Advice for parents, guardians and carers

Applying to university

If your child has decided university is the right path for them, here’s what they’ll need to know about making a UCAS application.

Taking a positive approach, and leaving enough time to do a good job, really can make your child’s application stand out from the crowd.

Find out what we do with your child's application and the different decisions a uni or college can make.

Sign up for our parent newsletter

Whether your child is set on going to uni, or still looking into their options – including apprenticeships, gap years, or conservatoire courses – we can help. Sign up and we’ll send you everything you need to help them make an informed decision.

Parent and child discussing options after school

Parent, Guardian and Carer Guide

Download our free guide, containing everything you need to support a young person with their options and decision-making, and help them through the UCAS application process.

Parent, Guardian and Carer Guide

Alternatives to uni

Going to uni or doing an apprenticeship isn’t right for everybody. When researching post-16 plans, it’s important to weigh up all options and make the right long-term decision.

Heard of an apprenticeship but not sure what it’s all about? We share what you need to know and practical tips for supporting someone who might be thinking about an apprenticeship.

Researching their options

It’s important students start considering their post-school plans early – read our advice on where to start.

If your child decides university is the right path for them, there’s still a lot of research to do, with approximately 35,000 undergraduate courses to choose from.

We use quite a few terms in the application process. We’ve explained them all here, if you need to check what any mean.

Dealing with exams and revision stress

Exam season is an intense time for students, so we’ve got some handy tips to help you support the young people in your life with revision tips and how to manage their stress (and yours).

Revision tips and managing exam stress

Key dates and the application journey

Find out all the key dates and deadlines you need to know, and help your child keep their application on track.

Go to key dates

Student finance and accommodation

One of the biggest concerns for students and their parents is the cost of university. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about fees, finance, and repayment.

For many students, uni will be the first time they will have budgeted and paid for bills. Start planning now to make sure they know what to do.

Finding somewhere they’ll be happy to live is an important consideration for your child when choosing where to study – reserarch their options and help them find the right place.

There’s lots of opportunities for your child to meet people – here are five tips to get them started.

Parent and child searching for Clearing vacancies online

Clearing guide

Not sure what Clearing is all about? Find out what you need to know and our practical tips for supporting someone through the process.

Clearing guide

Your pocket careers adviser: Results day and Clearing support

We've worked with university and school coach, Clementine Wade, to create articles, videos, and email tips to help you understand results day and Clearing, and get to grips with what you should be doing when to best support your child through the process.

Explore Clem's advice

Applying to university

Parent, Guardian and Carer Guide

Alternatives to uni

Researching their options

Dealing with exams and revision stress

Key dates and the application journey

Student finance and accommodation

Clearing guide

Your pocket careers adviser: Results day and Clearing support

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