Yahoo News What to do if you don’t get the A-level grades you need for university after results day
The Department for Education has outlined a string of options for students who do not get the grades they need on A-level results day.
On Thursday, August 15, youngsters across the country will receive their A-Level, T-Level and Vocational Technical Qualifications (VTQ) results. While many will get the grades they want and prepare for university, others may not receive the results they were hoping for.
However, the DofE has offered advice on the matter and urges students not to worry. It says: "It can feel like there’s a lot riding on A-Level, T-Level and Vocational Technical Qualifications results day but if you don’t get your predicted grades, don’t worry - it doesn’t mean that your education journey stops here. It's also important to remember that the number of top grades has no bearing on the number of university places available.
Read More: Full list of Newcastle Eldon Square results day food and drink offers for A-Level students
"Even if you don’t get exactly the grades you’d expected, you may be able to follow the route you were preparing to take. But if you do need to change your plans, there are plenty of alternative, exciting options for everyone."
The Department for Education has explained what steps you can take if things don’t go to plan. The options, including the clearing process, are given below.
Your university may still offer you a place
The DofE says: "Even if you don’t get the grades you need, your university or college may still offer you a place. Whatever your grades, there’s still time to rethink your plans if you’re having second thoughts. And if you didn’t make your university offer, there are plenty of alternative options out there.
"The first thing you should do is talk to your school or college, and to your preferred university or college, as they may be able to offer some flexibility. University admissions teams will be on hand on results day to help students and have plenty of experience with helping applicants to find a course that will allow them to thrive."
Clearing
Clearing is when UCAS provides students with the chance to apply for university places which haven’t yet been filled. It’s available to anyone who has made a UCAS Undergraduate application and doesn’t hold any offers.
Clearing provides an opportunity for those who have missed their conditions or had a last-minute change of heart about the university or course they want to study.
Resit
If you’re unhappy with your results you can apply to resit your subjects in summer 2025. You should speak to your school or college about retaking exams.
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
If you’re interested in continuing your education but university isn’t for you, then you might want to consider a HTQ. These are technical qualifications that employers have helped develop so you can get the tailored training and skills you need to secure a job in your chosen industry.
You can study a HTQ full time or part time. You’re usually taught in a classroom at a college, university or an independent training provider. You can take a HTQ in a variety of different subjects across a range of sectors, including healthcare, digital, construction, engineering and education. You can find a HTQ through UCAS.
Apprenticeships
There are now more than 700 apprenticeships in a range of roles. This includes high level apprenticeships, like degree apprenticeships in nursing, engineering, law, and science.
Apprentices earn while learning, gaining valuable on-the-job experience while receiving training at university or college. You can search for apprenticeships here.
School leavers scheme
Some companies offer school leaver schemes to young people who have completed A-levels. The schemes allow young people to learn and train with a large company while earning a wage.
School leaver schemes are usually like graduate schemes, except they’re aimed at pupils who’ve recently left school. You can apply to the scheme while you’re still in school. Employers create their own schemes, so students need to search for school leaver schemes or check each company’s website to see if one is available and apply.
