With A-level results being published on Thursday 13th August and GCSE results following on Thursday 20th August, we would like to wish all our younger patients the very best of luck!
Waiting for your results can bring a real mixture of emotions. You may feel excited, nervous, relieved that the wait is over, or uncertain about what comes next.
However you are feeling, it is completely understandable.
Whatever your results, remember that your grades DO NOT define you. They are only one part of your story and cannot measure all your skills, strengths, effort, or potential.
If you receive the results you hoped for, congratulations! Take time to be proud of what you have achieved and celebrate.
If your results are not what you expected, try not to panic or make any rushed decisions. There are usually several options available, whether you are planning to attend sixth form or college, begin an apprenticeship, go to university, find a job, or take a different route entirely.
What should I do if my results are not what I hoped for?
Your school, college or sixth form should be your first point of contact. Staff will be available on results day and will understand your circumstances, the courses you applied for and the options available to you. They have done this before and they know you. They will be the single best resource for help and support on your options. This could include:
- Speaking to a school, college, university, or apprenticeship provider about your place
- Exploring alternative courses or training opportunities
- Applying to university through Clearing
- Asking about an appeal or review of marking
- Resitting one or more subjects
- Considering an apprenticeship, employment, or a different route
If you have narrowly missed the grades needed for a university offer, check your UCAS application and contact the university before assuming that you have lost your place. They may still accept you or offer you an alternative course.
Careers, courses, and university support
The following websites provide reliable information about your choices:
- Help You Choose is Norfolk’s careers information and guidance website for young people. It includes information about sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships, training, and options after Years 11 and 13.
- National Careers Service exam results advice provides guidance about results, resits and your next steps. You can also speak to a careers adviser by webchat or by calling 0800 100 900.
- UCAS results day and Clearing provides advice for anyone awaiting confirmation of a university place or considering other courses through Clearing.
Looking after yourself
Results day can feel overwhelming, especially if things do not go as planned. Give yourself time to process the news, talk to somebody you trust and remember that you do not have to decide everything immediately.
These services can offer further advice and support:
- Just One Norfolk: Exam Stress provides practical guidance on coping with exam and results-day worries.
- FYI Norfolk: Exam Stress offers health and wellbeing information for young people in Norfolk.
- Norfolk and Waveney Mind provides mental health information and details of support available to young people.
- Norfolk and Waveney NHS Talking Therapies offers free and confidential support to people aged 16 and over experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, panic, or excessive worry. You can refer yourself without needing a diagnosed mental health condition.
Just as a last reminder, if you are heading off to Uni, the make sure that you have your MenB vaccine before you leave. These can be had at local pharmacy, and you should have received information from your school. This is only for those of you in Yr 13 and heading off to Uni or any residential education setting.
Most importantly, be proud of the work you have put in and remember that there is always more than one route forward.
From everyone at School Lane Surgery, GOOD LUCK. We hope your results day goes well and wish you every success with whatever comes next!