As A level results day approaches, UCAS advisers are ready to help students through the Confirmation and Clearing process.

Applicants can log in to the redesigned Track on the UCAS website from 08:00 on results day to see if they have been accepted or are eligible for Clearing. They will also receive an email from UCAS confirming their status.

An official Clearing choice can be made from 17:00 although applicants should call universities and colleges beforehand to discuss courses that interest them and ensure that places are available.

Students can start looking at courses with vacancies on the UCAS website from just after midnight on Thursday morning.

Mary Curnock Cook, UCAS Chief Executive, said: "There will be a rich variety of courses offering vacancies through Clearing this year, across a range of universities and colleges.

“Some 12% of all enrolments last year were through Clearing which has now become a mainstream application route for higher education.

“If you are flexible and open-minded, Clearing offers a chance to re-think your choices, make more realistic applications or even to fulfill new ambitions".

The new UCAS website contains all the information on Clearing that students need. Expert UCAS advisers are also on hand to answer questions from 07:30 on Thursday morning. The number to call is 0871 468 0 468.

If you don’t get the results you expected (whether higher or lower) and need advice about future options, you might also find it helpful to contact professional careers advisers on the Exam Results Helpline 0808 100 8000. The line is open from 08:00 on results day.