Students across the borough are collecting their A-level results this morning.

They join about 300,000 sixth formers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland eagerly awaiting their grades which, for many, will determine if they have got into the universities of their choice.

Schools will be looking to improve on last year’s results which saw Hackney students buck the national trend showing a dip in A-level grades.

But while many students will be celebrating today, for others the day will bring dismay at missing out on the grades they needed for a much-wanted degree or training course.

Sixth-formers who find themselves in the second category are advised to look at alternative courses as soon as possible.

Would-be university students can log into the Track service on the UCAS website this morning to see if they have secured their degree place, or if they are eligible to enter clearing.

Clearing is the process that matches students who have not received offers, or who have been turned down by their original choices because they failed to meet the required grades, with available courses. A second system, adjustment, allows students who have done better than expected to trade up to a different course or institution.

UCAS said universities and colleges will be keen to hear from students once they know they are eligible for clearing, and can make verbal offers to students with the right qualifications from the morning onwards. Students can make official clearing choices from 5pm today.

Helen Thorne, director of policy and research at UCAS, said: “There’ll be thousands of courses available in clearing this year - perhaps in subjects students might not have necessarily considered, and the scheme remains open until the end of September.

“Stay positive and remember to prepare thoroughly before calling universities and colleges for an intelligent discussion about the courses you’re interested in. You’ll find all the information you need about Clearing on UCAS.com.”

Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of Universities UK, said there had been an increase in university applications this year, with more than 650,000 people applying.

“As always, for the majority of applicants this year, if they get the grades required in their offer, they will secure their place at university this autumn,” she said. “For qualified applicants without a university place there will still be a good chance to look for another suitable course from a wide range of universities via clearing.

“We must get away from the idea that clearing is a ‘second best option’. Last year, a record 57,000 students found a place via the clearing route. With a good amount of research, speaking to advisors and staying calm, students can find the right place for them this September. It is important to remember that they need to pick a course that motivates them as they will be studying it for several years.”

The Exam Results Helpline will be open via phone, Facebook and Twitter to offer advice and tips to students whether their grades are higher or lower than expected.

Advisors will be on hand to talk through all the options, with topics including re-sits, vocational courses, gap years, funding, careers and employment.

To get in touch with the Exam results Helpline, call 0808 100 8000.

Send us your A-level stories and pictures via Twitter using the handle @hackneygazette or email us on gazette.news@archant.co.uk.

See live coverage of the results throughout the day here