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Expert careers advice is snapped up by over 6,000 A level students

Monday 23 August

Since opening at 8:00 on Thursday 19 August, the Exam Results Helpline has provided free, impartial information and advice to over 6,000 students who haven't achieved the A level grades they need to get into university - and don't know what to do next.

Phil Bowden, Exam Results Helpline adviser on A level results day says:

'Despite the competitiveness of entry to higher education this year, school-leavers are remaining positive and resilient. Many are realising that there are other options for them and despite their disappointment are making plans for their future which involve a range of possibilities including voluntary work, work experience in a career they are interested in, seeking paid employment or possibility re-sitting exams - all with the aim of submitting an even better university application the following year.

One student who didn't get in last year, spent her time travelling while teaching herself an A level. She achieved an excellent grade and has earned herself a place at university this year which she feels is an even better option for her than her original choices. Not getting into university this year is not the end of the road.'

Open until 28 August, highly skilled advisers are on-hand to provide information and advice about alternative options and 'next steps' to students who didn't receive the A level results they expected last week as well as students who won't receive the GCSE results they expect tomorrow. Last year, the helpline received nearly 600 calls on GCSE exam results day from students who hadn't done as well as they'd hoped.

Pete Lawton, Exam Results Helpline adviser over the GCSE results period says:

'It is really important that students don't feel alone during this time and regardless of whether their results are better or worse than expected, that they have all the information and advice they need to make informed decisions about their futures.

We talk to students about a whole range of topics including re-sits and re-marks, finding suitable courses, specific subjects and qualifications, diplomas, and career pathways including apprenticeship and work related qualifications.'

After doing her GCSE's two years ago, Mandy Holden needed some information and advice about what to do next. On calling the Exam Results Helpline, she says:

'The adviser I spoke to was amazingly helpful and pointed me in the right direction. As a result I did something I absolutely loved. Moving away from home was the best thing I've ever done and a great practice for going to university.'

Jaqcui Holden (Mandy's mum) says:

'Mandy was at a loss what to do and the advice she received turned things around for her. It's brilliant that the helpline is there as students have so much to think about when doing their exams and deciding what to do afterwards. Schools often can't provide the support that is needed and it is great that it can be gotten elsewhere. Students have so many life changing decisions to make and making the wrong one could be disastrous.'

Whether it's questions about grades, A level choices, sixth form or college, diplomas, apprenticeships, courses and qualifications, getting a job or taking some time out, expert advisers are on-hand to provide a life-line for students at this critical time. The helpline number is 0808 100 8000.

Media contact:

Sophie Chamings
Exam Results Helpline Press Officer (based at UCAS)
01242 544994
S.Chamings@ucas.ac.uk

Notes to editors

What is the Exam Results Helpline (ERH)?

The Exam Results Helpline is an annual initiative providing free, on-the-spot information and advice to GCSE, A level, Standards and Highers students in the significant days after they receive their results. It is provided and delivered by Skills Development Scotland from 4 - 28 August to offer information and advice to students in Scotland receiving their Highers and Standards results and delivered by UCAS on behalf of the Department for Education from 19 - 28 August for students in the rest of the UK receiving their A level and GCSE results.

Advisers are fully trained with at least five years' experience working in a careers based role and a relevant qualification. They offer independent advice to students wanting to continue into higher education as well as those who want to pursue different routes such as re-training, finding employment, taking gap years or moving out of home. The Exam Results Helpline number is 0808 100 8000. Calls are free from landlines and select mobile networks.

Areas covered by the Exam Results Helpline include:

  • specific questions about grades and offers
  • A level subject choices
  • Re-sits and re-marks
  • Sixth form and college choices
  • alternative training routes
  • moving away from home
  • taking a gap year
  • qualifications
  • vocational learning routes including diplomas, apprenticeships and NVQs
  • careers.
 

The Exam Results Helpline opening hours:

Date Opening hours
23 August 0900:1800
24 August 0900:1900
25 August 0900:1800
26 August 0900:1800
27 August 0900:1700
28 August 0900:1200

About the Department for Education

The Department for Education was formed on 12 May 2010 and is responsible for education and children's services. The Secretary of State for Education is Michael Gove. For more information, visit www.education.gov.uk

About UCAS

UCAS is a charity and is the world's leading shared admissions service for higher education. We manage applications for full-time undergraduate courses, together with applications through GTTR (Graduate Teacher Training Registry), CUKAS (Conservatoires UK Admissions Service) and UKPASS (UK Postgraduate Application and Statistical Service). Since its inception in 1993, UCAS has processed around 30 million applications and placed over five million students on higher education courses.

Services include:

  • An informative website (www.ucas.com) enabling students and parents to access a wealth of information designed to help their application to higher education run smoothly.
  • A state-of-the-art contact centre (0871 468 0 468) providing a point of contact for students, schools and higher education institutions.
  • An online application system. A simple, straightforward tracking service enabling students and school or college advisers to access up-to-date information about their applications at the click of a button.
  • Over 50 higher education events each year providing 250,000 students with face-to-face advice on the UCAS process. Internationally, we participated in events in over 12 countries and also provided training and professional development throughout Europe and beyond.
  • www.yougofurther.co.uk is UCAS' student network. It allows future and present applicants to interact with each other and provides further advice on higher education.
 

For more information, visit www.ucas.com

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