In the 1950s, if you applied to university but received no offers – you probably didn’t go.
That all changed in 1965, when Clearing was first introduced by UCCA. In the 90s, UCAS took the reins and the pace picked up. First, the process moved to phone lines. Then digital, where a wider range of institutions were included and universities began to proactively advertise their courses online.
This year, as we celebrate 60 years of Clearing, it bears little resemblance to its original format. Now, and especially since 2019, there’s a new way of using Clearing that has sparked a whole new era – spearheaded by two new groups of users:
The Mind Changers
Those with offers who have since decided they would rather study something else, or somewhere else. They use ‘decline my place’ and apply to new courses or universities during Clearing. This year, 14,940 students switched course or university (+9% vs. 2023), reinforcing this growing trend.
The Trade Ups
Those with offers who get better grades than were expected, and use ‘decline my place’ to seek a ‘better’ outcome than they originally applied for.
In 2024, 'Mind Changers' and 'Trade Ups' make up 33% of all Clearing users, with 'mind changers' increasing by 9% compared to 2023. This reflects a growing trend of applicants proactively seeking courses that better align with their evolving needs and goals.
Our new 2024 Clearing Report – Understanding Clearing Students: Motivations and Mindsets – analyses the myriad ways of Clearing and how universities must adapt to this new paradigm. Keep your eyes peeled for the launch.
In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek of four key findings from the report:
1. Clearing is no longer a last-minute backup
Traditional Clearing users now represent just 24% of the total, 5 percentage points lower than 2023 and the lowest share on record. This indicates a shift towards students actively choosing Clearing as a strategic option.
Besides the very practical benefits that Clearing offers to those who use it to empower their choices, it’s also changing the emotional experience for all types of users. As what ‘being in Clearing’ means shifts, from a scramble to a strategy, the perception is becoming more positive for all involved.
Even those who found themselves in Clearing because they missed their grades experienced fewer negative reactions than usual:
- worry (-5%)
- uncertainty (-6%)
- nerves (-6%)
- panic (-7%)
Direct to Clearing applicants are rising. This year, 21,970 applicants took this route (+13% vs. 2023), including more older or non-traditional students making confident, late decisions.
2. ‘Decline my place’ is being used more than ever
33% of applicants used 'decline my place' in 2024, marking a 4 percentage point increase from last year and the second-highest share on record. This trend highlights applicants' willingness to reassess their options and the route they take.
For those who enter Clearing voluntarily, it’s not just to forgo their firm choice – many also decline their insurance choice and apply somewhere else entirely. Those who ‘trade up’ consider it a better outcome altogether – beating their original university on location, degree outcomes, job prospects, location, and experience.
And whatever group they come from, Clearing applicants aren’t compromising. They apply the same scrutiny to choosing a Clearing university as they do in the main cycle, with at least eight in ten applicants considering the quality of teaching, facilities, student reviews, course content, and academic support as important factors.
3. Clearing applicants have clear game plans
Choices made in Clearing are increasingly well-considered, thoroughly researched, and made with intent. Knee-jerk reactions are becoming far less common, with 55% of the trade ups having already reconsidered their original university choice before receiving their grades.
As the perception of Clearing improves and more students use it to enhance their outcomes, consideration of alternative options alongside Clearing – often explored by those who miss their grades – is declining. Interest in gap years, employment, foundation degrees, overseas study, part-time study, and volunteering all fell year-on-year.
4. Many are well-informed about their uni pre-results day
In 2024, 45% of Clearing users contacted only one university, up from 38% in 2019.
While students have always had the opportunity to express preferences in the main cycle, targeted decision-making is becoming a more prominent feature of Clearing. More students are approaching it with a clear sense of their desired course and university from the outset.
Research into Clearing options is happening earlier than ever. In 2024, 67% of Clearing applicants researched potential universities before August, up from 59% last year, reflecting a more deliberate and targeted approach to their choices.
The evolving landscape of Clearing in 2024 demonstrates a shift towards proactive and strategic decision-making. Students are increasingly using Clearing to tailor their choices, reflecting a more empowered and deliberate approach to their next steps.
Our 2025 Clearing report will deliver more insights on how Clearing is changing – including data on the other groups not discussed here and advice for how universities must adapt to these new behaviours.