How to Prepare for Results Day and What to Do Once It Arrives

Navigating the period between exams and results day can be far easier for learners and parents with some preparation. Whether the day goes the way you hope it does or not, having a plan in place can smooth the experience and ensure you have the time to make the most of your results, whatever they may be. 

Actions like having your information on hand and a backup plan in place are helpful. Let’s examine some productive ways to prepare for results day with everything you need to know, from what to do before results day to what happens after results day and everything in between. 

What is results day?

Results day is the set date for schools and colleges to share learners’ grades from A levels and General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams. The date changes yearly, with A levels and GCSEs typically held on different days. It’s a significant day because you learn about your options to continue your education, including whether your options for A levels and if you received an offer from the university of your choice based on your grades and several other factors. 

How should you prepare for results day?

Preparing for results day ahead of time is essential so you are ready for whatever comes your way. Start by reminding yourself about all your achievements and the hard work you've put into your revisions. The time between exams and results day is an ideal time to get your preparations in order, including taking the following steps. 

Gather paperwork

This step is essential if you’re waiting on A-level results day. Create a file to hold all of your UCAS paperwork so all the information you may need is at your fingertips if you need to contact a university and provide any information. Also, ensure you update your information and have all your details to sign in to your UCAS applications.

Have a plan B if results day doesn’t go as planned

Life can often hold surprises, and no matter how well you think you did on your exams, results day may go differently than expected. It’s essential to know what you will do if your results come back and you don’t perform as well as you hoped. You may be able to appeal the mark or resit the exam. 

If your A levels didn’t go well and you don’t receive acceptance from your firm or insurance choices, you have options, too. For example, you may be able to talk to universities to request they reconsider, go through Clearing to secure a vacant spot elsewhere, plan to retake your exams, or consider a gap year during which you could work abroad.

Confirm results day information

Your school or college should have informed you when it will open on results day. If you don’t have this information or just want to double-check, your school's website is a good place to look for it. 

Make a plan to open your results

Making a plan for viewing your results ensures you have the support or privacy you want or need when looking at them. Consider whether you want to process the results alone—good or bad. Or perhaps you’d prefer friends and family to surround you while reviewing your results. 

Regardless of your decision, make a plan to open your results in the setting you prefer. 

Relax

Easier said than done, right? Try your best to stick to your routine. While you may be anxious, it won’t help you to be hungry, dehydrated, or sleepy. To help yourself out, you could even plan a special breakfast to ensure hunger pangs don’t worsen your nerves. 

Additionally, some people find it helpful to talk about their feelings. That gives them a chance to support you in the best way possible. 

What happens on results day?

Many schools and universities may want to speak to students immediately after revealing the results. That makes staying close to home and being accessible highly important. 

How to collect results

How you collect your results will depend on your school and whether you are collecting GCSE or A-level results. 

GCSE students

To collect your GCSE results, you will need to pick them up in person at your school. This is why double-checking with your school when and how to do this is essential. Confirm when the school will open on its website or social media platforms. 

A level students

You can normally access your results on the UCAS website, typically around 8:00 a.m. However, you should confirm the time when you will confirm the exact date of the results day for the year. To get a detailed breakdown of your results, you may still pick up your results in person from your school or college. 

What do your results mean?

Once you get your results, you want to be able to decipher them. Here’s what your results translate into. 

GCSE

The GCSE exam grading system changed in 2022. The old system was A* to U, and the new system is 9 to U [1]. Below is a chart that helps explain the new system. 

A level students

In your track results, you will see one of three changes:

• Conditional changed to unconditional offer: This means that you’ve been accepted into your chosen course. Congratulations!

• Conditional changed to unsuccessful: Your place has been withdrawn because you didn’t meet the offer conditions. In this instance, having a plan B will come in handy. 

• Conditional offer unchanged: If your track is unchanged, there’s no need to worry. This doesn’t mean you were unsuccessful. The university likely needs to confirm the results or finalise the decision. 

• Unconditional change course: You didn’t meet the offer conditions, but the university still wishes to admit you unconditionally with changes to your course, start date, or point of entry that you must accept or decline. 

What happens after results day?

You did it. Not only did you survive results day, but you thrived. You got the right grades, but what should you do with them now? 

GCSE

Do you want to get a degree one day? Begin by considering what degree and explore the entry requirements on the UCAS website. In the meantime, consider the following options for your next steps. 

Work towards vocational qualifications

Vocational qualifications can include college, university technical college, studio schools, etc. Similar to A levels, vocational training will give you critical employment experience. The difference is your experience will come primarily from hands-on learning rather than learning in the classroom. 

Volunteer

Volunteering is a win-win. You gain great real-world experience, which you can include on your CV, while the organisation gets the support it needs without a big price tag. You’ll often connect with many interesting people to build your network. 

A levels

A levels are a good next step regardless of your future career plans, but they are particularly beneficial if you intend to pursue higher education. 

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships focus on hands-on experience, similar to vocational training. Unlike vocational training, though, receive compensation for your work while doing an apprenticeship. 

A levels

Upon successful completion of your A levels, you have many options available. If you’re unsure which route you want to take, you’ll want to research and explore each option. 

Get a job

If you’re at least 18 years old, you can secure a full-time job without any additional required education. Look at several job boards to get an idea of what’s available and what you might be interested in. Here are a few to get you started:

• Indeed

• Glassdoor

• Jobted

Start your own business

The only additional qualifications needed to start your own business are an idea and determination. Starting your own business is a fantastic way to jump into the “real world” and learn as you go. You can also do this while working towards further education or additional training. 

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships come in three levels, so many opportunities are available after A levels [2]. In fact, after A levels, you can pursue a higher-level apprenticeship than before. Some apprenticeships can even provide you with full degree-level qualifications. 

Degree apprenticeship

Cohorts of businesses, universities, and colleges design degree apprenticeships. Like sponsored apprenticeships, the UK government and sponsoring businesses cover the course fees, making this a no-cost option. As a bonus, you’ll receive a bachelor's or master's degree upon completion. 

School leaver programme

School leaver programmes are an opportunity to train and get paid simultaneously. You will work towards a vocational qualification while also working for an employer. 

Further education

Further education might be the right track for you if you are interested in a specific industry. Here you will study vocational and competency-based, industry-recognised qualifications. Below are some examples:

• BTEC

• OCR

• HNC

• HND

• PGCE

University or degree programme

If you decide to work towards a degree, you can study for a BA or BSc. Additionally, you could continue your studies beyond your degree to secure a master's. You’ll have choices from many degrees and universities, so research before selecting the one that is right for you. 

So you didn’t get the grades

Sometimes, life has different plans for us. Having a backup plan in place can help you find a new path.  

Resit

If you want to move to the next level, you may need to resit for your exams. Each school or college will have different requirements on when and how this needs to happen, so be sure to check with them first on specifics. 

Clearing

Clearing is a great option if your A-level results day didn’t turn out like you thought it would and you want to attend a university. Here, you can explore various study options from schools looking to fill their courses. Clearing offers learners a second chance to secure a place, often from some top universities.

Appeal

You can choose to appeal your results for any reason. Taking action as soon as possible is essential if you pick this path. Regardless of the outcome of your appeal, you may still resit if you wish. Requesting a review of your marks requires explaining why you believe your results are incorrect. If Ofqual accepts your request, an exam board officer will conduct the review and may bring in a panel to review it, too, before moving it to the final stage. Throughout an appeal, your grade may change or remain the same.

Next steps 

Unsure of your next steps? Explore various subjects with online courses taught by worldwide institutions on Coursera. For example, you can sharpen your skills and learn data analysis with the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate or build job-ready capabilities with Meta’s Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate—two of many options on the Coursera platform.