Everything you need to be ready for A-level results day

A-level results day is a time that often brings thoughts of stress and anxiety for both students and parents… but it doesn’t have to be that way.

With a positive mindset, and the right preparation, it can be a moment of joy and inspiration – whether you get the grades you wanted or just miss out.

The good news is that around 80% of those applying to university secure their firm (first) choice with a further 10-15% placed at their insurance (second) choice.

Even for those who face disappointment on the day, there is a ‘clearing’ process with tens of thousands of university places to apply for.

Of course, there are many students who decide that university isn’t for them and wish to explore a gap year, take on an apprenticeship or go straight into the workplace.At Work Avenue, our employment team help hundreds of students and graduates each year find the right career path and job for them.

Here are their six top tips for a (relatively) stress-free A-level results day:

Be present: This year’s A-level results day is Thursday 15 August. Students should be able to collect their results in person or online from their school or college from 8am or 9am. Check the exact times and procedures in advance and ensure you are available on the day to collect them and speak to your school if needed.

Bring your logins: If you have applied for university, make sure you have the email address/password you use for UCAS available (and have tested they are correct). After all, there is nothing worse than trying to do a password reset on an already busy morning! Once you have your results, log in to ‘UCAS Track’ to see the decisions of your university choices in real time. If you need any more information on this, please visit https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/after-you-apply/tracking-your-ucas-application.

Know the process: If you meet the grade requirements for your first choice, then you will automatically be placed there – but even if not, they may still accept you. The same goes for your insurance choice; if you miss out on your first pick but meet the grades the insurance choice asked for, you will get that place. If you have not met the requirements for either then you have the option to use clearing. If you are unhappy with your grades and/or wish to challenge them, then discuss this first with your school or college who can talk you through the appeals process.

Be clear on clearing: Clearing is how universities fill places they still have available on their courses – usually somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000. If you find yourself in clearing, just log into your UCAS account and they will try and match you to courses you may be interested in, using what they know about you from your application, your results and what universities and colleges are looking for. A button will appear called ‘my matches’ showing your top 50 options, as well as a search tool to find other places yourself. You’ll then be able to tell universities and colleges you’re ‘interested’ in their courses. If they still have vacancies and you meet their entry requirements, they may call you. To find out more and get yourself familiar with the clearing process, please visit https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/clearing-and-results-day/what-clearing

Explore other options: You may have already decided that you are not going to university or are putting the decision off for a year while you work, volunteer and/or travel. We help lots of school leavers who are in this position – talking through their options, helping with CVs and the job application process, looking for apprenticeships and work, and providing workshops and courses to provide any additional skills needed. Sites such as www.notgoingtouni.co.uk also provide lots of useful information and support.

Get in touch: We know this can be a stressful process, especially if you or your child is going through clearing. That is why our Work Avenue employment team are fully trained to help and ready to take your call on the day. If possible, get in touch with our team earlier in August so that we already know about you and your goals and can help immediately should you need us. And please stay in touch… we are there for you throughout your entire career. Our number is 020 8371 3280 and we are looking forward to supporting you.