Today is crunch time for many Kent A-Level students as they nervously find out their results.

For many it will decide their fate on whether or not they will go to university.

But if you haven’t got the results you want - the message is don't panic.

Clearing is a good way to find suitable places at university.

It helps those who have not managed to get into a place at university and college of their choice.

More than 30,000 people gain places during clearing every year.

Forty student hotline operators at Kent University's clearing centre are already in place for people who take this option.

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

~ Listen: University of Kent’s professor of journalism, Tim Luckhurst on why university is one of the best experiences of your life.

Steve Holdcroft, University of Kent's head of information, recruitment and admissions, said: “Think of it as an opportunity. You’ve simply yet to find the course that’s best for you and this is an appropriate and exciting time to do it.”

~ Look at his 10 advice tips on clearing >>>

John Slater, director of admissions at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: "If your exam results are not quite what you expected, do not worry - but you do need to plan your strategy.

"Check with your firm-choice university to see whether they have accepted you.

"Sometimes you will find that they will lower the number of points they originally asked for and will still accept you.

"If they are not prepared to do this, you need to check whether your insurance offer has been confirmed. If not, you need to enter the clearing process."

~ Find out here to see if you are eligible for clearing >>>

~ Read: Lisa-Marie's success story of getting a place at the University of Kent through clearing >>>

But John Walder, the Kent branch secretary of the National Union of Teachers, believes universities are feeling the strain of less science students coming through their doors.

Mr Walder said: “We have allowed our children to move away from science and languages at our peril. These are extremely important areas of employment which the country needs.

"Schools are under pressure from league tables to maximise the number of points that their schools score per student, so one point is as good as another. Students then see certain subjects as easier than others and schools are happy about it as long as they score the points at the end of the course. But it leaves other subjects under considerable threat."

~ Listen: Mr Walder speaks to KMFM about the continued threat for some universities

Canterbury Samaritans is urging anyone who is stressed out with exam results to get in touch with them if they need help.

Director Mary Greenwood said: "Getting results back can be a testing time. It can really help to talk to someone anonymously about how they're feeling.

"We need to stop reinforcing the message that exam grades are the single most important fact in determining a young person's future. They're not.

~Read: A levels are not getting easier - union

"Young people need to be reassured they are valued and that there are many different options open to them. Samaritans is always available round-the-clock for anyone who wants to share how they are feeling."

For more support on how to deal with exam results call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.