Exam results

If you don't want to apply through clearing or you can’t get a place, there are
other options:

• Retake your exams – You will have to wait a year until going to university or college, but you would have another chance to retake your exams and get the grades you need. If you're considering this option it's worth thinking about how motivated you would be to repeat the work again. Make sure you get some advice from a teacher or careers adviser to see if this is the right choice for you.

• Take a year out – Do something different for a year such as travelling, getting a job or doing some voluntary work. Then, if you still want to, you can reapply next year for university or college and get a place with the grades you already have.

• Look into alternative courses – If you're thinking about doing a degree your grades might get you into a different course, you could do a combined degree or the same course at a different university or college.

You can get advice on all your options from The Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000. 

If you're worried that your grades are going to affect your future plans talk to one of your teachers or a careers adviser about your options as soon as possible. It’s their job to support you and help you plan what to do next. Your school or careers adviser can help you decide if there's a different subject or course that you might enjoy more. 
Remember there's lots of courses out there and sometimes it takes a little while to find a subject and way of learning that suits you - don't be too hard on yourself if your exam results weren't what you were hoping for. If you're not sure what you're going to do next call The Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000 they can give you independent advice on the courses, apprenticeships, and jobs to help you decide on an option that's right for you.

If you think that other problems in your life have affected how well you did in your exams you should be able to re-sit any exams you want to, your teacher can help you with this.

It might be hard telling your parents about exam results you are disappointed with but hopefully talking to them will help, and they will try to support you and help you make the decisions you need to. However, it can take a while for parents to come to terms with disappointing results because it feels as if it is something that’s happened to them as well as you. It can help to allow for this but don’t be put off having a conversation about what’s happened because you think your mum or dad will be angry or upset.

Try to have the conversation so they know what you are dealing with. However that conversation goes, remember you can talk to ChildLine about any worry you have about exams or your future.  Call us on 0800 1111 or talk to us online.