Clearing Week provides advice and guidance as school exam results land

August 3, 2020

North East Scotland College has expanded the support on offer to school pupils receiving their exam results this week.

A virtual Clearing Week launches today and staff will be available to provide advice through live chat, email and telephone as NESCol prepares for a flurry of enquiries from young people eager to sign-up for a place on a range of full-time courses starting in September.

Advisers will be available to answer general queries and talk prospective students through the application process throughout the week and academic staff will be able to answer course-specific queries during appointments from Thursday. A dedicated clearing hotline will also be available on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Principal Neil Cowie said: “Traditionally our August clearing day is a very important date on the calendar and allows those who have not yet decided on their plans to secure a place. This year, given the unique circumstances faced by school pupils and the understandable uncertainty and anxiety there has been around exam results, we have decided to extend the clearing event to the full week.

“As a College we will do all we can to provide support, advice and a friendly voice of reassurance. We want to help everyone find their place with us and there are a vast range of options open to all.

“Whether helping those buoyed by achievements that have exceeded expectations or the many who may be concerned about their results and how they could impact on their future plans, the role of the NESCol staff who will be on duty to guide prospective students on their path is an important one. It’s a week that can have such a positive influence on a young person’s life.”

Full details of the Clearing Week and support on offer can be found on the NESCol clearing page. The hotline will be in operation from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday and Wednesday on 01224 612301. Further advice for students and applicants is also available through the Student Advice Centre team by email at studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk .

Those with confirmed places will be able to enrol online throughout August, with teaching commencing on 7 September. The revised date for full-time courses, two weeks later than originally scheduled, is part of a number of measures introduced in response to the Scottish Government route map for moving out of lockdown. Further information on the plans for the 2020/21 session can be found here.