How do I prepare for my GCSES results?

24 August 2023

Facing Challenges
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A big day. The cumulation of your hard work over the last two years, so it’s only natural if you feel a bit anxious about opening your results.

When you get up, take a deep breath and remember that your worth isn’t determined solely by your grades. Keep an open mind about your future options and trust that you’ve done your best. No matter the outcome, you have a world of opportunities ahead of you.

To help you out, here are some steps you can take to prep for GCSE results day:

Stay calm and positive
It’s natural to feel nervous but try to stay positive and remind yourself of the hard work you’ve put in and be proud of whatever you have achieved.

Get the info
Check in on when and where you need to collect your results: double-check the time and location with your school so that you don’t need to worry tomorrow morning.

Have a support system
Reach out to friends, family and teachers who can provide you with the emotional support on the day. It’s okay to share your feelings with them.

“I still remember collecting my results with my best friend and the huge hug we gave each other after we opened the envelope. I can’t really remember what we were hugging for – or even if we did well or not – but I do remember feeling safe and happy even on such a big day.” – Susanna, Marketing Manager

Plan ahead
Have a think about who you want to be with when you open your results tomorrow – family, friends, or alone – and plan a comforting activity for afterward that you will look forward to.

Stay busy
A bit of cliché but, keep yourself busy in the time leading up to results day. Enjoy hanging out with friends, reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching a movie.

“In the lead up to my results day, I saw friends a lot and tried new things. We went on a few trips out, shopping, watching movies. On the day of results, we all went in together and afterwards went to the beach. We made sure we enjoyed the summer and September was a fresh start for all of us.” – Catie, Programme Assistant

Understand your options
Take some time to get to know the different paths available after receiving your results:

A-levels
BTECs
T-Levels
Apprenticeships
Jobs (part time and full time) and internships
A combination of these options

It’s important to be mentally prepared for different outcomes and have different plans for them. We’ve created the below chart to help you see and map out all the different routes open to you.

Know the appeals process
If you’re unhappy with your results and feel they are not representative of the work you have put in, then understand the appeals process and deadlines. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your school’s administration or your teachers. They can provide clarification on procedures.

Celebrate your achievements
You’ve earned this. Regardless of the outcome, please remember to celebrate your hard work – you’ve accomplished a lot to get to this point!

Remember that GCSEs are just one part of your journey. They don’t define your worth or future success. There are multiple paths to reach your goals, and this is just one of them.

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