Your clearing questions answered: part one

A-Level results are out today and with the highs of success come inevitable lows for those who don't make their expected grades. But that doesn't mean they have to miss out on university altogether as the system of clearing matches people with places across the country.

Below is our experts answer your questions but if you can't find the answer to your question here then email our experts at timeseducation@thetimes.co.uk and click back here on Times Online to find out their responses.

The Panel

John O'Leary, Editor of The Times Good University Guide

Richard Broom, admissions co-ordinator at City University, London

Christine Tyler, former Head of Eccles College in Salford and Colleges Consultant at the Association of School and College Leaders

Vicky Tuck, President of the Girls' Schools Association, and Principal, Cheltenham Ladies' College

Steve Holdcroft, head of information, recruitment and admissions at Kent University

Question

I have just recieved my A levels results and gained AAB, but because my B was in English lit. i was not offered my place to study English at Newcastle.

I was only 6 marks off but now i am in clearing. I am starting to feel the pressure, but can't find any universities in clearing that I would want to study at because it seems that good uni's already have filled up the english places because it's so competitive. I've thought about taking a gap year and re applying but most uni's still want an A in English and i'm worried I'll miss the grade again.

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