Students who don’t get the A level grades they want this week are being told: “Don’t panic”.
The advice comes from officials of Huddersfield-based C&K Careers, who are also reminding teenagers of the many successful people who didn’t get the hoped-for results first time round.
The social enterprise stress many options are available to A-level students and adviser Judith Triner said: “Although it’s very disappointing when exam results are lower than expected, students should seek advice and explore the different avenues still open to them.
“Young people should use the experience to reassess their goals and decide on the best way forward.”
Students should firstly check UCAS Track, as a university may decide to confirm a place despite a student missing the grade. If UCAS Track has not been updated, the student should phone the university and ask for a decision.
Students not offered a place may find an alternative course through UCAS Clearing. Vacancies can be checked on the UCAS website and in The Telegraph, then applicants should phone the university or college to ask for an offer.
Ms Triner added, “Do not rush into accepting a course unless you are certain it is the correct course for you. Seek advice from impartial advisers and teachers before deciding - university courses are expensive and hasty decisions can prove costly mistakes.”
Some students may also benefit from delaying university for a year and re-apply in the autumn for courses starting in 2016, as they often have a greater choice than the limited number of courses available through Clearing.
Follow the Examiner's A level results day liveblog from 9am tomorrow for results from across Kirklees, pictures and a look at the national picture!
Students may want to consider other options, such as foundation degrees, part-time and distance learning degrees or work-related training, such as apprenticeships.
Careers advisers are available on results day in most school sixth forms and colleges and the Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Halifax Careers Centres are open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
K&C Carrers is also running a number of careers events:
10am-4pm, Monday August 17 and Tuesday August 25 - Kirklees Apprenticeship Hub Targeted Vacancy Match Drop in at Huddersfield and Dewsbury Careers Centres
9am-5pm Friday August 21 - All-Age Careers Event at The Woolshops Shopping Centre, Halifax
1pm-3pm Wednesday August 26 - Take Me On at Halifax Careers Centre
1pm-3pm Tuesday September 8 - Not Sorted? Get Sorted – Huddersfield Careers Centre and same time the following day at Dewsbury Careers Centre
The centres are at 24 High Street, Huddersfield, Dewsbury Library, Railway Street, and 16 Alexandra Street, Halifax. For more information about the events, visit www.ckcareersonline.org.uk , call C&K Careers Infoline on 01484 225500, or email Infoline@ckcareers.org.uk.
