When is A-Levels results day 2016? This is everything you need to know including what to do if you don’t get the grades you expected

A-LEVELS results day is a daunting time of year for thousands of students across the UK and Ireland- but fear not because this is everything you need to know.

With only a set number of university places available and a record high amount of people applying for them, it's no wonder this is a stressful time for students.

But it's important to remember that even if your exams don't go to plan and you miss out on the grades you need, there are still a number of other options available.

These could range from university clearing, vocational training, apprenticeships, taking up a course with the Open University or entering the world of work - so find out more about your choices.

When is A-Level results day 2016?

A level, GCE, and Advanced Diploma results day is on Thursday August 18.

Where can I get my results and what do I need?

Students can access UCAS Track and see their university application status from 8am on August 18 but the site won't be able to tell you any grades and it's prone to crashing.

To find out your individual grades, you will need to go to your school or college but make sure you check what time they open.

And before you arrive, it's better to take any information you might need with you, like your GCSE results, UCAS personal ID and UCAS clearing number.

What if I can't collect my results in person?

If you know in advance that you're not going to be able to collect your results in person then you should let your school or college know as soon as possible.

Different institutions will have different procedures, but you might be able to receive them online, over the phone or via the post.

If this isn't possible, then you might be able to nominate a family member to collect your results on your behalf.

I've got my results now what should I do?

Now you know your grades, you should login to Track to see how your application is being processed, often UCAS will send your results onto your universities but if they haven't you should contact them.

What happens if I haven't got the grades I needed?

Firstly, don't panic. Next, you should either call or search the UCAS Clearing service and see if there any courses that still have vacancies with your grades.

If your module results are just a few marks off a grade, it might be worth finding out about exam re-marks.

But you will have to do this as quickly as possible and keep both your school or college and university updated.

If Clearing isn't suitable and a remark is off the cards then you could consider a gap year, an apprenticeship or work.

What should I do if I just miss out on my grades?

If you just miss the grades you need, it's worth ringing the university or college of your choice and letting them know about the situation as they might accept you anyway.

Alternatively, they might offer you another course known as a 'changed course offer' - which you will have to accept or decline.

And if you're just a few marks off, it might be a good idea to enquire about getting your paper remarked.

What if my grades are better than expected?

If your results are better than you thought, you might want to find out about courses with higher entry requirements.

You can find out what is available in the UCAS Adjustment service.

What if I change my mind about going to university?

If you decide that univeristy isn't for you after all, you'll need to let the university know as soon as possible - but make sure you're certain.

Or you could ask to defer your offer until the following year, this can be done by ringing up the university or college and finding out if that's possible.