GCSE Results – What Happens and What Next?
Some of you may be getting your GCSE results this week. Don’t stress; Meic advises what to expect and what to do next.
This article is also available in Welsh – I ddarllen y cynnwys yma yn Gymraeg clicia yma.
Your school will probably have already told you what time you can go in to pick up your results. This is usually after 10am.
If you want support, go with a friend or family member who can wait outside while you go in and pick up your results. You’ll be given an envelope that you can choose to open whenever you want. Open it with all your friends if you want to, or take it to the car or home to open it in private – it’s up to you what you want to do.
Don’t forget to take your phone with you to call home (they probably can’t wait to hear how you’ve done) and take a photo if you want.
Did you get what you needed?
The grading system in Wales awards grades from A* to a G. You’ll know what grades you’ll need to go on and do what you’ve chosen to do. That could be studying A-Levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, work or something else.
After getting your results, you may want or need to change your plans. Careers Wales has information about all the options mentioned above on their Options at 16 pages.
Perhaps things didn’t go as great as you thought. Even if you didn’t get the grades you needed, you should still contact your chosen school or college to see if they will still take you or if they can offer you a different option. If they won’t, contact other schools and colleges as they may have lower entry levels and will be happy to take you.
Maybe you did a lot better than you thought you would and have decided that you want to go on to sixth form after all. Talk to the school or college to see what your options are. It’s not too late.
Appeals and resits
If you believe the grades you’ve been given are wrong, then talk to your school or college. They will speak with you about your results and can request a ‘Post-Results service’ on your behalf. If this doesn’t work, and they still believe that your results are not fair, then they can make an appeal. Find out more about this process on the wjec website.
If you have your mind set on a specific career, you may need to resit some exams to do what you want to do. Maths, English, and Welsh retakes will take place at the end of October/start of November. Retakes will also happen in January. Talk to your school/college.
Alice’s Story
Check out Alice’s story. She came to us on work experience when she was 16 and had just sat her GCSEs. During her time with us, she created a video looking at exam stress (below). We caught up with her to find out how her life panned out after getting her GCSE results and how it led to her working and living in Belgium.
Talk to someone
There will be someone at the school that you can discuss your options with them on the day. If you’re unsure about anything or want advice, then ask to speak to someone.
If you need professional advice, then your Careers Advisor should be able to help. Ask to speak to the Careers adviser at your school or college or contact Careers Wales.
If you want a friendly ear to listen and offer advice, information and support, then Meic can help. Our friendly, trained advisors are available on the helpline between 8am and midnight every single day. Call, text or chat online – contact details below.
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