GCSE Results Day- What happens if I didn’t get the results I wanted?
Some students will be feeling excited and happy today after receiving the GCSE results they wanted and can now start preparing for the next steps in their career; from full time employment, apprenticeships or continuing with education.
But for other students they might feel disappointed and frightened after not receiving the grades they wanted and are not sure how they can progress with their career pathway.
If you are a student that is the latter, there are still a range of options for available for you. The first thing you should do is speak directly to your school or college to talk through your options. You can also get advice and guidance from the Exam Results Helpline run by the National Careers Service, 0808 100 900.
Failing that, here are some of the options for students who haven’t got the grades they wanted:
Autumn exams
Students can speak to their school or college about taking autumn exams which run over October, November and December. The exams are in all GCSE and A level subjects and science AS level subjects. So, if you are a student that needs specific exam grads for your future pathway this could be an option for you.
Higher Education
If you are someone that hasn’t got the grades you needed to get into University you can still contact your preferred University and discuss your options, as they may be able to offer some flexibly.
As usual UCAS will help students find a place through clearing. Last year 83,000 students secured places through Clearing https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/clearing-and-results-day - it is a great pathway for exploring your options. From 5 July – 17 October 2023, you can apply for a course using Clearing if you’re not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has places. Clearing is open from 5 July to the 17 October 2023.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a real job where you gain experience, learn and get paid. Just like a regular job you are an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave
By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the correct skills and knowledge needed for your selected career. It can take between one and six years to complete an apprenticeship depending on what apprenticeship you choose, what level it is as well as your previous experience. Apprenticeships are funded from contributions made by the government and your employer.
All apprenticeships have a level and an equivalent education level. You can start an apprenticeship at any level. With over 600 different apprenticeship standards covering everything from marketing to construction, there is an apprenticeship out there for everyone.
Apprenticeships offer opportunity, choice, qualifications, support and could be the perfect route to your career. Check out our resources below on all things apprenticeship and don’t forget you can always use out instant chat to ask questions to our coordinators.
For support on deciding whether an apprenticeship is right for you, including real stories, please visit: Become an apprentice https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices
Traineeships
Traineeships are an excellent option for young people aged between 16 and 24 (or 25 for individuals with an education and health care plan), who don’t have the experience or skills to take on a job or an apprenticeship. Traineeships are known as a skills development programme, where you complete an unpaid work placement together with a training course. They can last from 6 weeks to 1 year (although most last up to 6 months) and are intended to help prepare you for work or an apprenticeship. Traineeships are a great choice for young people as they have been proven to bridge the gap between education and employment.
If this is of interested to you find more information on traineeships can be found here.
T Levels
T Levels are the next level qualification. They’ve are an a-level alternative and have been designed for 16-18-year olds. They are two-year courses which offer classroom-based learning alongside an industry placement and are the equivalent of 3 A levels.
T Levels have been created in collaboration with leading employers and businesses so that their content meets industry needs and prepares the student for employment, study or further training.
Why not read about students studying T-Levels at Grimsby College here.
Full time employment
Some students will want to jump straight into the world of work. You can access loads of information on the Youth Employment Website to see if this is the best route for you.
