It can feel like there’s a lot riding on A Level, T Level and Vocational Technical Qualifications (VTQ) results day but if you don’t get your predicted grades, don’t worry - it doesn’t mean that your education journey stops here.
It's also important to remember that the number of top grades has no bearing on the number of university places available.
Even if you don’t get exactly the grades you’d expected, you may be able to follow the route you were preparing to take. But if you do need to change your plans, there are plenty of alternative, exciting options for everyone.
Here we explain your choices if things didn’t go to plan on results day.
When is A level/T Level/VTQ results day?
Results day this year is on Thursday 15 August 2024.
What if I don’t get the grades I need for my university course?
Even if you don’t get the grades you need, your university or college may still offer you a place.
Whatever your grades, there’s still time to rethink your plans if you’re having second thoughts. And if you didn’t make your university offer, there are plenty of alternative options out there
The first thing you should do is talk to your school or college, and to your preferred university or college, as they may be able to offer some flexibility.
University admissions teams will be on hand on results day to help students and have plenty of experience with helping applicants to find a course that will allow them thrive.
Find your university’s admissions contact details by heading to the admission section of their website.
What if I don’t pass all the components of my T Level?
Don’t worry if you haven’t passed all the components of your T Level – you may still be able to secure enough UCAS points to go to university, if that’s your plan
UCAS points are available for those who have completed their industry placement and passed either the core or occupational specialism part of their T Level.
How many UCAS points you achieve will vary depending on the T Level subject you took as the weighting of the core and occupational specialism for each course varies.
You can find out how many UCAS points you can achieve for only partially passing your T Level with the UCAS tariff calculator.
What are my options if I still want to go to university or continue studying?
Clearing
Clearing is when UCAS provides students with the chance to apply for university places which haven’t yet been filled. It’s available to anyone who has made a UCAS Undergraduate application and doesn’t hold any offers.
Clearing provides an opportunity for those who have missed their conditions or had a last-minute change of heart about the university or course they want to study.
How do I know if I’m eligible to find a course through clearing?
Clearing runs from 5 July until 21 October. You will be eligible if:
- You’re applying after 30 June
- You didn’t receive any university offers (or none you wanted to accept)
- You didn’t meet the conditions of your offers
- You’ve declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ button in your application
You can find out more about clearing by watching this video from UCAS.
Resit
If you’re unhappy with your results you can apply to resit your subjects in summer 2025.
You should speak to your school or college about retaking exams.
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
If you’re interested in continuing your education but an undergraduate degree isn’t for you, then you might want to consider a HTQ.
HTQs are technical qualifications that employers have helped develop so you can get the tailored training and skills you need to secure a job in your chosen industry.
You can study a HTQ full time or part time. You’re usually taught in a classroom at a college, university or an independent training provider.
You can take a HTQ in a variety of different subjects across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, digital, construction, engineering and education.
You also may be eligible for student finance. The amount you could get will depend on your circumstances and the type of HTQ you’re studying. You can find a HTQ through UCAS.
Apprenticeships
There are now more than 700 high quality apprenticeships in a wide range of roles.
This includes high level apprenticeships, like degree apprenticeships in nursing, engineering, law, and science.
Apprentices earn while learning, gaining valuable on-the-job experience while receiving training at university or college.
You can search for apprenticeships here.
School leavers scheme
Some companies offer school leaver schemes to young people who have completed A levels. The schemes allow young people to learn and train with a large company while earning a wage.
School leaver schemes are usually like graduate schemes, except they’re aimed at pupils who’ve recently left school. You can apply to the scheme while you’re still in school.
Employers create their own schemes, so students need to search for school leaver schemes or check each company’s website to see if one is available and apply.
What if I’m not sure what I want to do?
Talk to a National Careers Service adviser
Whatever your results, you have lots of options and there is more than one route into most careers. It’s not always grades which are the most important thing, and employers look for a range of skills and qualifications.
First of all, you should talk to your school or college to discuss your options. Friends and family can also be a source of support to bounce ideas off, but it can be useful to talk your plans through with an impartial expert.
You can speak to a professional careers adviser for free and get judgment-free, confidential information and advice via the National Careers Service Exam Results helpline, via phone or by webchat.
Whatever your results, if you want to find out more about all your education and training options, as well as get practical advice about your exam results, visit the Skills for Careers.
What if I think there’s something wrong with my results?
Speak to your school or college for advice
There is a rigorous system in place which makes sure that exams are marked fairly and accurately.
If you think there has been a mistake in how your exam was marked, you should speak to your school or college who can request a review from the exam board.
You shouldn’t request a review unless you think there has been an error, or you could risk missing out on other options. Consider carefully if appealing is the right course of action for you by discussing it with your school or college.