Be PreparedA-level, BTEC and GCSE exam results days occur in the same week this August. If you are picking up your results, you may be feeling a combination of many different things. This is ok.
How you pick up your results this year will vary by school or college, as will the support on hand. Some places will still have social distancing arrangements in place, whereas others, may have reduced or removed these arrangements.
Whatever your school or college is doing, make sure you heed their advice and check what this is before setting off.
Be mindful and follow all government guidance at the time on social distancing (if this changes), as well as the restrictions put in place by your school or college for your safety.
Whatever happens, there are always options you can pursue. It is important to remember this. Hopefully you will receive the grades you need for your next steps.
However, if you haven’t been given a place on your chosen path, make sure you gather advice on what all your options are. If you’re lucky, you will have access to a fully qualified independent careers adviser, either in your school, on the phone, via video or by email.
If you don’t, make use of any services your local authority may provide as well as independent services.
The National Careers Service will be running a dedicated free Exams Helpline. The helpline is open from A level results day until a week after GCSE results day:
The National Careers Service remains available to you and your families for support. It is free to access at: Careers helpline for teenagers – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The government has set out advice to help which is worth being aware of:
“Many exams and assessments cannot be held fairly this year as a result of the disruption students have faced due to the pandemic.
“Your teachers will instead submit grades to the exam boards, based on their assessment of what you have shown you know and can do, enabling you to progress to the next stage of your education, training, or employment.”
You can read more about the above as well as the Autumn exam series and the appeals process, if you feel you need to access these, at: [Withdrawn] Student guide to awarding: summer 2021 – GOV.UK
If you decide to take a re-sit and not attend a 6th form, college, or study programme, consider what you will do during this time carefully. Especially if you don’t have work or an apprenticeship lined up.
If you do resit the government says:
“You can take exams in the autumn if you received a teacher-assessed grade in summer 2021 in the same subject or your exam board believes that you would have taken exams this summer had they not been cancelled.
“This may apply to private candidates. If you get a higher grade in your autumn exam than you get this summer, then you can ask the exam board to provide a new certificate showing your higher grade.”
If you are collecting your BTEC or A-Level results and have applied via UCAS for University, make sure you have your Track login details with you. Be prepared to give yourself time if things need “sorting out”. So, don’t book yourself on holiday or onto a shift at work that afternoon!
For universities, it is expected that many will be more flexible with regards enrolment and entrance requirements.
UCAS has loads of help and advice which is worth reading before you collect your grades at: What to do After You Get Your Exam Results | UCAS Clearing
If you weren’t planning on going to university and decide on the day you wish to, it is possible to make a late application with support from your school or college. If you’re “new“ to the finances required, check out Money Saving Expert to help you: Student loans: the truth about uni fees, loans & grants
Keep in mind there may be a delay in funding getting to you and your chosen university in time, if making a late application. If this is the case, you may need to set up some transition arrangements with the university you are going to whilst you wait for your funding. If you speak to the finances team at your university, they should be able to discuss this with you.
If you have done better than expected and applied to university be aware you can enter adjustment to look at other courses: Clearing | UCAS
You will have access to Clearing and Clearing Plus, which enables specific students in Clearing to be matched to courses that may suit them. Read more about this here: Clearing Plus: What you need to know | Undergraduate | UCAS
These links are useful for further preparation:
If considering choices after GCSEs, keep in mind many (but not all) colleges and 6th forms offer a flexible six week ‘wiggle period’ where you can switch courses if they have space, allowing you room to assess whether your chosen pathway is right for you. If you discover it isn’t, make sure you access support from your careers service to explore all your options.
As with students picking up A-Levels, don’t assume you haven’t been offered a place at your chosen 6th form, college, training centre or apprenticeship if you don’t get the grades you needed or expected. Always check directly with them.
Lastly, remember your options aren’t just college or 6th form after GCSEs, there are a huge range of study programmes, work experience, traineeships and apprenticeships you can explore depending on your grades and situation.
Whether you are picking up GCSE, BTEC or A-level results, look after your mental well-being. It can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Make use of the support networks around you in school, college and at home. If you feel there is no one you can turn to please look for help from support services such as those listed below:
Whatever happens on the day, we wish you and your friends the best of luck. If, however, you find yourself stuck, please reach out for support.
Stay safe and take care.
Chris Targett, Careers Adviser & Area Manager, CXK Schools Careers Service
