Help, rejected by all choices acting degree.?

Ok, cant see the wood for the trees. Basically my son has had 3 auditions for uni acting degrees. 1st was LIPA but he didnt get through. Then UCLAN and he was recalled to final 5. Apparently interview should have been a bit of a formality but he had a major attack of nerves just before he went in and blew it at interview, his head was telling him to shut up but his mouth had other ideas. Today Blackpool which has a format of auditions then workshop for recalled applicants. However there were only 4 acting applicants today. He was the only one to be asked to do a second piece and said he knows he did really well (one of the other applicants said he was better than them all put together) but the panel guy said he wasnt taking anyone through to workshop, not that you could really have had a workshop with so few. It was all very strange! Basically due to withdrawing from 2 other auditions because he decided against the uni's he now has nothing at all. I know this is going to sound very biased but i am lead to believe he is a very talented actor so how on earth has he ended up in this position. He will be getting a triple distinction for his performing arts course in sixth form as well as 2 other A levels and other applicants i know of have offers from uni's when he doesnt. I know about Extra and clearing but has anyone ever got on an acting degree through clearing? Do you think there is any mileage in him writing to UCLAN which was his 1st choice and explain that he knows he fluffed the interview but his nerves got the better of him and would they reconsider/ reinterview him. His tutor at sixth form says he would back him up ability wise. Everything seems so bleak atm, any suggestions? He has done so so well this last year to achieve what he has because he struggled with anxiety/ depression after a vicious assault by a local gang (who were all prosecuted) and had just started going out again so i am really worried this will set him back. I dont know how to help him now. Any positive stories in his field, ie acting would really be appreciated. Sorry for the ramblings lol.