University of Cumbria offers reassurance ahead of A Level results day

With over two decades of experience in Clearing and HE admissions, the university’s Head of Admissions is offering a message of calmness and clarity to prospective students that will navigate their results on Thursday morning.

Sharon Blaylock said:  

“Clearing is a huge opportunity. We are here to support and guide prospective applicants to find the right path for them. You might have just decided to come to university, you might want to stay closer to home or have changed your mind on what you want to do.   

“At the University of Cumbria, we have dedicated channels and operators to speak to, and guide, you through your options – our friendly staff are available throughout the Clearing period.”  

This year, the university is sharing the stories of students whose journeys began with an application through Clearing.  

Tegan Carr, from Prudhoe near Newcastle, applied to the University of Cumbria through Clearing for her Biomedical Sciences undergraduate degree and is just about to join the first cohort of the new Pears Cumbria School of Medicine in Carlisle to train to be a doctor. This year she will also be working with Admissions in the Clearing Call Centre, as she has done since she became a student ambassador early in her student life, at the university’s Lancaster campus. She will be offering guidance and advice to applicants who are in the position she was once in.  

Tegan said:  

“On my A-Level results day I didn't get the grades I had been hoping for, so I chose to apply through clearing. After receiving my results, I was obviously upset and worried about finding a place elsewhere but clearing turned out to be an easy process to navigate.  

“I'd advise anyone applying through clearing not to worry!  

“I applied for Biomedical Science and graduated with a 1st Class Honours Degree this year! Not getting the results I wanted three years ago felt like the end of the world, but now I'm almost glad I didn't, because I have loved my university experience and the friends I made along the way.” 

West Cumbrian, Kian, who nearly missed out on university due to the cost of accommodation elsewhere, made a last-minute call to the University of Cumbria’s call centre, and this changed everything.  

He was on campus within hours and worked with Carlisle United Community Sports Trust (CUFC CST) as a Community Coach during his time at the university.  

Kian has now secured a full-time role as CUFC CST’s University of South Wales Degree Co-ordinator, supporting students on higher education courses and overseeing the degree programme.  

This summer, Kian has been coaching at CUFC CST’s Kellogg’s Football Camps across Cumbria, delivering fun and supportive football sessions to children aged between 5 and 13 before he begins his new role in the coming weeks. 

Kian said:

“My clearing experience with the University of Cumbria was stress-free! From the very first phone call, the staff were friendly, patient, and clear about the options available to me. I never felt rushed into making a decision. They took the time to answer every question and made the process straightforward. I could even speak directly with lecturers to ensure the course was the right fit. 

“Graduating from the University of Cumbria gave me more than a degree. It gave me the practical skills and confidence to coach and teach. Thanks to hands-on learning, supportive lecturers, and valuable connections made during my placement, I secured a role with Carlisle United Community Sports Trust. 

“To anyone still unsure about which university to choose or worried about not getting the grades they expected, remember this: there’s more than one path to your goal. Clearing isn’t about ‘missing out’, it’s about finding the right fit. Stay open-minded, ask questions, and choose somewhere that makes you feel supported and excited to learn. That’s exactly what Cumbria did for me!” 

These stories reflect the university’s commitment to accessibility, opportunity, and student success. With a dedicated team ready to support applicants, the University of Cumbria is encouraging potential applicants to explore their options and reach out. 

WATCH: Kian's Clearing Story

• Find out more about Clearing at the University of Cumbria here: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/clearing/