“Clearing opened the door to my nursing dream”

Imogen Florey explains how she embarked on a foundation year in Nursing thanks to Clearing

“Clearing opened the door to my nursing dream”

Imogen Florey explains how she embarked on a foundation year in Nursing thanks to Clearing

Imogen with her mum

6 August 2026

Imogen Florey knew she wanted to be a nurse from a young age, after being inspired by her mum.

Doing T Levels at school in Northamptonshire, she was on track to accept a place on the degree course at the University of Plymouth. And while she didn’t quite make her required grade, a phone call, a calm presence and a tenacious enthusiasm saw her accepted onto the Nursing with foundation year.

A foundation year acts as a bridge at the start of a degree course, helping a student gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete their studies in their chosen subject – and Imogen is delighted it became part of her journey.

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Clearing gives you another opportunity to apply for an undergraduate course, find out everything you need to know and register for Clearing.

I knew I wanted to move away from home for uni and had my heart set on Plymouth.

While I didn’t quite make the grade required for nursing, I phoned up the Clearing hotline, spoke to the academic team, was referred for interview and offered the foundation year.

I did wonder if a foundation year would make me feel a bit left out but it did anything but. I took it as a sign that I was where I needed to be. I’ve been taught alongside foundation students in other healthcare programmes, such as dentistry and physiotherapy, and it’s been amazing. I start my official first year of the nursing programme in September, and I honestly can’t wait to come back.

All part of the plan

Imogen puts her calmness during the Clearing phone call down to being prepared for the situation.

A Level, BTEC and T Level results day is stressful, as it feels like the first step to your future hinges on the grades. But I wanted to put my future in my hands as much as I could, so I pre-registered for Clearing and had access to a fast-track hotline.

When my results came through, I didn’t get upset because I knew I’d prepared. So I just phoned the number, spoke to the call handler and had a conversation. They reassured me at every step and I enrolled a few weeks later.

Since starting university, Imogen’s grades have surpassed her own expectations, and she’s also been able to keep up her dance hobbies by joining the Students’ Union Dance Club.

My advice to anyone receiving results is to be prepared for different outcomes, and have a plan. Don’t panic, even if things don’t go the way you’d like, there’s always a way if you’re driven and passionate about what you do. I knew I wanted to do nursing as I’m completely motivated by helping people. You never know the impact you could have on someone’s life.

Clearing opened the door to my nursing dream and I really hope that the process can support others into their chosen careers too.

Get ready for Clearing

Midwife Indi Collier, former University of Plymouth Midwifery student

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Charlie Eggs and students using new facilities in the Babbage Building.

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