TACKLING A-LEVEL RESULTS DAY WITH CONFIDENCE

Excitement. Nerves. Anticipation. Many will be wondering what A-level results day will hold for them. If this is you, you may be worrying about whether you get your predicted grades. If you are hoping to do a degree or degree apprenticeship, you’ll no doubt be concerned about whether your grades meet the conditions of your offer. Or perhaps you are not planning to go to university at all. Maybe you have a job or apprenticeship offer lined up that requires you to get specific A-level grades. If your preferred choice doesn’t work out, do you have an alternative route ready to roll?

The best advice, in all situations, is to be prepared. Get a plan of action together and tackle the day with confidence.

Headline options

Your A-level results can be the crucial ingredient in what happens next for you. Take control of the future and be prepared for whatever the outcome may be. Most people take one of the following routes:

• You get your grades and you continue to your preferred university, apprenticeship or job.
• You don’t get your anticipated grades, but you secure an alternative degree or apprenticeship.
• You are ready to leave education to start work, find an internship or even take a gap year.

Going to university

If you have a university offer and achieve the required grades, take a moment to celebrate, then start thinking about preparing for your next steps. You’ll need to finalise funding, and if you are moving to a new city, you will have to secure accommodation. There is a lot to think about; don’t leave it until the last minute. 

If you don’t get the grades you hoped for, don’t despair. Your university may still allow you to pursue your preferred course, or you may be able to find an alternative that is even better than your original choice. The UCAS clearing process will guide you through the process of finding an alternative course if you have unexpected grades. Clearing is also where to head if you get better grades than expected and decide to opt for university. Please read our detailed step-by-step guide to clearing.

Approximately fifty thousand students use the clearing system each year. If you don’t find a suitable course for this year, consider retaking one or more of your A-levels to reapply for next year. Speak to a career advisor and parents/carers about this option. 

Degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships are hotly contested. One of the reasons they are so popular is that you get paid, and you earn a degree without the debt associated with a standard degree. Additionally, by the time you graduate, you will have gained several years of relevant work experience. You may already have a degree apprenticeship offer lined up, but some opportunities are assigned via clearing. 

An increasing number of business-related apprenticeship jobs don’t stipulate specific A-level subject passes; others may not require particular grades. Whilst most do, some degree apprenticeships don’t follow the academic timetable, so you may be able to find an alternative option to starting in September 2025. Check out degree apprenticeships on the UCAS website.

Apprenticeships

You don’t have to progress from A-Levels to a degree apprenticeship or a higher-level apprenticeship. You can start with a level 2 or 3 apprenticeship and get a good grounding in a specific industry, and then work your way up through the apprenticeship route. Check out the current apprenticeship vacancies on LCR Bemore – you may see an employer or opportunity that catches your eye. 

Like degree apprenticeships, lower-level apprenticeships will mean zero fees for you, the apprentice, as there is funding to cover your training. 

The working world

An apprenticeship is a job with training, but perhaps you want to get a regular job and take a short break from training and studying. However, if you have the opportunity to continue your education, it’s always a good idea to take it. After you have started working, you can ask your employer if they would allow you to enrol on an apprenticeship. There are many benefits to the organisation as well as to you, the apprentice.

Taking a gap year

If you are fortunate enough to have the option of a gap year, time off from education or work can broaden your horizons. Work experience, travelling or a volunteer role can even help crystallise your thoughts on what you want to do next. Get the most from your year off by making sure it strengthens future applications and develops your skills. A paid internship is another way to explore different career options.

Feeling overwhelmed

It’s okay to feel anxious or stressed. Stay as calm as possible to help you take sensible steps and logical decisions. Stay proactive to make things happen for yourself and focus on what you can control. Seek out advice on the UCAS helpline or speak to teachers and family to gain objective advice and views.

Your achievements so far

You might be celebrating exam success or reassessing your options.  Either way, pat yourself on the back for making it this far. A-levels are not the be-all and end-all; they are just one stepping stone in your life journey. You will have many more opportunities to grow and shape your future success after results day.