- Aston University graduate shares her experience of clearing to help others in the same situation
- Eleta Taylor was eventually accepted on the business course of her choice and now uses her expertise to help run a successful company
- She advises anyone who finds themselves in clearing to focus on what they want.
An Aston University graduate has shared her experience of going through clearing to help others who find themselves in the same situation this summer.
Eleta Taylor from Sutton Coldfield graduated with a BSc (Hons) Business Enterprise from Aston University’s Business School in 2022 and now uses her expertise to help run her family’s successful water company. However, in 2019, when she received her A level and BTEC results, she found that although she had achieved the amount of UCAS points required, her grades didn’t match the offer Aston University had made her.
As a result, she entered the clearing process, which is offered to candidates whose results aren’t as expected, either worse or better. During the period, universities advertise remaining places on undergraduate courses.
Eleta said getting her results was an emotional rollercoaster: “When I went into my sixth form and found I hadn’t got the grades needed, I panicked. I went home and paced up and down the kitchen, feeling anxious as though my future was in the balance. I really wanted to be accepted on the BSc (Hons) Business Enterprise because it is a hands-on, practical course and I had set my heart on it as soon as I read about it.
“Luckily, as I had entered clearing and specified that specific degree, I was contacted by a course leader who told me they could accept me at Aston University even though my grades differed from those originally specified. In less than 12 hours, I went from a massive low to a massive high. I was so excited but so nervous to start this new chapter in my life.”
As well as working alongside her family at Birmingham-based water cooler business Blue Mountain Water Ltd, Eleta started up Wicked Kickz, a company specialising in the trade of limited-edition trainers and streetwear clothing while she was studying for her degree.
Eleta advises anyone who finds themselves in a similar position to focus on what they want. She said: “Clearing is not the end of the world, so have faith. I know it is easier said than done, but as long as you have that dream, just continue to stay focused on achieving it.”
Aston University open its telephone clearing line 0800 917 5923 at 8am on 14 August. Results holders can also use an online application form, an online live chat service or message on Instagram.
- Notes to editors
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Aston University will be holding Clearing open days which can be booked at https://www.aston.ac.uk/clearing/clearing-open-days and will take place on:
Thursday 14th August: 3pm-6pm
Friday 15th August: 11am-2pm
Saturday 16th August: 11am-2pm
Monday 18th August: 11am-2pm
Tuesday 19th August: 4pm-6pm
Wednesday 20th August: 11am-2pmAbout Aston University
For over 130 years, Aston University has been making our world a better place through education, research and innovation. Our history is intertwined with the remarkable city of Birmingham, once the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and now the thriving base for an innovation ecosystem of global significance, which Aston is co-creating.
Our vision is to be a leading university for science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.
Aston focuses on high-quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as continuing professional development solutions.
Thanks to its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students, Aston University's reputation continues to grow. It was recognised as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025, is second in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index), and is top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Aston University is now defining its place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk