What to do on GCSE results day
GCSE Results 2024, Thursday August 22nd
What to do if you get the results you wanted - or not.
Hopefully you'll get the results you need to take the next step you have planned. If this is the case, well done, now you can relax and celebrate!
If things didn't go the way you planned, you'll need to think about what to do next.
A sensible first step is to speak to your teachers, careers advisers and parents to discuss your options.
Didn't get the grade 4 in Maths and English you needed for your course?
The first thing to do if you haven't passed Maths or English with a grade 4 or above is to speak to the staff at the school or college that you are planning to attend or to the training provider for your apprenticeship.
Some sixth forms will allow you to start A levels and retake either English or Maths alongside your other qualifications. However, many sixth forms require you to have at least a grade 4 in English and Maths before you start, so you need to check this out ASAP.
If you choose to, you can usually resit Maths and English in November - ask your teachers about this.
Schools and colleges offer classes to prepare students to retake these GCSEs as it is a government requirement that you keep studying these subjects until you are 18 year old or achieve a grade 4 in them.
Appeals
You can ask your school or college to request a review from the exam board.
You can ask your school, college or training provider to review the results of any other qualification, for example a BTEC or an NVQ.
If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, you can appeal directly to the awarding organisation. They’ll send you a final report after they’ve reviewed the result.
If you think the awarding organisation did not deal with your appeal correctly, you can complain to Ofqual.
If you feel you should have had a better grade than you got then get in touch with your teacher, either on results day or as soon as possible after results day.
If your results mean you have to change your plan
To find out more about your options after GCSE its a good idea to investigate Choices at 16 as you can find out lots of information about vocational courses, apprenticeships and A levels. To find out where your nearest sixth forms and colleges are, take a look at find a provider to see what courses are available in your local area. If you are now thinking of an apprenticeship you can look at what is available here.
If you were offered an apprenticeship dependent on achieving specific grades then it is important to let your employer know as soon as possible, so you can see if you are still able to start the apprenticeship or will need to find an alternative course or apprenticeship instead.
Be proud of your achievements
Whatever has happened remember that your friends and family will be proud of you and your achievements. And remember, if you haven’t got the results you wanted it isn't the end of the world - there are lots of options!
Further information and help
Information and advice is available online, by phone or via e-mail from the National Careers Service.