Results Day: fingers crossed for you

Izzy S. encourages students not to stress about their grades, we’re all rooting for what comes next

After months of anticipation, GCSE students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are discovering their results today, while A-level students are starting to think about their future. For some, today will feel like a huge relief. For others, it might leave them wondering what to do next. And that’s so fine, it’s completely normal, not everyone figures everything out straight away. Whatever the results say, they don’t define you.

For years students have sacrificed late nights out for revision sessions so they can pass their exams with flying colours. But what happens if you don’t achieve the grades you’ve been expecting? Whether you’re getting your GCSE results today or have already received your A-level results, it can feel like an enormous amount of pressure has been placed on a handful of letters and numbers.

If your results aren’t what you hoped for, remember that there are still plenty of options. For GCSE students, there are different sixth form or college courses, vocational qualifications and apprenticeships to explore. Depending on the subject and what you want to do next, you may also be able to resit a GCSE if that feels the right thing to do for you.

If you’re an A-level student and things haven’t gone to plan, Clearing is still a great option. UCAS has information on available university places.

Whatever the results say, they don’t define you

Personally, although I know there are ways to deal with not getting the grades I need, the main issue is how it leaves many young people like myself feeling. A lot of us have spent so long working towards these exams, and might only be left with the disappointment that we ‘weren’t good enough’. And when you’ve worked towards something for years, it’s understandable that not getting the result you hoped for can feel like a huge blow.

A way to deal with that crushing feeling is to try to look at the bigger picture. Yes, you may not receive the grades you were hoping for, or you might not be sure what path is right for you, but you still have many years to change direction and decide what you truly want to do. Your results may affect what you do next, but they don’t decide where you will end up.

There’s a lot of pressure on us young people to succeed the first time, which isn’t always possible due to the individual, and all the environmental factors surrounding us. There are plenty of other options, and it’s ok if you need a bit more time to work out what feels right for you.

If you’re not sure the path you’ve chosen is right for you, whether that’s A levels, college, uni, an apprenticeship or something else, there are lots of options available. You don’t have to follow the same route as everyone else. You can take your time to explore what interests you, try something new, or look into opportunities you might not have considered before.

Celebrate how far you’ve come, have fun and enjoy this next chapter

Today, whatever results you receive, keep in mind that you are still young. You still have time to achieve those dreams and, in reality, a grade does not define what a wonderful individual you are.

Go and celebrate (responsibly), even if you’re not celebrating your results. You deserve to have fun, celebrate how far you’ve come, this part of your life has come to a close.

“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle

Good luck to everyone!

Check out these organisations for support and advice:

• Kooth: free, anonymous online support and advice for young people
• Childline: support if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed about your results
• National Careers Service: advice on results, careers and your options
• UCAS: information on university applications and Clearing