'Sussex A level results day - don’t worry, it will be fine'

Although in some ways I am lucky to have had a long career in education, it wasn’t all easy and predictable. My O levels – the old equivalent of GCSEs – were not spectacular. Neither were my A levels. I missed getting into my choice of university course and ended up, through clearing, in a similar course at another college in London. However, life has a funny way of working out. I did get into my first choice university, King’s College London, to complete a Master’s degree.

So if things do not work out for you today, don’t panic. There are, for example, over 200 courses in clearing at Sussex University including childhood and youth, art history, data science and international relations. Very few universities are not in the clearing process, eg Oxford and Cambridge, so there is plenty of choice.

If you did better than expected, you can also think about moving to another university that has higher entry qualifications but remember you may well have chosen your course not just on the university reputation, but after visiting and seeing what else it has to offer – especially where it is located.

A previous A level results day at Bhasvic in Hove

The phone lines for clearing will be busy whatever university you call, but persevere. If you missed your offer by a grade or so you may still have a chance of getting in. Don’t assume that you are going to be automatically rejected. As an admissions tutor at Sussex I see people not letters and numbers on a screen. My advice to all those who visit us on our applicant visit days is to always try to contact me directly if things go wrong, as they did with me.

It may be possible for example to do a foundation year rather than retake A levels. It’s an extra year at university, but those who do one at Sussex say they benefitted immensely from the course. Not all universities offer a foundation year, but if they do, it’s very worthwhile.

A university degree of course is not the only option when you finish full time education. Apprenticeships are becoming more popular and may well suit people who like to combine paid employment with education and skills training. There are also degree apprenticeships that enable you to work, have a salary and get your degree paid for by an employer. If the fees are putting you off university then the degree apprenticeship could offer a great alternative for you.

Clearing and a change of university will have some implications. Before you simply accept a new offer, make sure you’ve thought about the following. Location – is the university somewhere you’d like to spend the next three or four years of your life? Do you know the city or area it’s in? Accommodation – ask if there is campus accommodation still available and what the costs are, or if there is a good chance of local accommodation, if you are switching university. If you accept a place at your chosen university as you meet the requirements, make sure you have selected your accommodation choice. Assessment – if you are moving to a similar or perhaps even a different course, look it up on the university website and make sure you’re happy with the modes of assessment. If you are a person (like me) who does not do well in examinations, don’t choose a course that has a lot of exam assessment.

University and apprenticeships bring with them much more than just further study and the chance to gain academic and professional qualifications or skills. It’s a chance to meet other like-minded people, form new friendships and make connections with potential employers. We mustn’t forget the fun side of things as well. There will be sport clubs, political and other forms of associations as well as opportunities to gain work experience as a student. Nearly all universities will hire students for a variety of jobs on campus from student ambassadors to working in the cafés and the student union.

Dr James Williams is a senior lecturer in education at Sussex University