What Are Your Options After Getting Your GCSE Results?

Are you finding out what your GCSE exam results are? When the big day comes around, you will have some massive decisions to make. What should you do post-GCSE, and what are the options? 

Luckily, we have you covered. In this guide, we will take a look at what to do after GCSE results day 2023.

Now that you’ve taken your exams, you may be wondering when you can expect to get your results. There’s not long to wait. The GCSE Results Day 2023 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is set on Thursday 24th August. That is a full week after students in these countries get their A-Level results. 

Once you have each GCSE grade, you may be wondering what the next steps are for you. While you can go to your careers advisor to get the inside scoop, it’s worth understanding that there are many different options available to you. That may mean undertaking A-Levels, starting an apprenticeship, or even taking some T-Levels. In the following sections, we will take an in-depth look at your options and how you can get started.

GCSE results day is a savvy time to assess your future options. The paths you can follow may change depending on the GCSE grades that you ultimately get. In England, 16-year-olds legally have to do one of the following after completing their GCSE qualifications: 

However, in Northern Ireland and Wales, the same law does not apply. In Wales, you can leave school and education at the age of 16. In Northern Ireland, you can also leave school at the age of 16. Specific rules apply regarding which date you can leave on. 

When you get your GCSE results, you can start thinking about your further study options. There are many routes available to you. You may choose to work with a vocational training provider to gain the qualifications you desire.

You could also go to a local college, undertake a work placement, look into BTECs, or take on some part-time training. Whatever path you choose, make sure that it is right for you. You can talk things over with your family, speak to a careers advisor, talk with your teachers, or even ask your friends for some advice.

If you are unhappy with your GCSE results, consider retaking them. For example, you may still need to meet the entry requirements to get into college and take your A-Levels. Should that be the case, you will need to organise retaking your exams. 

The entry requirements in England are five GCSE grades between 9 and 4. In Northern Ireland and Wales, the entry requirements are five GCSEs between A* and C. You will need to have either a grade 6 (or B) or above in the subject matter that you want to study. If you haven’t quite reached the GCSE grade that you need, you can retake it.

Luckily, there are options to help you do just that you can organise your own English GCSE retake or Maths GCSE retake or speak to your school about organising a retake. You can also take additional GCSE qualifications online if you need to achieve a higher grade in order to take on certain subjects at A-Level.

If you have the right GCSE results to take on some A-Levels, this may be the next step in your educational journey. These qualifications are ideal for students who want to pursue an academic future. If you have big higher education plans and want to go to university, this is the most straightforward path you can take. 

When selecting your A-Level subjects, you need to consider the degree you plan to take in the future. As a school leaver, you need to choose subjects that align with your future goals. Take a look at our A-Level subject page for some inspiration.

If you would prefer a more hands-on approach to your education, you can start an apprenticeship. There are more than 600 different types of apprenticeships in England alone. 

Whether you want to go into social care, become a mechanic, or learn how to be a hairdresser, there’s an option for you. If you want to start an apprenticeship in England, you must be over 16 years old, live in England, and no longer be in full-time education. 

The benefits of this route include getting a wage, having holiday pay, working alongside experienced staff, and getting “on the job” training for your dream job.

 The industry placement will see you learn all there is to know about your chosen field and could be a smart way to launch your career. Often enough, these are full-time positions with job training, and you will be required to take a series of tests when you decide to embark on an apprenticeship. Why not start looking at vacancies now?

T-Levels are a new type of qualification, but it’s well worth familiarising yourself with them. The qualifications are the equivalent to a Level 3 course. These qualifications combine an in-depth industry placement with classroom learning. 

Should you choose this route after GCSE results day, you will spend at least 45 days in a workplace environment when you choose this type of course. Typically, T-Levels are made up of 80% classroom learning and 20% industry placement.

That means that you get a well-rounded understanding of your chosen field. T-Levels are available in a wide range of subjects, and each carries UCAS points. That means you can progress to higher education.

BTEC diplomas are specialist vocational courses. You can find more than 2,000 BTEC qualifications across 16 different sectors. If you already have an idea of how your future career will look but don’t know what specific job you want, you may find that this qualification works for you. You can pursue a BTEC in business, art and design, construction, childcare, applied science, engineering, hospitality, ICT, and more.