Results day can bring joy, relief or disappointment, often all in the same family. Knowing what happens next makes it easier to respond calmly, whatever the grades are. This guide explains the main options for GCSE and A-Level students in England.
Before the day
- Know when and how results will be given, and whether your child needs to collect them in person.
- Keep UCAS login details and contact numbers handy for A-Level students.
- Make a backup plan together. Discussing it beforehand removes some of the pressure.
A-Level results day: if grades are lower than needed
If a student's firm university choice does not confirm their place, they will be able to see this in UCAS Track on results day. The main options are:
- Speak to the university. Sometimes places are confirmed despite lower grades, or alternative courses are offered.
- Clearing. This is how universities fill remaining places. Students can search for courses with vacancies, and then contact them directly.
- Reviews of marking. If a grade is surprisingly low, the school or college can ask the exam board to review the marking. Deadlines are short, marks can go up, stay the same or go down, and fees may apply. Ask the school's exams officer.
- Resits, in the November or summer series, or retaking a year.
- Other routes, such as apprenticeships, a gap year or a different course.
If grades are higher than expected, Adjustment may allow a student to reconsider choices for a limited period. Check UCAS for current rules.
GCSE results day: what next?
A grade 4 is a standard pass and a grade 5 a strong pass, as set out in GCSE grades explained.
- If grades meet sixth form entry requirements, the place is usually confirmed. If not, speak to the school or college straight away, because many have a conversation or a different pathway.
- English and maths. Students aged 16 to 18 in post-16 education who have not reached a grade 4 are generally expected to keep studying these subjects. See GCSE resits for the options and November resit.
- Other subjects. A student can resit in the summer series, or choose a different course.
- Reviews of marking are available for GCSE too, with the same cautions.
Supporting your child
Whatever the news, children need to feel that they are more than a set of grades.
- Listen first. Let them talk before you problem-solve.
- Keep perspective. Many successful people took a winding route.
- Do not compare with friends or siblings.
- Make a short, concrete plan together, with one or two next steps.
- Look after wellbeing. If your child is very low or anxious, seek support from the school, your GP or helplines.
Planning a resit or catch-up
If a retake is the right choice, a focused plan makes a real difference: find the exact topics that cost marks, rebuild understanding, then practise exam technique. Our tutors can help with GCSE maths, GCSE English, GCSE science and A-Level subjects, and our qualifications support can plan a route.
Looking ahead
Results are a milestone, not a verdict. For subject decisions at the next stage, read our guides to GCSE options and A-Level choices, and join the Partner plan if you want a tutor every week and a consultant overseeing progress.