GCSE Results Day 2025 is a big milestone. Whether you’re aiming for sixth form, college or exploring other routes, finding out your results can feel exciting, overwhelming – or both!
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know on the day. So feel free to use the table of contents below to jump straight to the section you need, or read through from start to finish if you want to be in the know.
This year, GCSE Results Day is on Thursday 21st August 2025. You can collect your results from your school, and your teachers should let you know what time they open and which room you can collect them from in advance.
GCSE results tend to be available from 8am onwards but it can vary from school to school. So don’t just assume your school is open at a certain time just because your friend’s school is open.
Pro Tip: Double check with your school, college or exam centre exactly what time they open and close on the day.
Your school or exam centre will decide how results are delivered, and it often depends on what you selected earlier in the year as well as your current personal situation.
Many students still collect results in person – most often from school or their place of learning. But this can vary from school to school, so make sure to confirm directly with your school, college or exam centre in advance.
A huge benefit of collecting results in person is that it allows you to speak to teachers or advisers immediately if you need help. You’ll also be surrounded by your peers all in a similar situation. It’s a chance to come together to share your joy, sorrows and most of all support for each other.
Some schools provide results through an online portal or email. If yours does, make sure you know your login details or have access to the email address they’ll use. But not all schools do, so if you need online results, make sure to confirm with your school. In general, many schools will provide your results online if you have a genuine reason you can’t make it in person.
Here are some examples of valid reasons you might need your results online:
This year online results will also be trialled in areas of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, with around 95,000 students receiving their results via the Education Record app, ahead of a potential national rollout next year. (find out more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-brings-exam-records-into-21st-century). So if you’re in those areas, make sure to find out whether you’re part of this trial.
Some schools will post your GCSE results to you, so long as you provide a genuine reason to do so. Since every school and exam board may decide differently, it’s important you get in touch as soon as possible to see if they will. If they agree to post your results, be aware that postal delays might mean your results arrive later in the day or even the next day – so be prepared to be patient!
Overall, the way you receive your results will depend on your individual circumstances. So the main take away is to not panic! If you’re unable to collect your results in person due to a genuine reason, there will most likely be an alternative way to do so – just make sure you communicate clearly with your school, college or exam centre ahead of time.
Pro Tip: Communication is key! Get in touch with your school, college or exam centre as soon as you can if you need to make any adjustments or have any questions.
You can often access them online, receive them by post or arrange for someone to collect them. But make sure you contact your school before leaving to make sure you can. Communication is key.
Yes, usually requiring written permission and ID.
If you have a valid reason many schools will allow a friend, guardian or family member to collect them on your behalf. Just make sure you let your school know and confirm the specific requirements in advance.
So if you’ve ever thought “OH NO! What if someone else takes my results?!“. Don’t worry. Your results will not be given to anyone without your consent.
Typically from 8am onwards, but your school may differ. So make sure you confirm with them.
GCSEs in England are graded on a numerical scale from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. A grade of 4 is considered a standard pass, and a grade of 5 is a strong pass.
Now all subjects are using the numerical grading system since 2020, so they’re by no means new. But for anyone who is more familiar with the old letter grading system, this is how they compare:
Yes. You can request a review of marking, usually through your school. Keep in mind there are deadlines and fees (refunded if your grade changes).
It’s a brilliant idea to plan ahead and think about how your GCSE Results Day might go. Personally, I love a good list! Whether it’s on paper, a saved copy of the image below or even saved in your phone’s notes – whatever works best for you. Just make sure you customise it to fit you.
Night before:
Do what you can now, so you don’t need to tomorrow
Morning of:
Focus on what’s important, don’t worry about anything else
Pro Tip: Customise your list to fit you. For example, I would add headphones because they help me to relax. Someone else might want to prepare an outfit the night before. Anything you can prepare in advance is one less thing to stress about on the day.
Didn’t get the results you were hoping for? It’s okay and completely natural to feel upset – but please don’t panic! You still have options:
This is the best place to start. They can help you understand your next steps, whether that’s a remark, a resit, or alternative options you may have not even considered yet.
If your grade seems off, you might want to request a review of marking (commonly known as a remark). You usually do this through your school, and there may be a cost attached – but it can be refunded if your grades are changed. See here for government guidance: https://www.gov.uk/appeal-qualification-result/request-review
English and Maths resits are usually available as early as November. Whereas other subjects tend to be available for resits the following summer. Speak to your school teacher or careers adviser to explore how. See here for government guidance: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/exam-results/resits
Wherever you’re planning to go next, a lot of providers will give you an offer that requires certain grades. But sometimes, not always, but sometimes offers are ‘informal’. This means the provider might still accept you even if you didn’t hit your target grades. But this isn’t guaranteed, so always contact them to check if there’s any flexibility.
Next we’re going to explore many of the different options available to you. So don’t write off your goals just yet – there’s always more than one path. You just have to find the one that works for you.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re happy with your results, look out for your friends. Some might be disappointed and won’t want to say it. A kind word goes a long way.
Not sure what to do next? That’s totally normal. There are loads of different pathways available to you after receiving your GCSE results. Below, I’ll walk you through many of the routes available. Each option includes a quick explanation of what it is, who it’s best suited for, and how to take your next steps.
What it is: A school-based option where you study multiple subjects like A-levels or similar courses.
Who it suits: Great for students who enjoy classroom learning and want to keep their options open.
Next steps: If you’ve already accepted a place, the school will be in touch with your enrolment info and first-day details.
Pro tip: Some schools have strict entry requirements, so check if your GCSE grades match what they’re looking for.
What it is: Sixth form but based in a college setting instead of a school.
Who it suits: Ideal if you want more independence but still study multiple subjects like A-levels or similar courses.
Next steps: You should hear from the college soon with start dates, induction info, and what to bring on day one.
Pro tip: College sixth forms often have more subject variety than school-based ones.
What it is: A full-time college course focused on only one subject area. These tend to be more academic or theory-focused, even though they’re subject-specific.
Who it suits: Great for creative or passionate students who want to go all-in on a single subject.
Next steps: Your college will confirm your enrolment and let you know about any auditions, portfolio checks, or prep materials.
Pro tip: These courses often lead into higher education, specialist training or specialist roles.
What it is: A full-time college, hands-on course. These tend to be more practical and linked to a specific job or industry.
Who it suits: Best for students who prefer practical work and think they know what job they want to do. This is a great way to test it out.
Next steps: Expect an email or letter from the college with your course start date, kit list (if needed), and timetable.
Pro tip: Ask colleges if they include work placements as part of the course.
What it is: T-Levels are two-year courses with 80% classroom learning and 20% spent on an industry placement.
Who it suits: Ideal for students who want a hands-on course that’s still academic, and are interested in progressing to university, advanced apprenticeships, or employment.
Next steps: If you’ve accepted a T-Level place, your college or provider will contact you with your start date, placement information, and anything you need to prepare.
Pro tip: T-Level placements are often arranged through the course provider, but it’s worth checking in advance whether you’re expected to help secure your placement — especially if you already have a preferred employer in mind. T-Levels are still relatively new, so here’s everything you need to know. More information here: https://www.cxk.org/resources/everything-you-need-to-know-about-t-levels/
What it is: A job with training where you earn money and work towards qualifications. You’ll work for 4 days a week and train for 1 — about 20% of your time.
Who it suits: Perfect for students who want to start working straight away and learn by doing.
Next steps: Search for apprenticeship vacancies online (e.g. gov.uk) and apply like a job. If you’ve already done that, get in touch with your employer or training provider to find out your start date and where to go on day one.
Pro tip: Apply early — apprenticeship places can be as competitive as university courses!
What it is: An apprenticeship with added support.
Who it suits: Students with additional needs who may need extra help to access work or training.
Next steps: Ask your school SENCO or careers adviser about supported apprenticeship providers. Then once you have your GCSEs, get in touch to find out what the next steps are.
Pro tip: These options are tailored to help you grow at your own pace — don’t be afraid to ask for support.
What it is: Informal job training provided by an employer.
Who it suits: Good for students who want job experience but haven’t found an apprenticeship yet.
Next steps: Ask local employers if they offer any on-the-job training programs. If you’ve already done that, get in touch with your employer to find out your start date and if there’s anything you need to bring.
Pro tip: Consider combining this with part-time study or evening classes to keep your options open.
What it is: A supportive program that helps you prepare for future work or education.
Who it suits: Best for those who need extra help building confidence or skills before moving on.
Next steps: Speak to your school careers adviser or look up local training providers. Then once you have your GCSEs, get in touch to find out what the next steps are.
Pro tip: These programmes often include English and maths support if you didn’t pass them at GCSE.
What it is: A way to gain experience and basic training while volunteering.
Who it suits: Ideal if you’re unsure or not ready to commit to full-time work or study.
Next steps: Contact local charities or organisations offering youth volunteering with training. Get in touch to find out when you can get stuck in.
Pro tip: Volunteering builds great references for future applications and interviews.
Yes, ideally you’ll already have a plan in place but it’s totally okay if you don’t! Results Day can feel overwhelming, and it’s normal not to have everything figured out. Talk to your teachers, parents, or a careers adviser — they can help you weigh up your options and make a plan that works for you.
Pro tip: You can change your mind! Whether your GCSE results are slightly lower than you hoped, or your results are higher than you imagined – many courses allow late enrolment, and colleges are often happy to help even after term has started. Focus on finding the path that’s best for you.
You don’t need straight 9s to be proud of yourself. The hard work and dedication you’ve shown throughout your GCSEs is more than enough reason to feel proud.
Yes, it’s important to take a moment to reflect and tick off anything you still need to do — like contacting your next steps provider. But once that’s done, mark the occasion in a way that feels right for you:
And arguably most important of all — getting some rest and catching up on sleep.
I still remember my GCSE results day clearly, even ten years later. I don’t remember the results themselves or the nerves — but I do remember the fond memories. We went camping that evening to celebrate, just friends and family, making memories. So whatever you decide to do, try to do something you’ll look back on fondly.
Still got questions? You can call the National Careers Service Exam Helpline to speak with a qualified adviser. They’ll support you in exploring your next steps, including:
The helpline is available by calling 0800 100 900, Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 throughout August 2025.
Whether you’re collecting results in person or online, aiming for sixth form or exploring a new route altogether — being prepared gives you the best shot at handling whatever comes your way.
Just remember — communication is key, and there’s no need to panic. Take a deep breath. You’ve already come this far and you’re now prepared for what’s next. Try to enjoy the day, treasure the moment and make lots of happy memories.
Good luck!
