GCSE results: What you can do if you don’t get the grades you want

THOUSANDS of GCSE students are nervously opening their results this morning - finding out what the future holds for them.

Results have dropped for the second year running, with 68.2 percent of all grades marked at 4/C and above.

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This is a return to 2019 levels.

It follows a spike in higher GCSE grades awarded during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, marked by teachers' assessments.

But in Wales and Northern Ireland, results are set to be higher than they were in 2019 but lower than 2022.

Over 144,000 students in Scotland have already got their grades for National 4s and 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers earlier this month.

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As well as GCSE: Level 2 BTec, Cambridge National and other vocational results are also out.

But if your results were not what you hoped, what are the next steps?

What do I do if I don't get the result I want?

While it may seem disappointing, you can still get into further education, but you will need to act quickly.

recommends ringing around alternative sixth forms and colleges as soon as possible.

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While doing this, it is vital you have your grades to hand and ask about availability for subjects you want to study as classes could be full.

By calling around, you are widening your chances of getting an offer and a place to study next year.

How do you resit your GCSE exams?

If you want to resit, you must apply by October 4, 2023 through your school or institution.

Resit exams for Maths and English will be held between November 7-13, 2023.

These results will be released to schools on Wednesday January 10, 2024 and a day after to pupils.

Other subjects may have to wait until the Summer exam season of 2024, according to TES magazine.

Most colleges and schools will allow you to resit your GCSEs while you are doing your A-levels.

What do I do if I don't get into sixth form or college?

If you don't make your grades, don't panic. There are a number of options open to you.

You may even want to consider trying something different to an A-level or BTEC - with hands on vocational qualifications and apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships can last up to two years and you can earn while you learn.

What's more, they offer safe and sturdy career options.

Further education colleges also offer courses ranging from IB diplomas to bachelor's degrees.

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Meanwhile T-Levels - which focus on vocational skills and give students 315 hours of industry experience - give you a two year course qualification that is worth three A-levels.

If all else fails, you can always get a part-time job or simply resit your GCSEs.