Waiting for GCSE and A-Level results can be a stressful time for students and parents too. Often it can be tricky to understand what happens on the day, and what all the options are afterward, especially if students don’t get the results they expected. Here’s an easy guide for parents to follow to get prepared for GCSE and A-Level results day.
When Do Results Come Out?
GCSE results for 2024 are released on Thursday 22nd of August, with A-Level results a week earlier on Thursday 15th of August. On results day, students will be able to collect their results directly from their school or college.
How Can We Collect Results?
All schools and colleges will have slightly different arrangements, but most will welcome students to collect theirf results in person if they would like. Alternatively, it’s likely results will be published on an online portal too or be sent out via email. All students should be informed in advance of what time their results will be available to collect, so always check this first.
How Can We Prepare For The Day?
It’s important for students and parents to be prepared and focused for results day and have conversations about all possible outcomes beforehand. Being aware of what the next steps are if students don’t get the grades they need is also crucial, as you will both most likely want to take immediate action on the day itself.
What If My Child Doesn’t Get The Grades?
Hopefully students will get the exam grades they need, but if they just miss out, be aware that the university or college might accept them anyway, so always check this first. If your teen doesn’t get the grades they need, there’s no need for them to feel disheartened. There are many routes to success and be sure to remind them that it is possible to retake their exams.
Can My Child Retake Their GCSE Exams?
If students are unhappy with their results, they should talk to their subject teacher first as they’ll be able to give them an idea if they think they could achieve a better grade or if they should appeal. Re-sitting a GCSE is free if the exams you are taking are mandatory. This includes English and maths if students didn’t gain a passing grade (at least a 4). If the exam is not compulsory, then you will have to pay additional exam fees, but this will depend on the area and exam board. For English and maths resits, these will be available to retake as soon as November 2024.
Are There Other Routes For GCSE Students That Don’t Get The Grades?
A-levels aren’t the only way you can get qualifications after your GCSEs. Many places offer vocational qualifications and often aren’t so strict on specific GCSE entry grades. These are still study courses, just like A-levels, and they give students important qualifications that employers will still recognise. Vocational qualifications can really help you get ahead as students apply learning to practical, real-life situations. Apprenticeships and volunteer work are also other options to consider, especially if your teen enjoys a more hands-on approach. Find out more on UCAS.
What’s The Next Route For A-Level Students That Don’t Get The Grades?
Students might get a place on either their firm or insurance university choice, depending on how well their exams go. If they don’t get the grades they may be offered an alternative by the university/college or a ‘changed course offer’ which they’ll need to accept or decline. Alternatively, if students don’t get a place through any of their choices at all, they can search through Clearing to see what courses still have vacancies. However, if no decisions are showing, it’s a good idea to give your universities a call to find out more. There are plenty of other routes instead of university to consider. Check out more information.
Can Students Retake A-Levels?
Students can retake A-Levels, however, it’s important to consider cost, which varies depending on where you took your A-Levels, but is on average around £175 per exam. There’s no limit to how many times A-Levels can be taken again. If your student wants to retake the exam, signing up for online A Level tutoring may be beneficial.
Finally, if the results go well then congratulations are in order! It’s now time for students to celebrate, relax for a few more weeks and start to plan for what comes next.
