Exam Results: Who Gets Them First?

do universities get results before students

Universities and colleges receive students' results a few days before they are released to students. This means that universities will update their decisions on students' applications on UCAS Hub before students can access their results. However, universities are under embargo and cannot take any actions that would potentially reveal a student's results to them before the official release. Students can check the UCAS Hub on results day to see if they have been accepted by their firm or insurance choice.

Characteristics Values
Do universities get results before students? Yes
When do universities get the results? A few days before students, usually on the Friday before A-level results day
When is results day for students? 15 August
When do universities confirm places? On results day
Can universities discuss results with students before results day? No, they are under embargo and cannot take any actions that could potentially reveal a student's results
What happens if a student doesn't get the grades they wanted? There is support available to help them look after their mental health and wellbeing. Students can also apply through Clearing, which opens in early July.

shunstudent

Universities receive results a few days before students

Results day can be a tense time for students, with many eager to find out if they have achieved the grades they needed for their offer. Students can prepare for results day by researching alternative courses and universities in case they do not get the grades they need. This can help students feel more in control and relieve some of the stress of waiting for results.

Universities are not obliged to hold a place for a student if their results are not available by 3 September, so it is important for students to send their results to their chosen universities as soon as they receive them. Students should also send their GCSE results directly to their universities, as UCAS will not do this for them.

In the days leading up to results day, the UCAS Hub is locked, and students cannot make any changes to their applications. Once the Hub comes back online on results day, students can see how their application has progressed. However, they may need to wait a few hours or until the next day to see if things have changed, as universities work through a backlog of applications.

shunstudent

Results are posted on the UCAS Hub on results day

Results Day can be a tense time for students, and many want to know if universities get their results before they do. The answer is yes; universities do receive results a few days before students. This is so that they can prepare for the influx of enquiries on Results Day. However, they are under strict embargo and cannot take any actions that might reveal a student's results to them. This includes accepting or rejecting an offer before Results Day.

If a student's Hub shows no change, it could be because their firm and insurance universities have not decided on their application or have not informed UCAS of their decision. It could also be because some results are missing or cannot be matched to the student's UCAS application details. In any case, students will need to contact their universities directly once they have their results if they have not met their offer.

Results Day can be a difficult time for students who did not get the grades they wanted. It is important to remember that there is support available to help with mental health and well-being. Students can also look through Clearing vacancies before Results Day to consider their options. Clearing opens in early July, and it is recommended that students start with courses available at universities they have already researched.

shunstudent

Students can check the UCAS Hub before collecting their results

Students can prepare for results day by gathering any necessary items in advance, such as their Personal ID and password, to enable them to access their UCAS Hub account. They can also contact UCAS directly if any of their details need updating. It is worth noting that due to the high volume of traffic on results day, the UCAS website may temporarily crash, so students may not receive their offer immediately. If students have a conditional offer, they will likely have been accepted if they have met or exceeded the requirements. In the event that students do not receive their offer, they should check back a few hours later or the next day, as their application status may change during this time.

Universities receive results a few days before students and are not permitted to disclose any information due to the UCAS embargo. Students can rest assured that their universities will receive their results, as UCAS matches assessment grades and results from awarding bodies and sends them to the relevant institutions. However, students with international qualifications must send proof of their qualifications to their chosen universities or colleges as soon as they receive them.

On results day, students can use the UCAS Hub to track their applications, manage offers, and go through Clearing if necessary. They can add a Clearing choice from 10:00 (UK time) onwards, although they must be careful as they can only add one Clearing choice at a time. Students can also use the UCAS Hub to check the status of their applications and whether they have been offered a place. If their status is "Waiting for confirmation", it means that the university has not yet informed UCAS of its decision.

shunstudent

Universities cannot discuss applicant statuses before results day

Universities receive exam results a few days before students do. However, they are under strict JCQ controls and a UCAS embargo, which prevents them from disclosing any information about applicant statuses before the official results are released.

The UCAS embargo forbids universities and colleges from discussing any applicant's individual status with them, their school, or their UCAS referee. This includes disclosing details relating to exam results, application status, or mentioning anything that could be used to infer this information. The embargo is in place to ensure fairness and prevent applicants from finding out their results early, which could impact their performance and wellbeing.

Universities are not permitted to take any actions that could potentially reveal a student's results before the official release date. For example, they cannot accept or reject an offer before results day. They also cannot discuss applicant statuses with anyone who does not have access to this information through the official adviser portal. This maintains the integrity of the results process and ensures that all applicants are treated equally.

During the results process, universities must match assessment grades and results from awarding bodies to student applications. They then send this information to the universities and colleges holding offers for these students. It is important for students to send their results or certificates to their firm and insurance choice universities as soon as they receive them. This allows universities to verify the results and confirm the student's place.

While universities cannot discuss applicant statuses before results day, students can take proactive steps to prepare for different outcomes. Students can research course vacancies through Clearing before results day and consider alternative course options or universities. Additionally, students can ensure their UCAS Hub details are up to date and correct, especially if they plan to be unavailable on results day. By being proactive and staying informed, students can navigate the university application process more effectively, even without prior knowledge of their applicant statuses.

shunstudent

Students can research courses through Clearing before results day

Universities in the UK receive students' results a few days before the students themselves, meaning that students' offers will be updated on their UCAS Hub account early in the morning of Results Day. Results Day in 2024 fell on 15 August, and the same date is expected for 2025.

Results Day can be a difficult time for students who did not get the grades they wanted. However, there is support available to help them look after their mental health and well-being. Moreover, students can research courses through Clearing before Results Day. Clearing is a way for universities to fill spaces that are still open on their courses. It is open to anyone without a confirmed university place on UCAS by 1 July. Students can use Clearing if they did not get offers from their original 5 UCAS choices or if they rejected all the places they were offered.

Students can add a Clearing choice on their UCAS Hub account from 1 pm on Results Day. The last day to add a Clearing choice in 2025 is 20 October, but students should aim to get a place through Clearing as quickly as possible as spaces will be filled quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, universities receive results a few days before students. However, they are under embargo and cannot take any actions that could potentially reveal a student's results.

Universities confirm acceptance on Results Day. For A-level students, this is on 14 August 2025. Students can check their UCAS Hub from 8:15 am onwards.

Students can look through Clearing vacancies before Results Day. Clearing opens in early July, and courses will be listed from then. Students can also retake exams or defer their place for a year.

If results can't be verified, students might not get their place. It is important to contact the university or college holding your place and explain your situation.

Yes, universities receive results from many awarding bodies. However, there is a strict embargo period, usually a few days before results day, during which results cannot be disclosed.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment