Mrs Hilary Marsden, Headmistress, The Webber Independent School provides some guidance on what to do if you didn't get the grades you needed.
It’s that time of year where teens up and down the UK are filled with apprehension for their future, and what their exam results mean for their chosen path of study or work. It can be a stressful time for teens and their parents, and while some young people will be out celebrating others will be dealing with disappointment. However, if you’ve not achieved the grades you need, it’s not the end of the world and it doesn’t mean a ruined future or failure; knowing what options are available can help put an action plan in place.
Things to consider
- Talk with your teacher, they can provide reassurance and advise you on the options available, including re-sits, re-marks or retaking a year
- Call the Exam Helpline on 0800 100 900, which is open until 30th August 2018 and can provide information for UCAS Clearing, apprenticeships, vocational learning, careers, employment and more
- If you’re thinking of retaking a year at GCSE or A-Level stage, then explore alternative education establishments that can provide a different learning environment and small class sizes
- If you didn’t secure the university of your choice, then apply through UCAS Clearing – you might be surprised at what you find
- Have a rethink about your next steps – could a vocational course or apprenticeship still take you into the career you’d like? Perhaps consider exploring new options that you had not considered before
- If you didn’t achieve the grades required for entry onto your chosen course, speak to the sixth form or college that you’ve applied to and discuss your options with them
- While education is an important part of life, academia isn’t for everyone, so consider how to grow your life skills and experience – this could be through travelling, volunteering or work placements, maybe even setting up your own business
During my 25 years in education I’ve shared ups and downs with my students on GCSE and A-Level Results Days, it can be very emotional so it’s important to access the right support and put in place coping strategies to create successful next steps.
Resources
https://www.ucas.com/clearing-launch
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/
https://www.getingofar.gov.uk/