Be seen and give advice to get the best out of clearing

Be seen and give advice to get the best out of clearing

It is important now, more than ever, to be visible to students leading up to clearing. Recent concerns voiced by the Institute of Career Guidance highlight this fact.

With the cuts to the Connexions service the fear is that disadvantaged teenagers will not be given the correct help and advice to assist them in securing a university place.

With jobs being slashed at the service (which helps 13- to 25-year-olds) across the country the Institute of Career Guidance say that disadvantaged students might be forced to go through the post-exams clearing process without crucial advice.

The government are looking to start a new national careers service but this will not start till next year, leaving a gap in clearing advice that universities must look to fill in order to attract the right students.

Andy Gardner, of the Institute of Career Guidance told the Guardian, "The ICG is very worried about A-level results time. It's really helpful if you can see someone who has seen you before and knows you and your school."

"Unfortunately it's often in the schools that have the most social deprivation where the advice is weakest, and that's going to be exacerbated by the destruction of Connexions."

It is crucial that you are visible during the clearing process to help combat this drop in guidance and to ensure that students are informed about the courses you have available.