Worried about getting perfect grades this A Level results day? Don't stress too much; if you don't get the grades you're expecting, all is not lost.

You can use UCAS Clearing to find out which universities and courses still have places remaining that you can take up.

Signing into UCAS Track on results day, from 8am on Thursday (August 18), will show you if your university place has been confirmed.

If you have missed out on your place, you can look through all Clearing vacancies using UCAS's search tool .

You will then search for a course against the subject you are interested in or the university that you want to study at.

Remember to have all of your details to hand; you will need your contact details, the Clearing number and login details from UCAS Track, the phone number from the university, and, of course, your results.

For advice on the full range of options after getting your results, you can also speak to a dedicated careers adviser on the Exam Results Helpline by calling 0808 100 8000.

University recruitment expert explains Clearing, and what to do once you've opened those envelopes

Video Loading

How does Clearing work?

You need to register for Clearing and make an application. Complete the application as normal, including your personal statement.

When you submit the application you'll receive a welcome email with your Clearing number.

Then follow the steps below:

  1. Talk to an advisor at your school or college for information on alternative courses and subjects.
  2. The official course vacancy list is online. Remember: consider different subjects, and keep checking the website, as it is updated constantly.
  3. Talk to any colleges or universities you're interested in, give them your Clearing number and your personal ID, ask if they'd accept you, and get informal offers over the phone before deciding.
  4. Confirm any offers with the university, and ask them how long the offer is valid for, just in case you still need to make up your mind.
  5. Add a Clearing choice in Track - only add it once you've had confirmation from the university - and fill in all the details. This counts as you accepting the offer. You can only add one choice but if the university doesn't confirm it then you can add another later.
  6. Make sure to confirm EVERYTHING, and don't miss out by missing the deadline; most universities give a 12-48 hour window for which their offer is valid, so you must accept your offer during that period.

For more information about the Clearing process, go to the UCAS Clearing website .