Kingston University's Clearing hotline operation bustling with activity as eager students seek to secure degree place after A-level results released

Posted Thursday 15 August 2024

Pharmacy student Bariha Shahzadi is among those working on Kingston University's hotline this year.

Kingston University's Clearing hotline operators have been busy fielding calls from thousands of hopeful applicants eager to secure one of the final places on its degree courses following the release of A-level results.

More than 250 operators have been responding to queries and guiding applicants through the Clearing process – almost double the number of Kingston University hotline operators who swung into action last year.

Within hours of phone lines opening at 8am this morning, the University had already seen huge demand for its courses. By 2pm the Clearing hotline team, which includes course leaders, lecturers and current students – some of whom have previously been through Clearing themselves, had handled more than 3,000 calls from prospective students.

The team has been taking calls from students in a range of different circumstances, from those who didn't quite get the grades they were hoping for to those who have done better than expected or have changed their minds about where and what they want to study.

The University's Student Recruitment and Admissions Director Clare Beckett said hotline operators had been taking calls from students interested in subject areas, ranging from computer science and engineering to law, criminology, business management and economics.

She explained students phoning up today would have an initial conversation with a hotline operator during which they could discuss details of their A-level results. If their grades met course requirements, they would be made an offer.

"Places may be filling up fast, but we're reminding callers whatever happens, they have a lot of choices open to them," she advised. "We have a highly experienced team on hand to support prospective applicants with any queries they may have and will continue to take calls until all our vacancies are filled. I would encourage students eager to progress on to university studies to call the hotline as soon as they can to make the most of the opportunities available."

Among those at the forefront of Kingston University's Clearing operation this year is hotline supervisor Kati Sells, who has worked on the hotline every year since 2017. Over that time, she has spoken to hundreds of prospective applicants and helped them to navigate a path into higher education. At the same time, Kati is currently completing a master's degree in education at Kingston.

Putting prospective students at ease is one of the most fulfilling parts of her job, Kati, who graduated with a PGCE from Kingston University in 2017 said. "Hearing someone finish the phone call with new hope is why I return to the helpline every year," she said. "Knowing that I am able to provide some reassurance that they can achieve their ambitions by talking them through their options is an incredibly rewarding experience."

As well as helping callers find a suitable degree course, the University's hotline operators have been explaining more about campus life in Kingston. Prospective students can also find out more about the University's courses and facilities, as well as meeting lecturers and current students at a special Clearing Advice Day event on Saturday 17 August.

Kingston University's Clearing hotline is open from 10am until 2pm on Saturday 24 August and Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm until the start of term, excluding Bank Holiday on Monday 26 August.
Potential students should call 0800 0483 334, or +44 20 8328 1149 from outside the UK, to speak to the University's friendly hotline operators.
Calls are free from landlines and mobiles in the UK. International call costs may vary and callers should check with their network providers.
Students should have their UCAS identification, if they have one, to hand along with full details of qualifications, including subjects, grades, dates they were obtained and exam boards before calling the hotline.

🗣️“Just do it. We’re here to help so you can secure your dream place.”

Hear from hotline operator Bariha Shahzadi who came to #KingstonUni through #Clearing last year.

You can call our #Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334 ☎️ pic.twitter.com/BvV5fbdpk8
— Kingston University (@KingstonUni) August 15, 2024