Results day can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here's everything you need to prepare for results day and Clearing.
A little preparation can make a big difference. Whether it’s getting your head around what happens on the day, exploring your options if you’ve changed your mind, or simply knowing how to get your exam results – taking the time now can ease some of the pressure and help you feel more in control when results day arrives.
Find all the information you need to prepare here, and be ready for whatever happens next.
On results day you can view the status of your application and check whether your place is confirmed in the UCAS Hub.
To prepare for all possible outcomes, learn more about the different statuses you might see, what they mean, and the steps you could take next.
You can check the UCAS Hub for updates to your application, but it won’t show your grades. You’ll need to arrange how and when you can collect these from your school or college. If possible, it’s best to do this in person so there’s support on hand should you need it.
Plans change, and that’s ok. You may have relocated and now want to study elsewhere, discovered a new passion since applying, or decided on a different path altogether. Here’s what to do if you’re considering changing your mind.
Clearing opens on 5 July and whether you’re planning to use it or not, it’s a good idea to explore what’s available using our search tool. You can even favourite any courses or universities/colleges in the UCAS Hub so you have their details handy on the day. Not sure how Clearing works or who can use it? We explain it all.
Whatever happens on results day, there’s plenty of support available to help you navigate your next steps. You can find contact details for exams results helplines below. You can contact UCAS to understand your options. Or even chat to current students who can share tips based on their own experiences.
Make sure you’ve got your application sign in details handy and update your contact details if you need to – we can’t speak to anyone else about your application unless you've given them nominated access.
Check how your exam results get to your universities and college – most will be sent directly to your choices, but there are some exceptions.
Here are some important dates and timings to be aware of for results day and Clearing.
You can add a Clearing choice in your application from 10:00 (UK time).
You can add a Clearing choice in your application from 13:00 (UK time).
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) will be delivering exam results support.
SDS Results Helpline number: 0808 100 8000
Opening hours:
If you're not sure about your next steps and need help to explore your options, SDS's expert careers advisers are at the end of the phone to help you and your parents or carer.
Whatever your results, the advisers can help you make decisions about what’s right for you. They have information on course vacancies at UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, advice about Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships, and jobs, volunteering, or staying on at school.
Get help with exams results and careers advice 2025. The National Careers Service will be delivering exam results support.
Exam Results Helpline – England number: 0800 100 900
The helpline will be open from Thursday 14 August until Saturday 30 August 2025:
You (or your parents/carers) can contact the helpline to speak to a professionally qualified careers adviser if you need advice on your next steps after receiving results.
Our Streetview videos cover everything you need to know about Clearing and results day, with presenter Robbie speaking to students and experts to put your mind at ease and understand what to expect.
Your status will be updated in your Hub from 09:00 (UK time) on SQA results day, and 08:00 (UK time) on JCQ results day. You will not be able to access your results through your UCAS Hub; this is something you will usually collect from your school or college, so check with them what time results will be available.
You can add a Clearing choice in your application from 10:00 (UK time) on SQA results day, and from 13:00 (UK time) on JCQ results day.
You can change your mind whenever you want to; find out more here.
If you missed the grades you were hoping for, or did better than expected, find out more about your options here.
You can find more information about your status here, and you can always get in touch with UCAS if you have further questions.
From 5 July – 20 October 2025, you can apply for a course using Clearing if you’re not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has places.
You can use Clearing if:
Wonder how Clearing actually works? Not sure what to expect from the call or thinking you might want to change your mind? We explain it all here.