Didn’t get the A Level Results you hoped for? Here’s what to do next

So, results day didn鈥檛 go how you imagined. First of all, take a breath. You鈥檙e not alone, and this isn鈥檛 the end of the road. There are more paths forward than you might think, and the best one for you is still out there. 

Here鈥檚 a guide to help you figure out what your next move could be. 

Don鈥檛 panic 

It鈥檚 completely normal to feel overwhelmed or disappointed. Give yourself a moment away from the noise. Go for a walk, talk it out with someone you trust, or just sit quietly. Decisions are easier when your mind is calm. 

 

1: Re-sit your exams 

If you were close to the grades you needed, or if you鈥檝e got a clear plan that depends on getting higher results, resitting your A Levels might be the right choice. 

Think about:

  • Which subjects you鈥檇 resit 
  • Whether you鈥檙e ready to commit to another year of study 
  • If the course, university, or job you want really needs those higher grades 

Speak to your school or college to see what support they can offer for re-sits. 

 

2: Request a re-mark 

Think your paper was marked incorrectly? You can ask for a review of marking or a clerical re-check. But be aware: 

  • Marks can go up or down 
  • It must be requested through your school鈥檚 Exams Officer 
  • There are deadlines, so act quickly if this is something you鈥檙e considering 


3: Apply through clearing 

Didn鈥檛 meet your university offer? Clearing could be your golden ticket. It鈥檚 a system where universities list available course places and they might just say yes to you, even if they weren鈥檛 originally on your radar. 

Clearing is ideal if: 

  • You鈥檙e open to studying somewhere new 
  • You鈥檙e flexible about courses 
  • You want to head to university this year 

Check out the UCAS Clearing page for real-time updates and advice. 

 

4: Take a gap year 

Not sure what to do yet? That鈥檚 totally okay. A gap year gives you time to:

  • Travel or work abroad 
  • Get job experience close to home 
  • Reapply to university next year with a clearer head (and maybe even better grades) 

This isn鈥檛 a step back, it鈥檚 a chance to reset and make more confident decisions later. 

 

Talk to someone 

Whatever you鈥檙e thinking right now, you don鈥檛 have to figure it all out alone. Speak to:

  • A teacher or career adviser 
  • Your parents or carers 
  • Someone who knows you and can help you see your strengths 

They can support you or point you toward expert advice. 

 

 
Today might feel like a setback, but it could also be the start of something amazing you hadn鈥檛 planned yet. The most important thing? Keep moving forward, your path is still wide open. 

You鈥檝e got this 馃挭