Thousands of students are expected to flood Kent University’s clearing hotline centre when the A-level results are out on Thursday.

But the message to those who did not get the grades they were looking for is, don’t panic.

Forty student hotline operators have been put through their paces in training for Thursday.

Last year, the clearing centre received 5,000 calls in two days.

Steve Holdcroft, head of information, recruitment and admissions, had some tips for those candidates who make the call to clearing.

“Think of it as an opportunity,” he said. “You’ve simply yet to find the course that’s best for you and this is an appropriate and exciting time to do it.”

He added: “Get yourself organised, as each year thousands of students go through clearing and gain a university place on a course on which they are happy.

“Just because you’ve come through clearing, we won’t treat you as second class.

“Everyone, regardless of their entry route, starts with a clean slate.”

Kent University clearing vacancies will be listed at www.kent.ac.uk/clearing

The hotline number is 0800 021 3126 and will open at 8am on Thursday.

A clearing open day will also be held for prospective students on Saturday.

Canterbury Samaritans are urging anyone who is stressed out about receiving their results to get in touch.

Exams and studying stress is one of the top reasons for people contacting Samaritans and during the A-level and GCSE results period last year calls increased nationally by 11 per cent.

“Getting results back can be a testing time,” said Mary Greenwood, director of Canterbury Samaritans.

“Young people often experience a range of emotions – panic, anxiety, guilt and despair – as they wonder what the future holds. It can really help to talk to someone anonymously about how they’re feeling.

“Young people need to be reassured they are valued and that there are many different options open to them.”

For practical support on how to deal with exam results log on to Samaritans’ exam support page >>>

You can also contact Samaritans by phone on 08457 90 90 90 or email at jo@samaritans.org