You’ll may still be feeling nervous and you won’t be alone! While we can’t predict what your results will be, we can explain what’s likely to happen on the day and some of the ways you can be ready for it.
Stay calm and be prepared
If you’re collecting your results, make sure you know what time your school will be open and if it’s a drop-in or you have a specific time slot. Check with your school if you are unsure, and plan to allow yourself plenty of time so you aren’t rushing.
If your school isn’t open or you’ve studied your GCSE with BTC, you’ll receive an email with your results.
Now imagine your best and worst case scenario. Think about whether you’re happy to experience whatever ‘success’ or ‘failure’ means to you alone, or with your family or friends.
On the day
If you’re going into school to collect your results, it’s best not to be running on an empty stomach so have breakfast before you go. You may be leaving parents and carers at home to wait for news of your results, so make sure you take your phone so you can give them a call.
When you arrive at school there will usually be a table or desk full of named envelopes containing each student’s results, manned by school staff. Go up to the table, give your name and take your envelope.
If your school is emailing your results, think about how often you check your emails so you don’t get too nervous. You might like to talk to your family about how you’ll tell them – will you announce it to everyone or just choose one person to tell first?
Where to open them…
Some people choose to nip off to a quiet corner, another room or even the toilets to find out their results. Others open them in front of their friends, family and teachers. Everyone’s different, so make sure open yours in the way that makes you feel comfortable.
If your school is open for you to collect your results, you don’t have to open them while you’re there. There will be teachers there to give you advice if you need it, but you can always take them home if you prefer. Remember that our Information, Advice & Guidance team is available should you need advice on your options but are unable to speak with your school teachers.
How much do grades matter?
It’s likely that going on to further education at a college or sixth form means you will need at least a GCSE grade 4 in English Language and Maths. The career path you might be considering may also require applicants to possess these qualifications. Some courses may ask for even higher grades, or certain grades in other subjects, so check the requirements of your chosen course carefully.
If you don’t get a grade 4 in English language and/or maths though, don’t panic! It may be possible for you to study these qualifications alongside your college course, or to sit a retake. Again, our College’s Information & Advice team can advise you on how the College goes about helping you achieve these grades. You can contact our guidance team on 01278 441234 or email info@btc.ac.uk in the first instance, and don’t forget to talk to friends and family, they will be able to help you. You could also contact your school about exam reviews and appeals – you’ll need to try to arrange the review as quickly as possible.
More information
Read ‘Understanding your grades’ from university.which.uk
Read ‘What to expect on GCSE Results Day’ from The Student Room
