University standing by for clearing with new VIP service

​The University of Gloucestershire is launching a new VIP Clearing service for students looking for a university who want to get a head start before they pick up their A-Level results on Thursday (13 August).

Last year saw the highest number of students yet come through Clearing, which offers students across the country the chance to apply for vacant spaces on university courses.

If you aren’t convinced you’ll have made your grades, are unsure about your firm choice or simply want to keep your options open, simply fill out the form (link removed as event has finished) to register before 5am on 13 August 2015. You will then receive an email with details of the University of Gloucestershire courses that have places available at 6am on results day along with a VIP Clearing number to help you jump the queue.

Staff are preparing to help hundreds of potential students and will be able to answer queries and share insights into living and studying in Gloucestershire, while academics will be on hand to discuss specific course enquiries and help applicants find the right course.

Now studying Business Management at the University of Gloucestershire, Sophie Brown asked to be released into Clearing after not getting her first choice university and deciding against her second. She said: “I chose the university because Cheltenham is a nice town and it’s a lovely part of the country. I was fortunate enough to achieve a place on the course that I wanted. My advice would be to stay calm and don’t panic. I would say take a chance on universities you haven’t looked into before and definitely don’t choose one just before your friends are going there. I am true believer that everything happens for a reason, and I got into this university for a reason, and I’ve had the best time I could have ever imagined.”

Anne Dawson, head of the Media School, is one of the academics who will be ready to take calls. “On results day we hear from students in a whole range of situations,” she said. “They might have changed their mind about which course they want to study, done better than expected and decided to come to university when they thought they might not make it, or got disappointing results and want to see if there is something we can offer them, perhaps at Foundation Degree level or a more practical, vocational course. Whatever their question or personal circumstances, we’ll try to find a solution for them.”

Clearing Visit Days will give potential applicants a chance to explore university facilities and those accept a place through Clearing will be given support to find accommodation locally.

The university has also set aside spaces in halls of residence for late applicants.

Find out more about VIP Clearing.

Penny Eccles, Director of Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment said: “The phone lines will be open to offer support and guidance for the Clearing process. From the moment they begin their journey with us, we guarantee students the opportunity to develop their career goals through the My Future Plan initiative. This is reflected in our employability figures, which demonstrate more than 94% of our graduates were employed or undertaking further study six months after graduating.”
The University of Gloucestershire’s Clearing Hotline is 03330 432414 and is open as follows:

• Until 13 August: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
• Thursday 13 August (A Level results day): 6am – 8pm
• Friday 14 August: 8am – 8pm
• Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 August: 9am – 5pm
• 17 August onwards: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm

Additional information is available at www.glos.ac.uk/clearing. Prospective students can also contact the University on Twitter @uniofglos using the hashtag #UOGclearing or Facebook.

Watch the University’s Open Day video.