Member of Parliament for the Cities of London and Westminster, Nickie Aiken, wishes everyone the very best on results day.
No matter what happens, a pathway is available and the Department for Education and National Careers Service have some fantastic advice here.
Celebrating the day, Nickie said,
"It's A-level results today. Congratulations if you reached your grades. If you haven't, please do not despair. There is plenty of help available for you. There's always a pathway available. Please speak to your schools.
"I want to congratulate all of you for your incredible hard work over the last two years and the two years before that. You've had a tough time during the pandemic.
"And also, I want to pay tribute to the brilliant teachers and support staff in our schools who I know have worked so hard to help you all. And the parents and carers who I know, myself personally, have worked so hard to support our young people.
"Congratulations to you all."
Nickie also has the following top-tips on what should students do if they are disappointed with their grades
- Results days can be a difficult time for students, who may not have achieved the grades they were hoping for. In all cases, students should speak to their school or college for support and advice.
- If students are looking to progress to Higher Education, they could speak to their preferred university, who may be able to offer some flexibility and still provide a place. Alternatively, they can consider other university places available through UCAS Clearing.
- Our “Get The Jump” campaign is promoting the National Careers Service to help students understand their options for the next step in their education or career, particularly if they did not get the results that they were hoping for. Students can also seek advice from the Exam Results Helpline run by the National Careers Service (0800 100 900).
- There is support available for students struggling with their mental health, including through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) and NHS 111. Young Minds have a range of resources available to support young people’s mental health around the results period including dedicated guidance to both students and parents on managing a ‘disappointing’ results day and where to get help, if needed.
- If a student thinks a mistake was made in the way their exam was marked, their school or college can request a copy of the paper and apply for a review of marking/moderation. Students’ marks can go up, down, or stay the same. A priority service is available if students’ HE places depend on the outcome. There may be a fee for this service- but if the review results in a change of grade, the charge will be waived.
