The Exam Results helpline is here to support any student, parent or carer with any queries regarding A-Level, GCSE and T-Level results 2023. Call 0800 100 900 for free, professional careers advice.
Contact the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline to speak to professionally qualified careers adviser if you need advice on your next steps.
The helpline and webchat are open from 08:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday and 10:00 to 17:00 on Saturday
A level and T Level results day: Thursday 17 August 2023
GCSE results day: Thursday 24 August 2023
So your GCSE, A-Level or T-Level exam results aren’t what you hoped for? Or perhaps they’re better than expected? Whatever support you need, the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline is here to support young people and their parents/carers in deciding their next steps.
If you haven’t been given a place on your chosen path, or if you’re done better than expected and want to review your options, contact the National Careers Service for professional, impartial advice.
Contact the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline to speak to a professionally qualified careers adviser if you need advice on your next steps after A-Levels, BTECs or GCSEs.
The helpline has professional careers advisers available to provide free, impartial advice and guidance on the different choices available, including:
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, 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.
National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline: 0800 100 900
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”.
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: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/results-confirmation-and-clearing/results/after-you-get-your-exam-results
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: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-loans-tuition-fees-changes
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 in your exams than expected and applied to university be aware you can enter adjustment to look at other courses: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/apply-and-track/results/ucas-adjustment-if-youve-done-better-expected
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: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/results-confirmation-and-clearing/what-clearing/clearing-plus-five-things-you-need-know
It maybe that you need financial support if your options have changed. Make sure you contact the college or university you are hoping to attend for help. Some will know of, or have, bursaries and grants you can access.
These links are useful for further preparation:
https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/results-confirmation-and-clearing/ucas-undergraduate-results
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/clearing-results-day/ucas-clearing-what-you-might-not-know
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.
Call the exam results helpline to discuss all of these options: 0800 100 900
For apprenticeships: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Supported employment for those with SEND: https://www.theeducationpeople.org/our-expertise/specialist-employment
Careers research: cxk.org/resources
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:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines
https://www.studentminds.org.uk/
https://charliewaller.org/information/change/results-and-clearing
The National Careers Service provides free, up to date, impartial information, advice and guidance on careers, skills and the labour market in England to anyone aged 13 and upwards. To speak to a National Careers Service adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our webchat.
