Not getting the results you hoped for can feel like a massive setback, especially when you’ve been working towards a career that might be your dream. It’s okay to take time to feel disappointed. But this isn’t the end of your journey – many midwives don’t start their degree on their first try. There are still opportunities ahead, and steps you can take now to make the next application stronger. Take time to breathe, come up with a plan and put it into action.
1. Exploring Clearing
Midwifery is a competitive course, but spaces do sometimes appear in Clearing. Universities use it to fill any remaining places, and it’s worth checking even if you think your grades are too far off. Don’t give up hope – fight for that spot.
You can search via:
- UCAS Clearing Hub – lists available courses and has a “Clearing Plus” tool to match you with courses that fit your profile.
- University websites – some update availability faster than UCAS.
- Specialist course search sites – such as WhatUni, which allows you to filter by ‘midwifery’ and see only relevant results.
If you do see a place:
- Call the university quickly – Clearing moves fast.
- Have your results, UCAS ID, and personal statement to hand.
Be ready to explain your interest in midwifery and any relevant experience. Think about what first drew you to the profession, and how you’ve explored that interest since. Admissions staff will want to hear more than “I’ve always wanted to be a midwife” – they’ll be looking for evidence of commitment and understanding of the role. This could include:
- Volunteering in healthcare or community settings.
- Work experience, even if not directly in maternity, that developed transferable skills like communication, empathy, or working under pressure.
- Any courses, reading, or shadowing you’ve done to learn more about maternity care.
- Reflection on what you’ve learned from these experiences, and how they have prepared you for the demands of training.
Being able to link your motivation with real examples shows that you’ve thought seriously about the profession and are ready to work towards it – you’re not just about your grades.
2. Didn’t Get Clearing? – Build for the Future
If Clearing doesn’t lead to a place this year, you can use the coming months to prepare for the next intake. Productive options include:
- Skills and knowledge building – Free courses, such as those on the NHS Learning Hub or FutureLearn, can help keep your knowledge fresh.
- Relevant healthcare roles – Applying for a maternity support worker (MSW) or maternity care assistant (MCA) post if available locally. Other NHS roles, such as healthcare support worker in maternity, neonatal, or women’s health units, can also provide valuable insight.
- Volunteering – Some trusts, hospices, and maternity charities welcome volunteers. Even if not in a maternity setting, roles involving patient contact can strengthen your application.
- Academic preparation – If your grades were close but not quite enough, an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health) or specific science module can improve your qualifications.
3. Staying Connected to Your Goal
Midwifery graduates have recently faced a challenging job market in some areas, despite the need for more midwives. Earlier this year, many reported uncertainty about finding their first post. On 11th August 2025, the Government introduced the Graduate Guarantee, aiming to ensure every newly qualified midwife in England has the opportunity to apply for a post as soon as they graduate.
While this doesn’t help directly with starting your course now, it’s a reminder that the profession you want to join is actively recruiting and planning for the future. Building your skills and experience now will help you step into that future more prepared and more confident.
4. Keeping Your Knowledge Fresh
If you plan to reapply next year, staying engaged will help. You could:
- Keep up to date with maternity news via the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and other professional sources.
- Follow student midwife accounts and societies to see what current students are learning.
- Use resources like anatomy colouring books, revision guides, or healthcare skills manuals to keep your knowledge sharp – especially on general anatomy and physiology, which forms the foundation of year one.
5. Looking After Yourself
The period after results day can be emotionally draining, especially if you’ve been working towards a place on your dream course. It’s normal to feel a mix of disappointment, frustration, and uncertainty.
- Give yourself time to process – You don’t need to have everything decided straight away. Allow yourself a few days to step back and think clearly.
- Talk to people you trust – Friends, family, or a mentor can provide perspective and encouragement. Sometimes just sharing how you feel can make decisions seem less overwhelming.
- Keep a healthy routine – Try to maintain regular sleep, balanced meals, and some form of exercise. Physical wellbeing supports emotional resilience.
- Balance action with rest – Moving forward with your plan is important, but avoid pushing yourself so hard that you burn out. Give yourself space for hobbies and downtime.
- Use available support – If you’re feeling stuck, your school or college careers service, UCAS advisers, or local NHS careers hubs can help you explore options.
- Stay connected – Follow midwifery-related accounts, forums, and news to keep your motivation alive.
Taking care of your wellbeing now will not only help you make better decisions but will also prepare you for the demands of midwifery training when your opportunity comes.
Final Thoughts
Not starting your midwifery degree this year doesn’t mean you won’t get there. Many midwives have taken a longer route – and often say that the extra time and experience made them better practitioners. Use this year to gather skills, insight, and confidence. When the next opportunity comes, you’ll be ready to step forward with a stronger application and a clearer understanding of the role you’re working toward.