A-Level results are coming soon, so come and get this super practical guide!

Summer exams are over, and as you’ll know, you can’t wait until the last minute to prepare for results day! Especially with A-Level results coming out in August, whether you’re excited or a little anxious, this results guide will help you navigate every crucial phase with ease and get a head start.

01 Results Release Dates of the Three Major Exam Boards

From 8:00 a.m. UK time on August 14th, candidates can collect their paper transcripts from their institutions. At the same time, UCAS Hub will begin updating admissions status.

CAIE:
A-Level results will be released on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 6:00 UK time and 1:00 PM Beijing time.

Edexcel:
A-Level results will be released on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

AQA:
A-Level results will be released on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Tips: It’s recommended to confirm your institution’s score collection arrangements in advance. Some institutions will send electronic transcripts, so please keep an eye out for email and text message notifications.

02 What should you prepare before the results are released?

Stay connected
·Make sure your phone is charged and have a power bank handy! Email and text messages are the primary channels for universities to contact you.
·Check your UCAS Hub information to confirm your phone number and email address are correct.
·Avoid travel or work arrangements on the same day to avoid missing important notifications.

Prepare all your documents.
·Organize your UCAS number, offer details, and university contact information, preferably in a single folder.
·Print out important documents such as your GCSE/AS grades and personal statement.
·Bring a notepad and pen to record key steps promptly to avoid missing anything.

03 Results Day Timeline & Things to Note

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM UK Time (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Beijing Time)

·Collect your transcripts at school or wait for them to be emailed.
·Log in to the UCAS Hub to check your admission status (note that there may be system lags).

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM UK Time (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Beijing Time)
·If your grades meet the requirements: confirm your unconditional offer promptly; arrange visa, accommodation, airfare, and other follow-up matters.
·If your grades do not meet the requirements: consider arguing or clearing your offer, and contact your preferred universities as soon as possible.

After 13:00 UK time

The Clearing system is officially open. It’s recommended to prepare your clearing target list, phone script, and application materials in advance. Popular programs fill up quickly, so act decisively!

04 What to do if your grades are unexpected?

Better than expected:

Think your original offer wasn’t ideal? Consider reapplying to a higher-ranked university through Clearing. However, please note: You must first withdraw your current offer through UCAS before you can access the Clearing system. This involves certain risks, so be sure to carefully consider your decision!

Unsatisfactory results:

You can register for a make-up/retake exam (deadline is generally late August to early September). If the score difference is significant and affects your admission, you can apply for a score review or appeal.

·Appeal to Ofqual:
Your school can appeal to the exam regulator on your behalf and request a review of your scores.

·Communicate with universities:
Whether appealing or retaking your exams, be sure to notify the university promptly. Some universities may reserve your place or offer an alternative course.

Note: The appeal result may result in an increase, decrease, or no change in score. There is uncertainty regarding both timing and outcome, so be prepared.

05 UCAS Admissions Status Details

Unconditional: Secure your offer! Confirm your offer as soon as possible and prepare your admission documents and visa application.

Unsuccessful: Start Clearing immediately.

UCC: The university offers an alternative course, but a decision must be made within 5 days.

Pending: Your admissions results have not yet been updated. It is recommended that you contact the admissions office to inquire about your status.

Note: A-Level results will not appear in the UCAS Hub; only your admissions results will be displayed.

06 UCAS Clearing Guide

Applicable Situations

·Submitting your application after June 30
·Not receiving any offers or your offer doesn’t meet the requirements
·Declining your original offer

Preparing for Clearing

Ensure your UCAS account information is accurate (especially contact information). Prepare a “Quick Application Pack” containing your UCAS number, transcripts, and personal statement. Shortlist 3-5 schools and their program codes, maintaining flexibility.

Communication Skills

When calling Clearing, introduce yourself like this:

“Hello, my UCAS ID is [number]. I’m a student from [school]. Could you please check my application status for [program name]?”

Recommended Materials

·Academic highlights (e.g., competitions, research)
·Career plan statement
·Internship/activity experience (demonstrating your soft skills)

G5 schools rarely participate in Clearing (except Cambridge, Oxford, IC, and LSE). UCL may have some vacancies, so it’s recommended to contact them individually to confirm.