Navigating A-Level and GCSE Results: Your Options and Where to Get Support
As results day approaches—A-levels on Thursday 14 August and GCSEs on Thursday 21 August—students across the UK are preparing for a pivotal moment in their academic journey. Whether you’re feeling confident, anxious, or somewhere in between, it’s important to know that you have options, and support is available no matter what your results look like.
What Are Your Options After Results Day?
If You Got the Grades You Needed
- Celebrate and confirm your next steps—whether that’s starting sixth form, college, university, or beginning an apprenticeship.
- For A-level students, check UCAS Hub from 8:15am on results day to see if your university place has been confirmed.
If Your Results Were Unexpected
- Don’t panic. There are still many paths forward:
- GCSE students can speak to their chosen sixth form or college to see if they’ll still accept them.
- A-level students can explore UCAS Clearing, which allows you to apply for courses with available places—even if you’ve done better than expected.
- Resits are available, especially for core subjects like English and Maths. Some can be taken as early as November.
Alternative Routes
- Apprenticeships: Combine work and study, earning while you learn.
- Vocational qualifications: BTECs and T-Levels offer hands-on learning and can lead to university or skilled employment.
- Gap years: A well-planned year out can help you gain experience and clarity before your next step.
What If You Want to Appeal Your Grades?
If you believe your grades are incorrect:
- Speak to your school or college—they can request a review or appeal on your behalf.
- Priority remarks are available if your university place depends on it.
Support Services You Can Turn To
Speak to Crown Vocational Training
Whatever your situation, Crown Vocational Training have a number of experienced advisers available and ready to help and provide careers advice and guidance, to arm you with all the information you might need and steer you towards the best options available. You can call us on 01702 597499 or e-mail us at [email protected].
Crown also provide guidance through this website for support with interview techniques and preparing a CV for those looking for employment opportunities.
National Careers Service
- Offers free, impartial advice on education and career options.
- Call 0800 100 900 or use their webchat for guidance.
Final Thoughts
Results day is just one step in a much bigger journey. Whether you’re celebrating, reassessing, or exploring new paths, remember: you’re not alone, and there’s always a way forward.
If you need personalised advice, reach out to the services listed above or speak to a trusted teacher or careers adviser. Your future is full of possibilities—whatever your results may be.
