Clearing is not a last-minute scramble
92% looked for information before results day. Aim for a continuous, visible, year-round presence.
The Clearing Connection: 2025 Clearing report
The Clearing Connection
Every year, we survey thousands of undergraduates placed through Clearing to bring you the student view — how they prepared, what shaped their decisions, and what worked well (or broke down).
A different lens on Clearing in 2026
This year’s research unearthed surprising insights that may challenge your assumptions — from who exactly goes through Clearing, to when the journey starts, to how the process makes students feel.
Thanks to our five student personas, tariff lenses, and evidence deep-dives, our report goes further to understand the needs, considerations, emotions and behaviours of Clearing students.
It will help you provide the right support, in the right way, at the right time — differentiating your institution and building early, strong connections with students.
Clearing is more than one journey
It’s now a year-round consideration for a range of students with different needs, arriving via different routes, with different motivations and different expectations.
Students start preparing for Clearing early, often months before Results Day, and their research is deliberate and focussed. Many are seeking reassurance. Others are actively comparing options. Some are focussed on academic or career outcomes.
But they’re all looking for a positive, student-centred experience with memorable messaging that’s clear, frictionless and confidence-building at every stage. Students want your timing, tone and channels to match theirs.
Clearing is a choice, not a compromise.
There’s no one single Clearing journey and no ‘one size fits all’ message
Generic messaging will underperform. Tailor communications with proof points relevant to different student personas – and your own institution tariff category.
Clearing decision-making is about quality, not just availability
92% said quality teaching is important, 91% say facilities, and 84% say course content. Lead with these messages, communicate your academic and student experience, and make the process easy.
There are gaps in clarity, communication, and visibility across the Clearing journey
74% said it’s easy to find a course, but 15% still felt there could be more clarity on course details, practical logistics, and funding options. Use advertising alongside trusted research sources to maintain a presence, articulate relevant support messages, and reduce anxiety across the Clearing process.
An independent perspective. A deeper understanding. Robust, in-the-moment data
The 2025 Clearing report is a practical guide for marketing, recruitment, and admissions teams. It contains actionable insights to transform your 2026 Clearing strategy.
With it, you’ll know exactly what to say, where, when, how, and to who — ensuring students get timely, targeted information and you get noticed and stay relevant.
Five ways to reach applicants at the moments that matter most
In our Clearing blog, we explore the key behaviours shaping the 2025 cycle – including early research, high intent, and low engagement recall – and what universities and colleges can do to respond.