a mixture of excitement, disappointment and uncertainty.

If your child doesn’t get the grades they were hoping for, reassure them that they still have plenty of options. Avoid rushing into decisions or assuming that university is no longer possible.

Instead:

• Give them time to process their results.
• Help them focus on the opportunities available.
• Remind them that many students successfully secure places through Clearing every year.

Remaining calm will help them make better decisions and approach universities with confidence.

Let them take the lead

As a parent, it’s natural to want to make phone calls or ask questions on your child’s behalf.

However, universities will usually need to speak directly to the applicant before making an offer.

Encourage your child to:

• Call universities themselves.
• Ask questions about the course.
• Discuss their career ambitions.
• Make the final decision.

This helps ensure they choose a course that’s right for them and prepares them for the independence that university brings.

Help them prepare before making calls

One of the best ways parents can help is by ensuring everything is ready before contacting universities.

Your child should have:

• Their ID.
• A copy of their results.
• Details of their qualifications.
• A notebook for taking notes.
• Any questions they want to ask.

Having everything prepared can make conversations much less stressful and ensure they don’t miss any important information.

Ask the right questions

Clearing isn’t just about finding any university place; it’s about finding the right one.

Encourage your child to ask questions such as:

• What modules will I study?
• What work experience opportunities are available?
• What industry connections does the university have?
• What support is available for students?
• What accommodation options are still available?
• When does the course begin?

These conversations can help them compare their options and feel confident in their decision.

Think beyond grades

While Results Day often focuses on exam results, university is about much more than grades.

Encourage your child to consider:

• Their long-term career goals.
• The learning environment.
• Opportunities to gain industry experience.
• Graduate employment outcomes.
• Campus facilities and student life.

Choosing the right university experience can have a lasting impact on their future career.

Explore courses together

Clearing can also be the perfect opportunity to reconsider which course is the best fit.

If your child is passionate about sport, for example, they may discover courses they hadn’t previously considered.

UCFB offers a range of undergraduate degrees designed specifically for careers in the sports industry, including areas such as:

• Football Business
• Sports Business
• Sports Media
• Sports Coaching
• Football Coaching & Talent Development
• Sports Psychology
• Sports Events Management
• Sports Marketing
• Sports Law

Taking time to explore different degree options could open the door to an exciting career path.

Be positive about Clearing

Many successful graduates began their university journey through Clearing.

At UCFB, students who joined via Clearing have gone on to work with leading organisations across football and the wider sports industry, proving that how you get to university matters far less than what you do once you’re there.

A positive mindset can help your child see Clearing as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

Support, don’t pressure

Perhaps the most valuable thing parents can do is simply listen.

Your child may already feel pressure from friends, teachers or social media, so having someone who listens without judgement can make a huge difference.

Offer advice when asked, celebrate every success and remind them that there are multiple routes to achieving their ambitions.

Ready to apply through Clearing?

If your child is thinking about university this year, UCFB’s dedicated Clearing team is on hand to guide applicants through every stage of the process.

Whether they’re looking for advice, exploring available courses or ready to make an application, support is available to help them take the next step towards a career in the global sports industry.

Explore UCFB’s Clearing hub to learn more about the application process, available undergraduate courses and how to secure a place for this academic year.