After the announcement of A-Level results, UCAS runs a process called ‘Clearing’ to match applicants without places at their chosen institutions with courses elsewhere that still have places available.

This year, there are likely to be fewer places available through Clearing, with university applications up ten per cent on last year and government funding for university places reduced, particularly in the humanities.

What will this mean for those students unfortunate enough to have missed the grades they require to secure either their first or insurance choice?

The best advice is not to panic. The statistics outlined ensure that there will almost certainly be a reduction in Clearing places but just how drastic remains to be seen.

After all, a rise in the number of applications does not necessarily indicate a proportionate rise in the number of places offered and accepted.

Nor is the impact of government funding on places entirely clear. Furthermore, places at Welsh universities are not affected by Westminster funding.

For those students who have narrowly missed their target grades, they should investigate their options carefully. Those willing to consider a change of preferred Consider all your options course or university should still be able to find a wide range of available courses listed through Clearing, though speed is of the essence, as places are taken up quickly.

While investigating the available courses, students should bear in mind related or similar courses and joint honours courses and remember that these may not show up on their initial search of the UCAS clearing database.

Thus, a student interested in anthropology may find that a broad range of courses, from African Studies to Forensic Biology, also appeal to their interests and aptitudes. It is definitely worth spending time investigating different search terms and parameters on the UCAS site to make ensure that you haven’t missed what turned out to be an ideal course at an ideal institution.

Another possibility is to take a gap year.

Universities often prefer more rounded and mature applicants and this allows the student an opportunity to consider their options when reapplying more carefully — and to make a more informed choice.

The student can apply in the autumn and track the progress of their applications online while travelling or working to raise additional funds for future studies.

Lastly, students can re-sit some or all of the units they fell short in to achieve the grades they require for a successful reapplication next year.

Most A2 units on the old specifications will be available for re-sit in January, giving students the opportunity to reapply and study throughout the autumn and undertake useful gap year activities from the end of their exams in June until the beginning of the new academic year, when they can begin their university courses with more confidence, commitment, experience and perhaps money than they would have — often a blessing in disguise!