Support for students receiving exam results this summer

Students across Herefordshire are receiving their A-level results today (Thursday 13 August) with GCSE results due next week on Thursday 20 August.

As students were unable to sit their exams as normal this year, due to coronavirus, the Government has confirmed that students will be able to select their grade from either previous mock exams, estimated grades or alternatively they can choose re-sits in the autumn.

Councillor Felicity Norman, Herefordshire Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said:

“I would like to wish Herefordshire’s hardworking students the best of luck with their A-level and GCSE results and also with the next steps in their career, whether they choose to continue into further education, apprenticeships, training or employment.  We know how much time and effort students have put into their education.  This pandemic has meant that they have missed out on the opportunity to sit exams, but their hard work, talent and dedication is not in any way lessened by the fact that grades will be awarded differently this year.

“We acknowledge that this has been an extremely challenging year and results day will bring uncertainty to some.  However, there will be the opportunity for students to appeal against their grades, if they feel that they have been unfairly penalised by this year’s process.  The Department for Education has also announced that there will be an opportunity for students to re-sit exams in the autumn.  Support will be available from schools and colleges to help students with their decision on whether to appeal or re-sit.” 

Information, advice and support

The National Careers Service offer an exam results helpline to provide information on appeals, complaints or the next steps, once students have received their results.  Simply call 0800 100 900 (8am to 10pm, 7 days a week) or use the webchat service.

Ofqual provide a student support phoneline on 0300 303 3344, if you’d like to know more about how you were graded, the autumn exams series, how to make an appeal or raise a concern about bias or discrimination.  They’ve also created a helpful student guide to post-16 qualifications results.

UCAS offer information and advice for students wanting to go to university, including what to do next, dealing with unexpected grades, requesting an appeal or going through the clearing process. 

The Government provide information for those students looking to improve their English, maths or IT skills.
 
Apprenticeships offer information and advice on how to become an apprentice, what careers are available and which employers are offering them.

Save the Student provide advice on the next steps to take for students who are unhappy with their A-level results.

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing

If you didn’t get the grades you wanted, this can be a difficult time.  However, please remember you are not alone, as there’s lots of information, advice and support available to help you.

YoungMinds support young people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, simply text YM to 85258.  They also provide a parents’ helpline on 0808 802 5544.

Childline has a dedicated exam results page, full of helpful information and advice, along with a free helpline on 0800 1111.

WISH provide details of a range of local and national organisations, which can offer mental health and wellbeing support.

You can also ask for an emergency appointment through your GP practice or contact NHS 111.


This article is based upon information contained within Herefordshire Council’s A-level and GCSE results news release.