5 things colleagues need to know about confirmation and clearing 2025

For our community, this is a time where all the behind-the-scenes planning, coordination and care come to life. Whether you’re speaking directly with applicants, preparing systems and content, or simply answering the occasional query, every role matters. 

Here are five key things to know about this year’s confirmation and clearing activity: 

1. Confirmation is when students’ futures are made real 

Confirmation is the process where we check whether offer-holders have met the conditions of their offer to study at Manchester. While it happens throughout the year, things really ramp up in July and August when exam results arrive in waves — including IB, BTECs, and international qualifications. 

The biggest moment is A-level Results Day on Thursday 14 August, prior to which our Admissions team works intensively over the weekend before to make as many final decisions as possible. These decisions shape not only our student intake, but the future lives of thousands of young people.  

2. Clearing opens up new opportunities — and starts before Results Day 

Clearing is the UCAS process that supports students who haven’t yet secured a university place or want to reconsider their options. It runs from 5 July through to October, and while the busiest day is Results Day itself, we begin accepting some early applications from students who already have their results. 

From 1pm on Results Day, applicants can formally submit Clearing choices via UCAS — and for many, this moment marks a fresh path to a university they hadn’t previously considered.  

3. Our helplines are the front door to Manchester 

We run two main hotlines during this period:  

• A confirmation line for offer-holders 

• A clearing line for students looking to secure a place  

These are staffed by admissions teams and volunteers from across the University, trained and ready to offer clear, supportive advice. We also provide dedicated lines for teachers, advisers, and students on our widening participation programmes.  

These helplines are a lifeline for students and their families — and a powerful first impression of Manchester. Last year, our teams answered more than 10,000 calls, including over 6,000 on Results Day alone.   

4. It’s a team effort 

Even if you’re not directly involved, you might be asked a question, point someone in the right direction, or simply help a new student feel welcome later in the process. Every interaction counts. And every colleague has a part to play.  

5. Here’s how you can help 

If you’re contacted by a student or parent during this time:  

• Please don’t try to answer their query directly 

• Instead, kindly direct them to our Clearing website, where they’ll find all the information and guidance they need. 

You’ll see more updates, resources and opportunities shared in the run-up to Results Day. For now, thank you to everyone working hard to get us ready — and to all who’ll be supporting students through one of the biggest moments of their lives.