National helpline stays open for students getting GCSE results

The national Exam Results Helpline

The national Exam Results Helpline remains open for students (and their parents) receiving GCSE results this Thursday 22 August, primarily for students who do not receive the results they expect and who need expert impartial and free advice about their learning and career options.

Open for 10 days across the exam results period (between Thursday 15 and Saturday 24 August) for students receiving A level, GCSE and equivalent exam results, advisers from the helpline have already supported almost 4,000 students to make productive next steps after unexpected A level results.

Advice topics covered include continuing into further or higher education, or pursuing different routes such as vocational qualifications, taking a gap year or finding employment.

Nick Hynes, Exam Results Helpline adviser and careers adviser with over 25 years’ experience, said: “Last year, I spoke in-depth with a 16 year old student. Her year 11 had not gone to plan. She failed her GCSEs and both she and her family were distressed. Luckily, she thought to call the Exam Results Helpline.

"By reflecting on her underlying strengths and her longer term career goals, we managed to find a bridging course at a local college. I supported her to contact the college, highlighting why she would be a good candidate for the course. She got in and started two weeks later.

“Disappointing exam results are a setback but not a disaster. It’s imperative that students have access to expert and impartial advice after unexpected results if they need it, to identify alternative ways of achieving their career goals. The Exam Results Helpline is open daily until Saturday 24 August so make that call.”

The Exam Results Helpline can be reached on 0808 100 8000. Calls are free from landlines. Mobile network charges vary.