University News Last updated 17 August 2017
Sir Lenny Henry is offering university places directly to students on A-Level results day as he joins staff on the Clearing hotline.
The Birmingham City University Chancellor will be operating the phones this morning at the institution’s City Centre Campus to talk to would-be students looking for places on degree courses.
The Dudley-born actor, writer, comedian and charitable campaigner is joining dozens of members of staff at the institution’s Clearing call centre from 6am, where a non-stop day and night service will be running for the first 44 hours. Also answering phones on the hotline will be current students who came to Birmingham City University via the Clearing process themselves last year.
Those calling into the Clearing hotline could be greeted with the recognisable voice of Sir Lenny, who will be on hand to advise students on course spaces, availability, entry requirements and even offer them places.
Thousands of calls are expected to come in to the hotlines each day as students bid to take the next steps into Higher Education.
Sir Lenny Henry said: “Starting Higher Education had a transformative impact on me, and for many students Clearing will be the first steps they take on that journey.
“Our lines will be open non-stop for the first 44 hours, and we will also be talking to students over social media to make sure we give as many people as possible the opportunity to get the university place they have hoped for.”
Birmingham City University will also be offering places on its courses through social media after receiving more than 600 Clearing enquiries on the platforms last year.
Prospective students seeking a place on a course through social media are asked to private message the University via Facebook or Twitter with their name and contact details, UCAS points (including subjects and grades) and the exact name of the course they're interested in.
The Clearing telephone hotline is available via 0121-331-6777.
Popular courses with additional places made available include Business, Criminology, Engineering, English and Jewellery.
Following the first 44 hours, the University Clearing offer will continue throughout the day on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August.