The University of East Anglia’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Maguire, has called this year’s clearing process a ‘success’ thanks to staff efforts and student interest.

The University of East Anglia estimates that 15% of students enrolling this academic year will come through clearing.

Maguire said that clearing, once seen as a last resort for applicants that don’t achieve their predicted A-level grades, is now a ‘central part’ of university recruitment.

“More students are looking to use the process as a way to change course, upgrade course, or change university,” said Maguire.

“In fact, a lot of calls [for clearing] are from people who are holding offers at another university but want to upgrade to come and study here, instead.”

Despite the fast turnaround experienced by clearing entrants, Maguire explained that students who arrive through this route are treated the same as those accepted through UCAS [Universities and Colleges Admissions Service].

“Once students are accepted, they’re all full, first-class students. We don’t distinguish,” he said.

‘Growing numbers’

Maguire acknowledged the university’s financial challenges but said that the recovery plan is ‘on track.’

“Two-and-a-bit years in [to the plan], we’re slightly ahead of where we’d hoped to be.”

He explained that a key element of this recovery involved investing more resources into student recruitment.

“We’ve been quite successful with growing our international student numbers at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels,” said Maguire.

The university saw a 40% drop in Postgraduate-taught international students in the academic year 2023/24 as a result of tightening government restrictions.

The Vice-Chancellor said that the university has also increased the number of home undergraduate students coming to study in September.

Staff praise

Maguire praised staff across the university for their role in achieving these results.

“It’s gratifying to see how incredibly well organised our teams are.

“People are all lively in the work they’re doing, they’ve all shown up with a smile on their face and are doing their very best to help the university achieve the outcome that we desire.”

‘Really simple’

Earlgi Dadzie, who switched to UEA through clearing despite achieving the grades for her original offer, explained how her decision was a result of student experience.

“I realised that living [and] going to a city university wasn’t for me.

So I began to look at my options to see if I could swap to a campus university.”

She explained that getting the offer was ‘the easiest bit.’

“Later on, I was calling up to ask more questions about modules and accommodation.

“But the process itself – that was really simple,” she said.

Earlgi, who is studying law, says that clearing should not be a setback.

“Whatever happened grade-wise, that doesn’t define you. It’s everything that you do after that.

Just because you are thinking of going through clearing, it doesn’t make you any less.

If anything, it shows that you’re being even more proactive in your future.”