Exam results days for 2021 are almost upon us. For some this will be a moment of celebration, whilst for those whose results are less than expected the day could feel like a crushing disappointment. However, for the students who didn’t get the grades they were predicted or wanted, there’s still a wealth of options open to them.
Appeal the grade
Coronavirus has caused unprecedented circumstances for students, their exams and their exam results. There’s a huge focus on ensuring students are not disadvantaged and for this summer’s exams, students will receive a Teacher Assessed Grade rather than Centre Assessed grades as last year. This means that grades will reflect their teacher's judgement rather than be based on an algorithm. However, if a student is still unhappy with the grade they should have the option to submit an appeal to their school or college.
Talk to the sixth form, college or university
If pupils have narrowly missed the required entry grades for sixth form or college they might still be offered a place, particularly if factors such as the pandemic could have affected their performance. Institutes could also allow students to transfer to a different course or subject, or recommend other colleges and sixth forms which might suit.
For those students who didn’t get the marks required for their first or reserve choice university, it doesn’t mean university is off the cards altogether. Students can register for UCAS Clearing, which will allow them to see which university courses still have places.
Resitting exams will be an option
Students can enrol to retake GCSEs at their local school or college and most will allow students to study their GCSEs alongside A-levels. Their exam resits will take place either after the beginning of the academic year or in the summer of 2022.
A-Level students also have the option to retake exams and some universities will even be prepared to keep their offer open for the following year. Resitting A-levels doesn’t necessarily mean going back to the same school or college either - students can choose where they want to resit, with many courses giving the option of online study.
Study for a professional qualification
There’s been a rise in the number of vocational courses being taken in recent years. The benefit of vocational education is that it teaches practical on-the-job skills as opposed to just theory, thereby preparing students for the world of work. There are thousands of vocational qualifications that lead into careers such as nursing, accountancy, gardening and plumbing, and employers in these fields often prefer to recruit individuals with practical experience as they can ‘hit the ground running’ in the job.
Consider an apprenticeship
Time to ignore the stereotype - apprenticeships are no longer just for manual jobs! There are apprenticeships for accountancy, HR, IT, digital marketing, management and much more. Students taking up an apprenticeship could get a head start in the workplace, allowing them to get a job and earn money while studying professional qualifications that give them practical skills.
Whatever happens students should take their time when considering all their options and to remember they are not alone. There will be thousands of other students who are in exactly the same position and feeling the same way.
Let’s reassure all students that missing out on exam grades isn’t the end of their career aspirations, instead it’s the start of a new plan. Students have their whole life to build a career they love.