Didn't get the A-level grades you wanted? Your options explained

If you didn’t get the A-level grades you were expecting this results day, it’s completely understandable to feel disappointed, worried or unsure about what happens next.

But take a breath. Not getting the grades you wanted doesn’t mean your plans for the future are over. You have options, and there may be more routes open to you than you realise.

Here are some of the paths you could consider.

Clearing

If you didn’t get the grades you needed for your first-choice university, Clearing could be an option.

Universities use Clearing to fill places on courses that still have vacancies, giving you the opportunity to find another course or university that could work for you.

• clearing opens on results day and usually runs through September.
• check available courses through UCAS and contact universities directly to find out whether they have places available
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Universities expect students to contact them through Clearing and can talk you through what’s available.

Foundation courses

A foundation course could give you another route into higher education if your current qualifications don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree.

These are usually one-year preparatory courses designed to help you develop the knowledge and skills you need for a degree. Successfully completing a foundation year can then allow you to progress onto the associated degree course.

Access courses

If you’re a mature student aged 19 or over, an Access to Higher Education course could be another route into university.

These courses are designed for people who may not have the qualifications they need to go straight into higher education and are looking to return to education or change direction.

Retake your A-levels

Retaking your A-levels isn’t giving up. It’s giving yourself another chance, this time with more experience under your belt.

Depending on your circumstances, you could consider:

• Full retake: Repeat Year 13 at a school or college.
• Exam-only retake: Retake your exams while keeping any coursework or assessment marks that can be carried forward.
• Private study: Study independently or through an online course and sit your exams at an approved exam centre.

If you’re thinking about retaking, speak to your school or college about the options available to you and the costs involved.

Apprenticeships and vocational training

University isn’t the only route to a career. Apprenticeships and vocational training can give you practical experience while you work towards recognised qualifications.

Some apprenticeships can even take you all the way to degree or master’s level, while you earn a salary and avoid traditional student tuition fee debt.

You could look at:

• Higher apprenticeships (levels 4–5): These can be equivalent to qualifications such as a foundation degree or higher national qualification.
• Degree apprenticeships (levels 6–7): These can lead to a full bachelor’s or master’s degree while you gain valuable workplace experience.

If you already have an idea of the career you’d like, an apprenticeship could be a great way to get started.

Take a gap year

You don’t have to make a big decision straight away.

A gap year can give you time to work out what you want to do next. You could use the time to work, volunteer, travel, gain work experience, improve your grades or simply think about what matters to you.

Taking some time before making your next decision isn’t falling behind. Sometimes, giving yourself space to figure things out is exactly what you need.

Where can you get help?

If you’re feeling worried or don’t know which option is right for you, you don’t have to work it all out on your own.

Your school, college or local council

Your school, college or local council can be a great place to start. They can help you explore your options and work out a plan for what comes next.

You may be able to get support with:

• exploring career ideas and future options
• finding courses, training or apprenticeships
• learning new skills
• searching for jobs
• writing your CV and applications
• preparing for interviews
• emotional health and wellbeing
• speech and language support
• advice about benefits and financial help

Even if you’re not sure what direction you want to take, reaching out for support could help you discover opportunities you didn’t know were available.

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service offers free careers advice for people of all ages.

Whether you’re looking for your first job, considering training or simply trying to work out what you want to do next, you can speak to an adviser who can help you make informed choices.

They can help you:

• explore different career paths
• choose courses or training
• find opportunities near you
• build confidence in your next steps

You can visit the National Careers Service website or speak to an adviser by phone for free on 0800 100 900.

Youth organisations and charities

Organisations such as The King’s Trust and other youth charities offer programmes designed to help you build confidence, develop new skills and move towards education or employment.

Depending on the programme, you could get support with:

• team-building activities
• personal development
• work experience
• CVs and interview skills
• one-to-one mentoring

These programmes can give you practical support while helping you feel more confident about your future.

Remember, one set of results doesn’t define you

It’s okay to be disappointed if your results weren’t what you hoped for. But your A-level grades are not a measure of your potential, and they don’t decide your entire future.

You might take a different route, change your plans or discover an opportunity you hadn’t considered before.

So, give yourself a little time, ask for help when you need it and explore your options. There’s more than one way to get where you want to go.