Clearing has officially opened at the University of Chester for the 2024/2025 academic year.

This annual process, used by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), offers prospective students the opportunity to discuss their future academic prospects.

Typically, most Clearing activities occur on A-level results day, which is set for August 15.

However, Clearing spans a period of more than three months, providing students with an extended time frame to find the perfect university and course.

This year, Clearing will remain open until October 21.

The Clearing system functions to fill available spaces in university courses at the end of the academic year.

Over the recent years, more and more students are turning to Clearing as a preferred choice due to the increased flexibility and broader selection of courses it provides.

Ric Bengree, director of marketing, recruitment and admissions at the University of Chester, offered an insight on the Clearing process.

He said: "Clearing is for those who have just completed their A Levels and/or BTEC qualifications but have changed their minds about what they’d like to study, or achieved higher grades than expected, or didn’t meet their firm or insurance offer requirements.

"It’s important to know that even if you don’t meet your firm or insurance offer requirements, it doesn’t automatically mean you enter Clearing.

"Make sure you check the UCAS Hub on results day; you may find that you’ve still been given a place, or that a decision has not been made yet.

"If that’s the case, we recommend you give that university a call."

Mr Bengree added: "You can also apply through Clearing if you’re applying after June 30, or if you haven’t accepted any offers yet.

"People who have been out of education for a while and are ready to begin a new career or just pursue something they’re passionate about can also use Clearing."

He stressed that Clearing is suitable for prospective students in various situations as he added: "Clearing is for prospective students in a range of different circumstances and it’s a brilliant opportunity to find the perfect university and course for you.

"There are many universities to choose from and a wide selection of courses; look at our A-Z Clearing Course Listing to find a course you’re passionate about.

"At the University of Chester, we’re a community so studying with us will feel like home away from home – it won’t take you long to feel connected here."

During Clearing, call lines at the University of Chester will be open from Monday to Thursday between 9am to 5.30pm, and on Fridays from 9am to 4.30pm.

Extended hours will be observed on various days throughout August.

To accommodate applicants, the University will be holding visit days throughout the summer at their Chester, Birkenhead, and Warrington sites.

The institution also promises Clearing applicants guaranteed University or partnership accommodation if applications are submitted before August 31, 2024.

For more information about Clearing at the University of Chester, visit https://www.chester.ac.uk/clearing/how-to-apply-through-clearing/