Confirmation and Clearing is underway at the University as thousands of A-Level students receive their results.
Confirmation and Clearing 2020 is significantly different to previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government’s very recent announcement of a ‘triple lock’ system and the current working from home measures.
‘Triple lock’ system
On Wednesday 12 August the Government announced the introduction of a ‘triple lock’ system for students receiving their A level and GCSE results this August. Following on from the Scottish Government’s decision to move away from moderated to predicted grades for Highers and Advanced Highers, A level and GCSE students in England will now have the options to: accept their calculated grade; appeal to receive a valid mock result; or sit autumn exams. Universities have been encouraged to provide maximum flexibility for applicants wishing to appeal their results.
Professor Gavin Brown, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education said, ‘We know that, more than any other year group, 2020 applicants have faced a difficult period of uncertainty waiting for their exam results. Although the University does not have any influence over these results, we will do everything we can to treat our students fairly within the exceptional set of circumstances arising from the global pandemic.
‘Although we are still awaiting further details on some aspects of the proposals, colleagues across the institution have worked hard to make important decisions about how this will impact on confirmation and clearing and my thanks go to them and all those who have worked on preparations for a very different confirmation and clearing this year, as well as those supporting the process today.’
All students who held a firm offer with the University but who did not meet the necessary grades are being contacted with information on what to do if they intend to appeal their results. Those applying for us through clearing will only be offered places on the basis of their current results.
Online hub
Instead of the Clearing telephone hub that has operated in previous years, Student Recruitment, Admissions and Widening Participation and External Relations have worked closely with CSD on a digital strategy for Clearing.
Applicants are being directed to an online hub that provides all the information they need for results day. Potential applicants can search for the clearing course they wish to apply for and check they meet the entry requirements. They are then able to submit an online application form to apply directly to the University for Clearing vacancies.
The application form is being supported by both a webchat facility and telephone call-backs for applicants who have questions or need support during the application process.
Confirmation
Confirmation will also be operational on Thursday, where offer holders are confirmed at the University if they met Liverpool’s offer. A Confirmation helpline is in place for these applicants, supported by webchat, to deal with any questions or concerns they have after they have received their results. During Confirmation, Admissions colleagues will process over 10,000 records.
Our Accommodation Guarantee has been extended to students who joining us in September 2020 through Clearing, and they will be assisted in securing good quality accommodation in University Approved Accommodation situated close to campus or in our own Halls of Residences.
COVID-19
Students joining Liverpool for the first time in September and returning students will receive a significant amount of information on the measures the University is taking in respect of COVID-19, in order to help keep students safe on campus. You can hear more about these measures in a film which has been launched for students and applicants today.