Your ultimate guide to GCSE results day: Preparation and possibilities

Congratulations to all the students receiving their GCSE results tomorrow! No matter what your results are, today is a day to celebrate and be proud of the hard work you have put in over the past two years to get here.  

It’s natural for the day to come with some anticipation and apprehension, so we have put together this handy guide to help you prepare for the day, how to handle your results outcome, and start considering what path you may want to take after. 

Why does the day matter?  

GCSE results day is most likely your first time receiving exam results in such a formal way. Until now, the exams usually taken are for music grades or trials for sports teams which are one at a time and not many all at once. With this in mind, it is not surprising to feel ‘all the emotions’ today; joy, anger, disappointment, relief – they all matter and are part of the experience, showing the significance of your hard work and the journey you’ve been on. 

It’s also a day that offers the chance for reflection on past achievements and planning for your future goals and can often be a deciding factor in where you go onto study for school, college, or perhaps starting a trainee or apprenticeship. However, it’s important to remember that these results only make up one part of who you are and there are plenty of other ways to demonstrate your abilities.  

Getting ready for results day  

Login preparation - Make sure you have all the necessary items ready such as your ID and login details for accessing results, if accessing online. Setting these things out the evening before means one less thing to think about on results morning. Putting together a checklist can help ensure you’re prepared. 

Mental preparation – Naturally, GCSE results day can be nerve-wracking, but it’s important to try and stay calm where you can. Use techniques that work for you and managing your stress, whether that’s meditating, exercising or spending some time outside. If it works for you, great and keep doing it! 

On-the-day planning -  Consider how you want to spend the day. Who do you want to be with? How will you manage your results outcome? What do you want to do after the results? It will help give your day structure and you’ll already have a plan in place no matter what the outcome, positive or otherwise. 

My results aren’t as expected – what should I do? 

If the unexpected happens, take a moment - it’s going to be ok - then act. There is a whole network of opportunities ready to support you, including teachers, career advisors and us at the Classroom to Boardroom Foundation! Here are some common next steps you can consider: 

Resits and other qualification alternatives - Resits or remarks are a common option if you would like to query or try again for a higher grade, and there are alternative educational pathways to explore as well. There are practical courses in English, Maths and ICT that are equivalent to GCSEs and can help you meet entry requirements for some further education options. Additionally, you could explore Further Education courses such as BTECs, NVQs or other vocational qualifications.  

School/college - If your grades are not what you need to study A Levels at your next school or college, talk to your teachers or local colleges to understand your next steps and if there are other options that can support your ambitions. If there were extenuating circumstances it is always worth having a conversation with your teachers. 

Career plan - Now could be a great time to think about your career plan – what does this look like for you? Think about what your strengths and interests are and what subjects or courses you’d like to take next. This will help you when considering if you’d like to explore university or apprenticeships. There are lots of options available to you!   

Looking beyond exam results  

We know there can be a lot of pressure placed on results, however from our experience in recruitment and the professional industry we know many employers are now changing their approach to recruitment. For many, exam results are just one part of their process. Your hobbies, interests and extra-curricular activities are more important than ever and are seriously considered with all your academic work. You can demonstrate your creativity, dedication and more of your personality through more than just the subjects you studied at school. Employers want to get to know who you are as a person, and how you will fit in with their teams; it’s just as important as being able to do the job.  

Remember, your GCSE results are just the beginning of an exciting adventure and a future you get to decide. There are so many paths to explore, and this is just the start! 

At the Classroom to Boardroom Foundation, we have lots of career-starting opportunities, events and mentorship programmes planned throughout the year. If you’re in a state school and would like to see how you can join and benefit from our network, we’d love to hear from you, and it is as easy as signing up here.