A Level results failed? Your options from UCAS clearing to Open University courses and apprenticeships

For many of the UK's students who are due to find out their A-Level results, today is judgement day.

That one piece of paper will be significant in determining whether or not you get into your chosen university.

But just in case those grades aren't what you hoped for, it's important to remember that you have options - and university isn't the only one.

Here's what to do if you don't make the grades:

First steps

Before you plunge into a catastrophic meltdown, take a breath and remind yourself that your life isn't over.

Don't make any rushed decisions on your own and seek out the advice of parents, friends and your teachers.

Apply for another university through clearing

If you didn't get into your preferred or your insurance university, then you may want to consider clearing.

Clearing is a process run by UCAS through which universities and colleges fill places they have left over.

To be eligible for UCAS's clearing service, you must:

• be applying after June 30

• not hold any offers from universities or colleges you've applied for

• not have a confirmed place after exam results have been published.

You can use the UCAS search tool to check what courses are on offer. If you find something you like, you'll need to contact the university directly to see if you meet their requirements.

Try and ring round a few universities to get some informal offers, so you have more options to choose from.

Once you've decided on a university and they've given you permission to do so, you can add this selection to the 'Add a Clearing Choice' option on the 'Next Steps' section of your UCAS account.

Keep in mind you will only be able to select one clearing option at a time, and adding a clearing option counts as you definitely accepting the offer.

If the university doesn't confirm your place, you'll be able to add another.

There's an additional £11 charge to apply for another place through clearing.

Resit your exams

Resitting one or more of your exams may be an option for you if:

• you didn't get the grades to achieve your conditional offer

• there was nothing in clearing suitable for you

• you are committed to going to university as opposed to an apprenticeship or entering full-time work

First, check with your school or college that they will allow you to resit your A-Levels the following summer.

You can choose whether to retake the whole course at your school or college or study independently and apply as an external candidate, although this option can be costly.

Almost all universities will accept A-Level resits and in some cases, it can show commitment to your chosen area of study. Keep in mind however that offers for resit students tend to be higher.

Apply for an apprenticeship

As the rising popularity in apprenticeships goes to show, university isn't for everyone.

Apprenticeships can be an ideal option if you have a clear idea of your career path as they provide practical, on-the-job training, allowing you to earn as you learn.

Unlike university, there are no mounting student debts as your training costs are covered by the government and your employer.

There are no set requirements as to who is eligible to apply for an apprenticeship and whether you are successful will largely depend on your employer.

However, where an intermediate (level 2) or advanced (level 3) apprenticeship is government funded, you will be ineligible if you already hold a qualification at level 4 or higher (these include postgraduate degrees and masters degrees).

For more information on apprenticeships, visit UCAS's apprenticeships page

Open University

If you want to balance work with studying, then part-time learning at the Open University may be for you.

Specifically set up to meet the needs of part-time students, the Open University offers flexible, long-distance learning in a variety of different subject areas.

Generally, only basic English language skills are required to be eligible to apply, although some courses may have more requirements than others.

To find out more, visit the Open University on their website.

Venture on a gap year

Gap years are not just the reserve of born-again hippies wanting to "find themselves."

From volunteer roles to working abroad, there are hundreds of options out there ideal for those who want to get out of their comfort zone before settling into adult life.

Travel agency BUNAC offers a range of volunteering, working abroad and internship opportunities in locations across the US, Australasia, Africa, Asia and South America.

Taking a gap year doesn't always mean splashing the cash travelling the world, though.

You can take a gap year to figure out what exactly it is you want to do alongside a part-time job. This can help you save up some cash in case you choose to re-apply for university the following year.

Enter the working world early

If none of these options works for you, then you may want to consider going straight into full-time work.

Contrary to popular belief, not every job requires you to have a degree - but it does require you to have the relevant skills and experience, so make sure you've properly surveyed your options before you go handing out CVs left, right and centre.

Speak to a careers adviser if your school or college has one or visit the National Careers Service to help kickstart your next steps