Here are our tips and advice for A Level or GCSE results days, to guide you through this important time.
Having mixed emotions about A Level or GCSE results days? Don’t worry, we are here to help! Here are some friendly tips and advice to guide you through this important time.
Some simple steps to follow:
Seek advice!
Talk to your school or college careers adviser before making any decisions.
Explore college and sixth form courses
Check their websites for available courses.
Get in touch
Reach out directly to sixth forms and colleges, even if you did not get the results you wanted. They may still help and offer alternative courses.
Interested in Apprenticeships
Create an account at the national Apprenticeships website and start applying.
Confused? Talk to your careers adviser
If you are unsure about your future, discuss your options with your school/college careers adviser. That is what they are there for!
Tips specifically for GCSE Results Day:
Results
Have your GCSE results with you and understand what grades you have achieved when you contact colleges, 6th forms and apprenticeships.
Enrolling at a college or sixth form:
If you have applied to college or sixth form, contact each to find out their enrolment process.
Apprenticeships:
If you have an apprenticeship offer dependent on your GCSE results, don’t forget to share your results with the apprenticeship provider. Call them to ask how to do it.
Didn't get the results?
If you don’t get the grades you hoped for, still speak to your college, 6th form or apprenticeship provider. They may still be able to offer the course you wanted, or they may offer you a different course that still meets your needs.
Maths and English resits:
If you didn’t pass Maths or English with a Grade 4 or above, you must resit them. Colleges, sixth forms and apprenticeships require you to study these subjects for the duration of your course, until you pass. You might resit GCSE’s or an alternative qualification.
If you need more support, our local teams are here for you!
If you’re aged 16-18 (up to 24 if you have an Education, Health and Care Plan) and live in Liverpool City Region, Manchester or Salford and want careers advice, would like to discuss your options, or just need guidance after getting your results, get in touch.
Visit our Services for Young People page where you can find out how we can support you and find out how to get in touch with your local Career Connect team.
Please note: eligibility criteria can vary between local authority districts, so check your eligibility on your local team’s page.
Not sure of your plans, or considering alternatives?
Research Apprenticeships
You can find vacancies on the National Government Apprenticeships website and explore thousands of opportunities.
Check out colleges and sixth forms websites:
Find courses that interest you, jot down contact details, and contact them. They may ask for your GCSE results, so have these ready.
Know the difference between qualifications:
The Student Room at the Uni Guide website has a section explaining the various qualification types and how they can relate to each other. Just remember that A Levels are exam-based and academic, while BTECs and T levels are vocational and include written assignments.
Remember… Don't panic!
If your GCSE results are not what you hoped for, do not worry! It is not the end of the world. There are always other paths to achieve your goals, and there are people ready to offer help and advice. Just reach out to them! Stay positive and keep moving forward.
You have got this! 😊
Some other useful links:
Whether it’s A Levels, T Levels or GCSEs you’re waiting for, here are some other links you may find helpful when making decisions about your future…
National Government Apprenticeships website
Find vacancies on the National Apprenticeships website.
The Student Room
A short guide to understanding different types of qualification, what they are and how they relate to one another
The National Careers Service
The National Careers Service provides careers information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions at all stages in your career.
UCAS website
The UCAS website has a section to help 16-year-olds considering their future options
UCAS Apprenticeships
You can also search for apprenticeships on the UCAS website
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