Didn’t Get the GCSE Grades You Expected? Here’s What to Do Next
GCSE Results Day can bring a mixture of emotions. Some students get exactly the grades they were expecting, while others may find they have missed a grade, received results that are very different from what they anticipated, or achieved better than they hoped.
If your results aren't what you expected, it’s important not to assume what they mean for your next steps.
Your results may affect your college options, but the numbers on the page don't necessarily tell you what happens next. The best thing you can do is speak to us, explain your results and find out what options are available to you.
I didn’t get the grades I need for my college course. What should I do?
First of all, it doesn’t mean you've lost your place.
Entry requirements vary between courses and levels, and missing one or more of the grades you expected doesn't tell you on its own what will happen next.
If your results are different from what you expected, please come along to your enrolment appointment as planned.
We can look at your results, the course you've applied for and your individual circumstances, then explain what options may be available. If you’re really unsure, then our teams are available to offer advice and guidance.
What if I only missed one grade?
If you've missed an expected grade by one mark or one grade, don't immediately rule yourself out of your chosen course.
What happens next will depend on the course, its entry requirements and your individual results. We can look at your circumstances and advise you on the options available rather than you assuming the answer is automatically no.
Make sure you talk to us before changing your plans.
What if I don’t get a grade 4 in GCSE English or maths?
Not achieving a grade 4 in GCSE English or maths does not mean you can't go to college.
Depending on your results and chosen programme, you can continue working towards securing your English and/or maths GCSE alongside your main college course.
If you haven't achieved a grade 4, talk to us at enrolment and we'll explain what your result means for your course and explain all your options.
Could I study the same subject at a different level?
Potentially, yes. Depending on your results and the course entry requirements, a different level of study could provide another route towards the same longer-term ambition. We offer lots of brilliant pathways into exciting careers - starting at Level 1 to Level 3.
Starting at a different level isn't necessarily the end of your original plans. You can build your knowledge, skills and qualifications and progress from there.
Should I consider a different course?
If your results mean that your original course isn't the right option, don't feel you have to make a rushed decision.
Take some time to think about what you enjoy, where your strengths are and what you might want to do in the future. Take a look at the courses on our website, because there may be more than one route towards the career or further study you have in mind.
Our admissions and careers teams can help you explore alternative courses and understand where different options could lead. Your results may even highlight a course that you hadn't previously considered but could be a good fit for you.
If your plans change after Results Day, don't see that as having to start again. Take the time to explore your options and find out what route could work best for you.
What if I think my GCSE grade is wrong?
If you think there's been a problem with one of your GCSE results, speak to your school as soon as possible. They can explain your marks and advise you about the appropriate process for requesting a review.
If the result could affect your place or chosen course at college, let us know as well. You don't necessarily need to wait for the entire review process to be completed before speaking to us about your next steps.
What if I did better than expected?
Unexpected results aren't always disappointing! You may have achieved better grades than you were expecting, which could open up options you hadn't previously considered.
For example, your grades mean you now meet the entry requirements for a higher-level course. Isac Braiden, one of our Health T-Level students who collected his results last week was in this very position two years ago.
“I originally applied for a different course at college, but did better in my GCSEs at Claverham which meant I could join the Level 3,” said Isac. “I’m now excited to join the University of Brighton and work towards my goal of becoming a paramedic.”
Of course, if you’re happy with the course you've chosen, you don’t have to change and can continue with your original choice.
However, if you'd like to explore what your results might have opened up, let’s have a conversation during your enrolment appointment.
Should I still come to enrolment if my results are different?
100% yes.
Enrolment begins the week of Monday 24th August and we’re really looking forward to seeing you at your enrolment appointment. If your grades aren’t what you thought, then we can chat about it and explain what you can do next.
Six things to do if your GCSE results aren’t what you expected
If you're unsure what to do after opening your results, start with these six steps:
- Don't panic or make assumptions. Your results don't necessarily mean your original plans are over.
- Look at your results and your course entry requirements. Understand what you've achieved before deciding what to do next.
- Don't rule yourself out because you've missed a grade. Speak to us and find out what options are available.
- If you've applied, still come to your enrolment appointment as planned, our tutors and careers advisors can discuss all your options.
- Research your options before changing your plans. There may be another route, course or level that works for you.
- If you've done better than expected, ask what new options you've opened up. You may now be eligible for a different or higher-level programme.
Whatever your results, talk to us
Whether you've missed a grade, done better than expected or simply aren't sure what your GCSE results mean for your next step, we are here to help you work out what happens next.
If you need any more help, then take a look at our helpful guide to enrolment.