Three situations you could find yourself in when you get your GCSE results

Nick Hynes, Exam Results Helpline Careers Adviser, talks you through what could happen on exam results day and how you can prepare yourself.

You got all the grades you hoped for, you already have a definite plan, and it's all systems go

Well congratulations, you! Before you sign on the dotted line, though, do check that those A levels/that particular apprenticeship/the college course you're intending to do is pointing you in the right direction, and leaves open the right employment/university choices at the age of 18.

You got most of the grades you were hoping for, but just slipped up on 1 or 2?

Act quickly! This actually might not be a problem, but you must speak to your chosen college or sixth form as soon as possible. They might, depending on your grades, still let you do your original course choice, but ask you to do a retake in your maths or English as well for example. Alternatively, they might ask you to do an extra year, and get more grades at foundation or intermediate level before moving onto your first choice.

You are really disappointed with your grades, and can't do what you wanted?

It is not the end of the world! Just now it might feel like it, but it is not. Again, you need to act pretty quickly: get in touch with the employer/college/sixth form you were hoping to progress on to, and check what they have to say.
If after speaking to them you need more help and advice, call us at the Exam Results Helpline – 0808 100 8000.