Navigating the Next Steps: Support for Young People After Receiving Exam Results
Receiving exam results can be a moment of joy and relief, but it can also bring uncertainty and anxiety about the future. Whether you’re celebrating success or feeling a bit disappointed, it’s important to know that there is a wealth of support available to help you navigate the next steps. Here’s a guide to the resources and support systems available for young people in the UK who have just received their exam results.

Celebrating Achievements
First and foremost, take a moment to celebrate your hard work and achievements. Regardless of the outcome, completing exams is a significant milestone, and you deserve to acknowledge your efforts.
Understanding Your Results
GCSE: Receiving Exam Results
For those who have just received their GCSE results, the next steps can vary depending on your grades and future aspirations. Here are some options:
- Continuing Education: If you’ve achieved the grades needed for your chosen Sixth Form or college, congratulations! You’ll be moving on to study A-Levels, BTECs, or other qualifications.
- Alternative Paths: If your results were not as expected, don’t worry. There are alternative pathways such as vocational training, apprenticeships, or re-sitting exams.
A-Level: Receiving Exam Results
A-Level results often determine university placements, but there are multiple pathways forward:
- University Acceptance: If you have met the requirements for your university offer, well done! Make sure to confirm your place and prepare for the transition to university life.
- Clearing: If you didn’t get the grades you needed, the UCAS Clearing system allows you to find available university places. Act quickly and seek advice from your school or college on how to navigate Clearing.
- Gap Year: Some students opt for a gap year to gain work experience, travel, or volunteer. This can be a valuable time for personal growth and can strengthen future applications.
- Other Qualifications and Training: Consider higher apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, or other training programs that align with your career goals.
Support Resources
School and College Advisors
Your first port of call should be your school or college advisors. They can provide personalised advice based on your results and aspirations, helping you to explore your options and plan your next steps.
Career Services
Career services offer guidance on a range of post-exam pathways, from further education to entering the workforce. They can help with:
- Career Planning: Exploring different career options and what qualifications you might need.
- Applications: Assistance with university, apprenticeship, or job applications.
- Interview Preparation: Tips and practice for job or university interviews.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
The period after receiving exam results can be stressful. It’s crucial to take care of your mental health:
- Counseling Services: Many schools and colleges provide counseling services for students needing emotional support.
- Helplines and Online Support: Organisations such as Childline, The Mix, and Young Minds offer helplines and online resources for young people needing someone to talk to.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided mindfulness and relaxation exercises to help manage stress.
Financial Support
If you’re moving on to higher education or vocational training, financial support is available:
- Student Loans: Apply for student finance to cover tuition fees and living costs.
- Scholarships and Bursaries: Many institutions offer scholarships and bursaries based on various criteria such as academic performance or financial need.
- Grants: Research grants that may be available for your chosen field of study or training.
Practical Tips for Moving Forward
- Stay Positive: Remember that there are multiple pathways to success. If things didn’t go as planned, it’s not the end – just a different route.
- Seek Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Talk to teachers, career advisors, and family members about your options.
- Plan and Prepare: Whether you’re heading to university, starting an apprenticeship, or taking a gap year, make a clear plan and prepare accordingly.
- Take Care of Yourself: Ensure you take time to relax and do things you enjoy to recharge after the stress of exams and results.
Conclusion
Receiving your exam results is a significant milestone, but it’s just one step in your educational journey. Whatever your results, remember that there are plenty of resources and support systems available to help you achieve your goals. Stay positive, explore your options, and seek the guidance you need to navigate your future successfully.
Get in Touch
Thank you for reading our blog post about supporting young people receiving their exam results. If you live in the North West and are thinking about becoming a Foster Carer, please get in touch. Lorimer Fostering can provide lots of information about fostering and becoming a Foster Carer. You can call, text or WhatsApp Rachael on 07938 575 738; or send an email to foster@lorimerfostering.com. If you would prefer us to call you, please submit your details using the form below; and we’ll get back to you soon!
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