A Level results day: What if I don't get the grades for University?
Results day can feel like a huge moment, especially when you’ve been working towards getting into university.
It’s completely normal to feel both excited yet also nervous as you open your results and start thinking about what comes next.
But if things don’t go the way you hoped and you don’t get the grades you need for university, you’re not alone and it’s not the end of the road. There are still plenty of options ahead, and the right path for you is still out there waiting.
Here’s a guide to help you figure out what your next move could be.
1. Stay calm and check your UCAS status first
If you open your results and realise you’ve missed the grades for your university offer, try to stay calm and check your UCAS status carefully.
Even if things don’t go as planned, remember that results day is not the end of your options. There are still plenty of pathways available, which brings us onto our second point…
2. Explore UCAS clearing
If you don’t get accepted by your chosen university, UCAS clearing can give you another chance to find a course. Don’t be overwhelmed or stressed by this, it’s actually a very normal part of results day, and thousands of students use it every year to secure a place at university.
So, what exactly is UCAS clearing? In short, Clearing is essentially a second chance for students to get a university place if they did not receive offers from their original choices, want to change courses/university or who achieved higher grades than expected and wish to pursue a course with higher entry requirements.
Check out the UCAS Clearing page for real-time updates and advice.
3. Request a review of marking
If you think your exam results don’t reflect how you performed, you may be able to request a Review of Marking.
A Review of Marking is where your exam paper is checked again to ensure all the marks have been added up correctly and no pages or questions were missed. This also goes a bit further and looks at whether the marking itself was accurate according to the exam board’s mark scheme.
However, be aware that while marks can go up, they can also go down after review.
So, while a review of marking can be a useful option if you genuinely believe something isn’t right, it should be a carefully considered decision rather than an automatic next step.
4. Think about resitting the exams
If you didn’t get the grades you were hoping for, resitting your exams could be a positive next step.
Speak to your school or college to see what support they can offer for re-sits.
5. Explore alternative pathways
University is often seen as the “main” route after sixth form or college, but it’s far from the only option available.
If results day doesn’t go the way you expected, exploring alternative pathways can open up opportunities that may suit your skills and interests even better.
For example:
· Apprenticeships - For some students, apprenticeships are a great alternative, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in a real job while also earning qualifications and getting paid.
· Foundation year - Another route to consider is a foundation year, which are designed to help students build the skills and knowledge needed before progressing onto a full university degree.
· College courses and vocational qualifications – These can also help students move towards specific careers or future study opportunities.
6. Take a gap year
If you’re not sure what the right next step is, that’s totally okay! Taking a gap year could give you the time and space to rethink your next steps without rushing into a decision.
A gap year can actually be a valuable opportunity for personal growth and gaining experience before moving on to university or a career.
A gap year could look like:
- Volunteering
- Learning new skills or gaining new qualifications
- Getting work experience
You don’t have to figure it all out alone
Remember that there are people around you who can help you think things through and guide you towards the right next step.
Speaking to a teacher or careers adviser can be really helpful because they understand the options available after results day.
Your parents or carers can also be a great source of support, and if they don’t have all the answers, they can help you talk through your options and give you reassurance when things feel uncertain.
If you found this blog useful, we have many more exam and revision tips in our student support blog, including topics such as ‘Bored of revising? 5 tips to make revision fun’, 'How to revise without getting distracted: Our 6 top tips' & ‘What to expect on exam day?'.