THE wait is almost over for thousands of Hampshire A-level students who will tomorrow find out whether they have made the grade.

Years of study will come down to what is contained in an email or in the infamous brown envelope which will be handed out at sixth form and college campuses throughout the morning.

While many will be celebrating a job well done, others will be launching themselves into the clearing process in a bid to secure a place at University having received lower grades than expected.

More support than ever will be on offer to students who find themselves in that position, both locally and nationally.

A team of 50 student and staff advisors at Southampton Solent University will be across all media and social networks to help the scores of students who may be struggling to secure a place.

The team will be at the end of a phone, on Twitter, Facebook, email and live chat to support and advise thousands of students as they receive their A-level and BTEC results.

Southampton Solent’s Head of Student Recruitment, Dr Stephen Lake says: “We know that results day is very nerve-racking, if you’re not sure what to do with your results, don’t panic; the future you want is still within reach and our Clearing team are here to help.

Like many of the student advisors who will be manning the hotline, Jodie Kirkland, 22, came through the clearing process herself, she explains: “I didn’t want to go to uni when I got my results and I took two years out before deciding to apply. I was really nervous phoning up, but the student operators at Solent were really helpful.”

Experts will also be on hand to help ease anxiety around finances and talk through the benefits of having a university degree.

Dr Lake added: “Some students may be put off from going to university for financial reasons. Many don’t realise that there are no up-front fees to be paid,”

“Money loaned through student finance does not have to be paid back until a graduate is earning at least £21,000. Most universities, including Solent, also offer a range of scholarships and bursaries which don’t have to be paid back.”

Independent support and advice is also available from the Department for Education’s Exam Results Helpline which will be open from 8am on Thursday.

For the first time this year, careers advisers will also be available on Twitter and Facebook.

Thousands of people called the helpline last year for advice on a number of topics including re-sits, re-marks, higher education, careers advice, apprenticeship guidance, vocational qualifications and gap years.