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GCSE Results Day

What to Do When GCSE Results Come Out

On GCSE results day it helps to follow a few clear steps. Below is how students get their results, what to do next, and what to do if the grades are lower than expected.

1. How do students get their GCSE results?

Students usually collect their GCSE results from school on results day. Some schools also share results by email or through an online system. The school will tell students how results will be shared before results day.

2. First steps after getting results

Once students have their results, they should look at their grades carefully and then:

  • Follow the enrolment process of their sixth form or college: most sixth forms and colleges enrol students around GCSE results day. Students should take any documents they're asked for and go to their chosen provider to enrol.
  • Check they have the grades needed for their chosen courses: students should make sure they meet the entry requirements for the A Level, T Level or BTEC courses they plan to take.
  • Consider other options: if a result is unexpected, students can talk to their teachers about other routes.

3. What if the grades needed weren't achieved?

If students don't get the grades they were aiming for, they can consider the following:

  • Contact the sixth form or college: some providers can be flexible and may review a student's place. It's best to speak to the provider directly.
  • Ask for a review of marking: if students think a paper was marked incorrectly, they can ask the school to request a review of marking from the exam board. There are deadlines, so act quickly.
  • Resit the exam: students who don't get a grade 4 in Maths or English Language can resit in November, and must keep studying these subjects after 16. Talk to the school or college for details.
  • Look at other education and career routes: other colleges, apprenticeships or vocational courses can also be good options.

4. Next steps after success

Students who get the grades they expected, or better, should complete their enrolment on time, going to the sixth form or college on the dates and times given, with the documents they need.

Whenever students are unsure, they should get support from their teachers, the school's careers adviser and the provider they applied to, so they can make the best decision.