Waiting for GCSE results day? Not sure what to do next? We have some tips and advice to help you…

Some Useful GCSE Results Day Tips:

• If you have applied to a college or sixth form, you will need to know HOW to show them your results and enrol. Make sure you know this.
• If you have an offer of an apprenticeship, is it dependant on your GCSE results? If so, you should send them a copy of their results, so call them and ask how you send them.

Bear in mind that, if you do not pass your Maths or English (Grade 4 or above), it is a LEGAL REQUIREMENT that you MUST resit these – so any college or sixth form you apply to will make you study these until you pass.

No plans or considering alternative?

• Don’t panic! Do some research to ease the stress!
• Apprenticeship vacancies are available on the National Government Apprenticeships website Browse these and see what opportunities are out there.
• Check out College and Sixth form websites for courses that interest you. Note down their contact details and get in touch. They may ask what your GCSE results where, so these have to hand.

Know the difference between A Levels and BTECs

Remember: A Levels are exam-based, whereas BTECs use written assignments throughout the year. Both may include practical elements, depending on the course you apply for.

Steps to Follow on GCSE Results Day:

1. Seek Advice – talk to your school/college careers adviser before making any decisions.
2. Find out what courses are available from college and sixth form websites.
3. Talk to sixth forms and colleges directly and have your results to hand. If you didn’t get the results you were hoping for, they can still help (possibly even offer you alternative courses) so still contact them.
4. Interested in an apprenticeship? Visit the National Apprenticeship website and create an account – then you can make as many applications as you like.

If you are not sure what you want to do, talk to your school/college careers adviser – THAT’S WHAT THEY’RE THERE FOR.

Some useful websites:

• The National Careers Service
• The National Government Apprenticeships website allows you to find and apply for apprenticeship vacancies.
• The UCAS website has a section specially designed to help 16-year-olds consider their future options.

And remember, if you don’t get the results you were expecting or hoping for (or maybe you did as badly as you feared) the important thing to remember is “Don’t Panic!”. It’s not the end of the world. There are always other ways to get where you want to go and people who can offer you help and advice. All you need to do is contact them.