How Clearing helped one graduate turn self-doubt into award-winning success
Clearing Hotline: 023 9284 8090
For much of her teenage years, Alison never imagined university would be part of her future. After not achieving the GCSE results she had hoped for, she chose to study a BTEC at college and assumed the traditional route into higher education was no longer available to her.
Instead, she focused on building her experience and was working for a homelessness charity, making a difference in people's lives. It was during this time that she discovered Clearing.
I realised I had absolutely nothing to lose by exploring Clearing. It felt like an opportunity I hadn't known existed
Overcoming self-doubt
While the practical side of applying through Clearing proved straightforward, the biggest challenge was overcoming her own doubts.
Like many students, she worried that her past academic results would prevent universities from seeing what she was capable of achieving.
Her experience of Clearing reassured her that this was far from reality as her experience, ambitions and potential were what interested the University of Portsmouth.
Finding the right course
Having already studied journalism at college, Alison knew she wanted to pursue the subject further and build a career in the industry.
After speaking with the course team, she felt confident that Portsmouth offered the right environment to develop her skills and prepare for a professional career.
The phone call confirming her place brought a mixture of excitement and relief and her decision to apply through Clearing went on to shape the direction of her life.
The University of Portsmouth really stood out because of its excellent graduate outcomes and the opportunities available throughout the course. It felt like a university that genuinely invested in its students' futures, and after speaking to the team, I felt confident it was the right place for me.
Making the most of every opportunity
During her time at Portsmouth, Alison graduated with First Class Honours and received both the National Union of Journalists Bob Norris Award and the Faculty Best Journalism Special Investigation Award.
Alongside her extensive academic achievements she built incredible friendships and developed a new-found confidence in herself but her final major project was where Alison really found her feet.
Journalism with an impact
Alison's project, Patchwork Solutions in a Fraying System, was a three-part investigative series exploring homelessness, food insecurity and educational inequality across the Chichester district.
The project The project brought together months of research and interviews with charities, community groups and people with lived experience. It also allowed Alison to give back to a community that supported her before university with the aim to make people stop and take action.
That one phone call completely changed the direction of my life
A different path to success
Looking back, Alison's journey is proof that there is no single route into university.
From believing that higher education was out of reach to award-winning work, her story shows how clearing can open doors for students who may have thought opportunities had passed them by.
Alison's chance on Clearing doesn't stop there as she'll be joining us for her post-graduate degree in social care, using what she learnt on her undergraduate course to further empower individuals and communities.
Apply now for September 2026
You can apply for September 2026 entry as soon as you have your confirmed results.
Get Clearing inspired
What do I do on results day?
Find out what to do and expect on A-level results day 2026, from checking your results and UCAS Hub to exploring Clearing and your next steps.
What courses are usually in Clearing?
Each year Clearing offers another way to apply for university, but which courses are usually included?
