What to Do on A-Level Results Day
A-Level Results Day 2025: Everything You Need to Know
For students, parents, and teachers across England and Wales, A-level results day brings a mix of excitement and nerves. It marks the culmination of two years of hard work, and those grades can unlock access to a desired university or career. However, it can also be a very stressful period if results don’t go as expected and backup options need to be explored.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions – from when and how you’ll receive your grades, to understanding UCAS points, grade boundaries, retakes, and what steps to take if you don’t get into your first-choice university.
What Happens on A-Level Results Day?
When is Results Day: A-Level results are traditionally released in mid-August each year. In 2025, A-level Results Day falls on Thursday, 14 August 2025. On the morning of results day, schools and colleges open (typically by 8:00 AM) to distribute result slips. UCAS also receives A-level grades directly and updates your application status on the UCAS Hub (previously called Track) around 8:15 AM. This means by early morning, you can see on UCAS whether your university offers have been confirmed – but you will not see your actual A-level grades on the UCAS site. The detailed grades come from your school or exam centre. It’s essential to collect your grades as soon as possible, since you’ll need them if you end up looking for alternative courses through Clearing.
UCAS Hub Updates: If you’ve achieved the required grades for your conditional offer, UCAS Hub will show your offer turning unconditional (congratulations!). If you fell short of the offer conditions, the Hub may indicate that your place is not confirmed (or say “rejected” or “unplaced”), making you eligible for Clearing. Note that UCAS Hub tends to be extremely busy on results morning – expect slow loading or queues online due to many students logging in simultaneously. Be patient and keep refreshing. Also, Track/Hub does not update at midnight before results day – it only updates after results are released, despite rumours. Plan to check after 8 AM on results day for the official decision from your universities.
When will I get my A-level results?
In 2025, A-level results day falls on Thursday, 14 August for England, Northern Ireland and Wales. On the morning of that day, students will finally be able to open their A-level results. (Scotland uses a different exam system – students there received their results a bit earlier, on Tuesday, 5 August 2025). Many students go to their school or college to collect results in person, often accompanied by equally nervous parents or relatives. Teachers will be on hand to congratulate those who achieved what they needed – or to console and advise those who didn’t.
Other students may choose to wait at home and check online. Depending on your school or exam centre, you might receive an email with your grades or be able to access them through an online portal. It’s a good idea to confirm with your school in advance how results will be distributed if you’re unsure.
What time are A-level results released, and how can I collect them?
The exam boards officially release A-level results at 8:00 am on results day, which means that’s when schools and colleges can start giving them out. The most eager students will be lining up at school by 8 am to find out their grades. Most sixth forms and colleges will remain open for a few hours (often until around 11:00 am) on results morning, so you don’t all need to arrive right at dawn.
Make sure to check your school’s guidance (website or social media pages) on how and when to collect your results. Typically, you can choose to either collect in person (bringing ID) or receive your results by email or post. If you plan to be away or cannot go in person, you can arrange with your school to get the grades sent to you. It’s also possible to nominate someone (such as a parent, other relative or friend) to pick up your results on your behalf, but they will need to bring a permission letter signed by you along with some ID to prove they have your approval.
Aside from the exam results slip itself, you may also be anxious to know whether you got into your university of choice. Universities typically receive A-level grades a few days in advance under strict embargo, and then confirm admissions decisions once results are released. UCAS Track (the online admissions portal) is updated on results day morning – usually by around 8 am – to show whether your firm choice university has accepted you. So, by checking your UCAS account, you might see a status update indicating if your place is confirmed. (Be aware that sometimes there may be delays – universities have a lot of confirmations to process, and it can take up to 24 hours for all decisions to be finalised. Don’t panic if your status doesn’t update immediately at 8 am.)
Bring a charged phone and a notebook when you get your grades. If the news is good, you’ll be calling family and preparing to confirm plans; if not, you may need to start calling universities immediately (more on Clearing below). Either way, having your phone (and a list of significant numbers) is essential on results day.
How many UCAS points does each A-level grade have?
Many university offers are expressed in terms of UCAS Tariff points rather than just grades. Each A-level grade carries a specific number of points, and when you apply to university, these can be added together from all your subjects to meet an entry requirement. The UCAS points for each A-level grade are as follows:
A* – 56 points
A – 48 points
B – 40 points
C – 32 points
D – 24 points
E – 16 points
For example, if a university course requires 120 UCAS points, that could be achieved with three B grades (BBB), since three Bs at A-level equal 120 points. Likewise, an offer of 112 points could be met by BBC (which adds up to 112), or other combinations. There isn’t a set number of points “per A-level” – it all depends on the grades you get. Universities may specify a points total and sometimes also require a minimum grade in a particular subject (for instance, “120 points including at least a B in Mathematics”).
Can you retake A-levels if you’re unhappy with your grades?
Yes. If you didn’t get the grades you hoped for, there are options to resit your A-levels. Thousands of students each year consider retaking one or more subjects to improve their grades. There are generally three main routes for retaking A-levels:
At your school: Some schools allow students to return for an extra year to retake A-level exams (or you might stay on one more term/semester if only one or two exams need retaking). This can be the simplest option, as you’ll be in a familiar environment with teachers you know. Not all schools offer this, so check with your teachers or exams officer. Often, if you retake at the same school, you may only need to pay the exam entry fees and not full tuition.
At a college or sixth-form college: Many further education colleges offer A-level retake courses. You would enrol as a student and attend classes for the subjects you’re retaking, then sit the exams the following year. This provides structure and support, but comes with fees.
Privately (independent study): You can also study on your own or via an online A-level course, and register as a private candidate to sit the exams at an approved exam centre. This option gives you flexibility to study at your own pace or alongside work, but requires discipline. You’ll need to find a local school or college that accepts private candidates for the exam sittings.
Be aware that retaking A-levels can be costly. You can go to a new college or a private tutorial college for a full retake course. You might pay anywhere from around £1,500 up to £9,000 per subject in tuition fees, depending on the institution and the level of support (class size, tutoring, etc). Even if you study independently, you’ll still have to pay exam entry fees and possibly a fee to the exam centre – these exam fees are typically around £175 and can go up to about £400 per subject. (Some specialised subjects with coursework or practical components can be even higher.) If you retake at your original school, the costs might be minimised (perhaps just the exam fee).
Another important factor is timing: You cannot simply retake an A-level exam immediately; you will have to wait until the next examination series. A-level exams are held once a year in the May/June period, so most students who retake will sit their exams the following summer and get results the following August. This means potentially taking a gap year or delaying university entry by a year. While that might feel like a setback, many students use the time to improve their application, gain work experience, or take on other enriching activities before reapplying to university.
What are A-level grade boundaries and why do they change each year?
Each exam paper is marked out of a certain number of points, and grade boundaries are the thresholds of marks needed to achieve each grade (A*, A, B, etc.) in that exam. These boundaries are not fixed in advance – senior examiners decide them after the exams have been taken and marked, through a process called “awarding.” In the awarding process, examiners compare test papers from the current year with those from previous years to ensure consistency in standards. If this year’s exam was found to be slightly harder, for example, the grade boundaries might be lowered (fewer marks needed for an A or B) to compensate. Conversely, if an exam turned out easier than usual, boundaries might be set higher. The goal is that a student of a given ability should get the same grade, regardless of year-to-year variations in exam difficulty. This is why grade boundaries change each year – it’s to maintain fairness and consistency, not to trip students up.
Grade boundaries for each subject and exam board are usually published on results day (once exams are released). If you’re curious, you can find them on the exam boards’ official websites on results morning. It can be helpful to know the boundary if you are, say, very close to the next grade up – for example, if you find out you were only one mark away from an A grade, you might consider asking for a review or remark of your paper. Schools can advise you on the process for marking reviews (there is usually a deadline and a fee for it). Occasionally, a paper that’s remarked can gain those extra marks and bump you up a grade, though there’s also a risk that your score can go down, so it’s something to discuss with a teacher.
One thing to note is that the past few years have been unusual due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on exams. In 2020 and 2021, exams were cancelled and grades were based on teacher assessments, which led to grade inflation – a higher proportion of students getting top grades than in normal years. Exam authorities have been working to bring grade distributions back in line with pre-pandemic levels gradually. However, some inflation has persisted. For instance, in 2024, around 27.8% of UK A-level entries were awarded an A or A* grade, compared to 25.4% in 2019 (the last pre-pandemic exam year). This suggests that top grades in recent years have been slightly more common than before. For students, this means that grade boundaries and results have been in flux as the system normalises. 2025 is expected to be closer to “normal” in terms of grading standards, but there is still a lot of attention on grade boundaries and outcomes to ensure fairness.
In any case, try not to fixate too much on grade boundaries before you get your papers back – focus on doing your best in the exam. The boundaries will be what they will be, and you can always take action (like a remark or retake) if you end up narrowly missing a grade needed for your plans.
Prepare for All Outcomes in Advance
Have a Plan B (and C): It’s wise to prepare before results day for various scenarios. The time from when you get your results to when you may need to act (like calling universities) can be very short. Research alternative courses and universities in the days leading up to results day. You can use the UCAS Clearing course search (which opens in early July) to see which courses might have vacancies. While many Clearing vacancies aren’t finalised until results day itself, you can get an idea of which universities had openings in your subject last year. For example, aspiring medics can note which medical schools have entered Clearing in recent years – e.g. in 2023 entry, a handful of med schools (such as King’s College London and St. George’s) unexpectedly offered places via Clearing, whereas in some years none do. This research will help you create a shortlist of options.
Items to Prepare: Make a folder (physical or digital) with all the details you might need on results day. This should include:
Your UCAS Personal ID and login details for UCAS Hub.
Your UCAS Clearing Number (if you become eligible for Clearing, this will be displayed on your UCAS Hub account).
Contact details for universities you might call – for example, the Clearing hotline numbers and admissions office emails. (Most universities publish their Clearing contact info on their websites; you can also find lists via UCAS or The Student Room)
A copy of your UCAS personal statement and notes on your application. Universities you speak to in Clearing may ask about your interest in the course or even discuss your UCAS personal statement. Being able to recall what you wrote quickly – or to highlight your motivations and qualifications – will make a good impression.
Pen and paper (or a notes app) to jot down information during calls.
If you’re specifically interested in medicine or similarly competitive courses, also keep your admissions test scores(like the UCAT score) handy, as well as a summary of relevant experience, since Clearing inquiries for medicine might feel like mini-interviews. Essentially, hope for the best but prepare for the worst: know what you’ll do if you miss your grades by a little, by a lot, or even exceed them. Pre-planning will make you calmer and more decisive on the day.
If You Meet (or Exceed) Your Offer Conditions
Celebrate and Confirm:
Achieving the grades for your firm offer is the ideal outcome. If your UCAS Hub shows your firm choice is now an Unconditional Firm (UF) offer – congratulations! Take a moment to appreciate your hard work. Your university place is secured. There’s nothing critical you need to do immediately, but you should verify any communications from the university. You’ll typically receive a confirmation email or letter from the university or UCAS within a day, which may include instructions on next steps (like how to formally accept the place, which in most cases is automatic) and information about registration or accommodation. Follow any instructions given (some universities ask you to reply or complete a task in their student portal).
No Adjustment Anymore:
In the past, students who exceeded their offer grades could use a process called UCAS Adjustment to find a place at a more competitive university. However, UCAS Adjustment was discontinued after the 2021 cycle. This means that even if you got higher grades than expected, there isn’t a separate official process to “trade up” your university offer. If you are considering a different course or university despite having a confirmed place, your only route now is to self-release into Clearing. This is a serious decision – it involves using the “Decline my place” option on UCAS to give up your secured offer, making you eligible for Clearing. Only do this if you have thought it through, ideally after consulting teachers or advisers.
Remember that Medicine in Clearing is very limited (more on that below), so if you got into a medical school already, it’s usually best to stick with it. That said, if you wish to switch courses or universities for valid reasons, act quickly and carefully. Contact the university you’re interested in first (without declining your current place) to see if they would offer you a spot through Clearing. Your original offer remains safe unless and until you officially decline it – so gather all facts before making a move.
Next Steps After Securing Your Place:
Once you know where you’re going, there are a few practical things to address. These aren’t urgent on results day itself, but don’t forget to:
Arrange accommodation: University housing deadlines approach fast. If you met your firm offer, you probably already applied for accommodation earlier in the year – now you’ll get confirmation of a dorm or need to select preferences. If you’re going to your insurance choice or a Clearing choice, you may need to apply for housing ASAP. The best rooms often go first. Check your university’s accommodation office or website on results day for guidance.
Update student finance: If your university or course changed (say you ended up at your insurance offer, or chose a different course through Clearing), update your Student Finance application and notify any scholarship providers. Different universities can mean different tuition and living costs calculations, so ensure your funding is lined up.
Get ready for university life: Once the dust settles, use the time before term starts to prepare. There may be freshers’ information, reading lists, or induction steps coming your way. Enjoy the relief, but also start thinking ahead to the exciting journey at university – especially if you’ll be starting medical school, where the workload will ramp up quickly.
If Your Results Are Lower Than Expected
Not hitting your expected grades can be stressful, but don’t panic – there are still paths forward. Here’s a breakdown of what to do if things didn’t go to plan:
1. Check Your University Application Status
Look at UCAS Hub first.
Sometimes, universities accept near-miss candidates. This means even if you missed the offer conditions by a grade, the university might still confirm your place (for example, if the cohort as a whole scored lower than expected, or if you have extenuating circumstances). So, if your grades are a bit below your offer, you might find that your firm choice has accepted you despite the shortfall. This will show as an Unconditional offer on UCAS Hub. Similarly, if you had an insurance choice with lower grade requirements, check if that one has accepted you. Many students are pleasantly surprised on results day by still securing a place even with slightly missed grades. Don’t assume all is lost until you check UCAS Hub and your offer statuses.
If neither your firm nor your insurance has confirmed you, the Hub will indicate that you are eligible for Clearing. In that case, you’ll see a note like “You are in Clearing” or a Clearing number on your UCAS page. Take a deep breath – this is your signal to move on to finding another course.
Consider Calling the University:
If your offer is not confirmed, and especially if the status says something like “Pending” or “Decision pending,” it may mean the university hasn’t decided yet. In this situation, call your firm (or insurance) university’s admissions office as soon as you can. Politely ask if they are still considering candidates who narrowly missed the grades. There might be a chance they’re waiting on a few decisions or appealing for extra places. A phone call can sometimes clarify your status – and if you have a compelling case (for example, you just missed the grade by a few marks, or you have evidence of mitigating circumstances), now is the time to mention that. They may advise you to still hold tight or to proceed with Clearing. Either way, you’ll gain certainty.
2. Priority Remarks if You Narrowly Missed
Just shy of the grades? Perhaps you missed an A by a few marks and ended up with a B. In these cases, you should consider requesting an urgent review of marking (formerly known as a “remark”) for the exam in question. This process can potentially raise your grade if an error or a strict marking issue is found. Specifically, there is a “priority” review service for students applying to higher education – it’s faster than the normal review. Speak to your teachers immediately on results day about whether a priority remark is advisable for you. For example, if you got a grade just below the offer requirement and your teachers expected you to do better, a review might be worthwhile.
If you pursue a remark, inform your firm and insurance universities in writing (via email or phone) that you have requested a priority re-mark and ask if they would hold your place pending the outcome. Universities may disagree, but many will wait for a priority remark result if it’s due within a couple of weeks and you were very close to the grade boundary. Note: You’ll usually need your school’s help to initiate a priority remark within a few days of results day, and there may be a fee (often refunded if your grade goes up). This is a gamble – there’s no guarantee your mark will change – so simultaneously you should proceed with other backup plans (like Clearing or reapplication) in case the remark doesn’t pan out. But if it does succeed and your grade improves, the university can reverse a rejection and accept you, provided they kept the course open for this possibility.
3. If You Have an Insurance Offer
Many students applying for medicine choose a different course as their insurance (since most medicine offers have the same high grade requirements). If you did have an insurance choice – for example, a biomedical science course or a medical school with a slightly lower offer condition – check its status. If you met the conditions for your insurance offer (even though you missed your firm), then your insurance offer becomes your secured place. In UCAS terms, your insurance choice will now update to Unconditional Firm. Congratulations – you still have a university place! You can decide to accept it (which is usually automatic if it’s your only remaining offer) and proceed to university this year in that course.
If your insurance was a non-medicine course but you remain committed to studying medicine, you have a decision to make: you could take up the insurance course for now (some students follow a path of doing a biomedical or related degree and then graduate-entry medicine later), or you could decline the insurance offer and take a gap year to reapply to medicine. There are risks and benefits to each route. Taking up your insurance means you’ll definitely have a university experience and a degree, but graduate medicine is very competitive and not guaranteed. On the other hand, declining it for a reapplication gives you another shot at medicine in a year, but you’ll be without a university place in the meantime. This is a personal choice – consider discussing with a career adviser or mentor on results day. Remember, you cannot “hold” your insurance offer while you try for medicine in Clearing – it’s an either/or decision. If you wish to try Clearing (for medicine or any other course), you’ll have to release your insurance offer and enter Clearing fully.
If you decide to accept your insurance offer, follow the university’s instructions and prepare for that course (and well done for securing a place!). If you decide not to take it, inform the university (you may be able to decline it on UCAS Hub) as soon as you’re sure so that they can offer your spot to someone else. Then you would move on to Clearing or gap year plans, as below.
4. Finding a Course Through UCAS Clearing
If you did not get any offers confirmed (or you declined any offers you had), UCAS Clearing is the primary process to find an available university place for this year. Clearing is essentially a matching service for unplaced students and courses with vacancies. Over 50,000 students find university places through Clearing each year, so it’s a familiar route – you’re not alone in using it. Importantly, Clearing covers thousands of courses across the UK (over 30,000 courses were available via Clearing in a recent year). However, vacancies for highly competitive courses like medicine are minimal (more on medicine specifically in a moment).
Here’s how to approach Clearing effectively:
Confirm your Clearing status: Your UCAS Hub will explicitly state if you are in Clearing and provide your Clearing Numbert You must have this number handy – universities will ask for it to view your UCAS application when you call. You’re eligible for Clearing if you have no confirmed place (either from being rejected or choosing to self-release).
Check vacancies: Starting as soon as you have your results (morning of results day), begin looking at Clearing listings. Officially, you can see Clearing vacancies via the UCAS search tool or the UCAS Hub’s “Clearing Plus” matches. (UCAS Clearing 2025 listings go live on results day morning for A-level students.) You won’t be able to add a Clearing choice in UCAS until 1:00 PM on results day, but you should not wait until 1:00 PM to take action. Use the morning to call universities as soon as you spot courses you’re interested in. For medicine, specifically, any Clearing places tend to appear very early on results day and may be filled within minutes or hours, so time is of the essence.
Call universities promptly: Clearing is first-come, first-served in many cases. Universities often start taking calls from early morning (some from 8:00 AM or even earlier). As soon as you identify a course you want to pursue, call the university’s Clearing hotline. Be prepared to spend time on hold – universities receive hundreds of calls on results day. Don’t be discouraged by busy tones; keep trying. When you get through, clearly explain that you’re seeking a place through Clearing, give your Clearing Number and UCAS ID, and state your grades and the course you’re interested in. They will check if you meet the entry requirements and if they have vacancies. This initial call may involve some questions (almost like a brief interview), especially for high-demand courses. They might ask why you’re interested or ask about relevant experience (particularly for medicine or vocational courses). Make sure to speak professionally and positively – you’re essentially convincing them to consider you. Have your UCAS personal statement and notes in front of you to help answer questions.
Multiple calls and offers: You can call as many universities as you like in Clearing. You’re not limited to one at a time for enquiries. Jot down who you speak to and what they say. Some universities might give you a verbal offer over the phone or via email – meaning they’ll accept you if you later add them on UCAS. Others might say they’ll call you back, or invite you to an informal interview, or ask you to submit your grades on a web form. Treat any positive response as an opportunity, but remember that verbal offers are not binding until you add the choice on UCAS and the university formally accepts it. If a university makes an offer you’re happy with, they will usually send you an email with instructions to add them as a Clearing choice in UCAS Hub. You can only add one Clearing choice at a time in UCAS, so do this only when you are sure. If you add a Clearing choice and the university confirms it, it becomes your firm acceptance, and Clearing concludes for you. Do not add a university in UCAS Clearing unless you have been instructed or know they will accept you – adding randomly can lead to delays or rejections.
Stay organised and calm: Clearing can feel chaotic, but take it one step at a time. Make a list of target universities and courses and work through it systematically. If you’re on hold, use the time to send an inquiry email to another, or to double-check other vacancies. Keep your phone charged and consider having a second phone (or a friend/parent) to help call multiple places at once. Keep refreshing the UCAS vacancies search – new courses can appear later in the day if other students withdraw from their offers. Also, check your email frequently in case universities send confirmations or next steps.
Clearing for Medicine: For those seeking medical school places via Clearing, be aware that medicine Clearing is a special case. As noted, most medical schools fill all their seats in the main cycle, due to strict government caps on medical places. Only a few schools in some years have Clearing spots for standard entry medicine, and those spots are extremely limited and competitive. In 2022, for example, essentially no UK medical schools had Clearing vacancies. In 2023 and 2024 entry cycles, a handful of newer or less oversubscribed schools (such as Bangor, Brunel, Edge Hill, Kent & Medway, Aberdeen, Leeds, Newcastle, among a few others) opened up a small number of Clearing places. These opportunities were unpredictable and filled almost immediately once results came out. If you are eligible and determined to find a medical school in Clearing, you must act fast and be prepared: have a list of any medical schools that might be in Clearing (based on hints or previous years) and call them the moment results are out. By 9 AM on results day, it’s often the case that any med Clearing spots are either filled or in the process of being filled. For detailed guidance specific to this situation, see our guide on Medicine through UCAS Clearing 2025 for tips and a list of schools that have taken students through Clearing in recent years. The key takeaway: do try if you have the grades and no offers – but also be realistic and have a backup plan, since medicine Clearing is never guaranteed.
Other High-demand Courses: The same urgency applies to other competitive courses (like Veterinary or Dentistry, which rarely have Clearing spots). For more common courses, you have a bit more breathing room, but it’s still wise to move quickly on results day for the best choice.
Keep an open mind: If your exact course isn’t available, consider related subjects or a joint honours course. The UCAS Clearing site and advisers can help suggest alternatives. For instance, if you missed out on medicine, you might find courses in Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology, or other healthcare-related fields in Clearing that could be pathways to graduate-entry medicine later. Or, if your heart was set on a particular university, perhaps a similar course there is open in Clearing (you can sometimes switch course after the first year, or at least you’ll be at your university of choice). Weigh these options – what’s most important to you, the subject or the institution? There’s no one right answer, but be proactive in exploring options.
5. Considering a Gap Year or Reapplication
If you don’t secure a university place through your firm, insurance, or Clearing, it’s not the end of the road. Many students each year take a different route: a deliberate gap year to improve their application and reapply, or an alternative path such as a non-university training, apprenticeship, or a different career direction. This can actually be an empowering choice if handled well.
Reapplying to Medical School:
For medicine applicants in particular, a gap year followed by reapplication is a common scenario. Medical school is so competitive that roughly only 1 in 3 applicants get a place on their first try. In the 2024 application cycle, about 14% of applicants were reapplicants trying again after a previous attempt. Many eventually succeed on their second (or even third) try. Admissions tutors do not penalise reapplicants per se; in fact, taking time to strengthen your application can make you a more mature and prepared candidate. The Director of Admissions at Imperial College London has noted that a well-planned gap year is often beneficial to students and does not harm academic performance. In other words, if you use a year off constructively, it can actually enhance your chances of getting into medicine.
If you’re considering reapplying:
Identify weaknesses in your previous application: Maybe your grades fell short, your admission test score (UCAT) was low, or your interview skills or UCAS personal statement could improve. Pinpoint what needs work. You can even contact the medical schools you applied to and politely ask for feedback on why you were not accepted. Not all will provide details, but some might give hints (e.g. your interview score percentile). This information is gold for focusing your efforts.
Retakes and academics: If your A-level grades are the main issue, decide if you will resit exams. Many medical schools do accept applications from students who retake A-levels, though some place limitations (like only one resit per subject, or higher requirements for resit students). Research target schools’ policies on A-level resits. If you plan to resit, register for the exams and prepare to study hard to boost those grades. Alternatively, some students take an extra A-level or a different qualification to bolster their academic profile. However, be mindful that preparing for A-level resits while also potentially working or doing other activities can be challenging – make a schedule.
Entrance exams: You’ll likely need to take the UCAT (or BMAT, if applicable) again in the summer/autumn of your gap year. Register for these exams and give yourself plenty of time to practice. Many reapplicants find they do better the second time since they know what to expect. Use resources like question banks, courses, or even consider a tutor if needed.
Work experience and extracurriculars: A gap year is an opportunity to gain more relevant experience to strengthen your UCAS personal statement and interviews. Look for volunteering or work in healthcare settings. E.g. work as a healthcare assistant, volunteer in a hospital or care home, get involved in a community health project, or even a part-time job that develops your communication skills. Med schools value applicants who show commitment to caring roles and who have learned from real-world experiences. Also consider broadening your horizons: some students undertake research projects, others might do a short course (like a MOOC in a health topic), or even non-medical work/travel that develops you as a person. These can all become talking points in your application, demonstrating maturity and resilience.
Plan your reapplication strategy: With achieved grades (assuming you improve them) and more experience, you can often apply more strategically. Perhaps cast a wider net of medical schools, including some you didn’t try before. Look at admission stats and requirements to choose four medical programs that align with your profile (for example, some med schools place more weight on academics, others on admission test scores – apply where your strengths fit). You might also consider applying to a mix of standard 5-year courses and maybe a 6-year course with a foundation year if your circumstances allow, to increase your odds. Write a strong new personal statement reflecting on what you did in your gap year to grow and reaffirm your motivation for medicine. It’s also crucial to apply early – get your UCAS application in by the October deadline (for medicine) with plenty of time for your referees to write new references.
Stay productive and positive: A gap year can fly by. Besides application prep, do take some time for yourself and recharge. University (and indeed medical school) will be intense, so having a breather year can improve your readiness. Many students find their gap year transformative – you can develop independence, earn some money, learn new skills, and enter university more confident about your goals.
Alternative Plans: If you’ve decided that going to university immediately or reapplying isn’t for you, that’s okay too. There are other pathways:
Clearing in a different subject: Maybe after reflection, you realise another course or career might suit you better than medicine. Clearing could place you into courses like biomedical science, pharmacy, nursing, or allied health professions, which are still in the healthcare field. Or you might pivot completely and choose a different discipline that you enjoy and leads to a viable career. There’s no shame in changing direction if your interests or priorities have evolved. Just make sure it’s an informed choice, not a panicked reaction – talk to advisers, research the new course’s prospects, and ensure you meet any subject requirements.
Apprenticeships and Jobs: University is not the only route to success. You might consider higher apprenticeships or other training programs, especially if your results suggest an academic route isn’t the best fit right now. There are apprenticeship opportunities in many industries (including healthcare roles like lab technician, nursing associate, etc.), where you can earn and learn on the job. Or you might work for a year to gain experience and clarity, then potentially apply to university later with a stronger CV.
International or Alternative Programs: Some students look abroad if they missed out on UK courses. For instance, some UK students who don’t get into medicine here choose to study medicine in Europe or elsewhere (Ireland, Eastern Europe, etc.). This is a big step and has many implications (cost, language, accreditation), so do thorough research and consult official guidance if considering this. Another option can be graduate entry: pursue a different degree now and aim for graduate-entry medicine later. This path takes longer and isn’t guaranteed, but some find it appealing to have a first degree in another subject they’re passionate about.
Whatever you choose, remember that A-level results day setbacks are not insurmountable. Many successful doctors, professionals, and academics didn’t get into their first-choice program or university initially – they made the most of Plan B or tried again and succeeded. In the grand scheme of your career, one extra year or a detour can be a minor blip. As long as you stay determined and use your time wisely, you can achieve your goals.
Final Tips: Stay Calm and Seek Support
Emotional Rollercoaster:
Results day is a whirlwind of emotions – joy, relief, anxiety, disappointment, confusion – sometimes all of the above in the same morning. It’s important to stay as calm and clear-headed as possible, especially if you’re navigating complex processes like Clearing. Take deep breaths and approach each task step by step rather than letting the big picture overwhelm you. If you didn’t get the news you hoped for, it’s natural to feel upset. Allow yourself a moment to process those feelings, but do remember you have options and you are not alone. Thousands of students across the country are in the same boat, and many teachers and advisers are literally on standby to help on results day.
Use Your Support Network:
Don’t hesitate to talk to your teachers or careers advisers at school – they’ve been through this many times with other students and can offer calm, practical guidance. They can suggest courses in Clearing, help you get through to university contacts, or give perspective. Parents, guardians, or friends can also be a great support – whether it’s helping you dial phone numbers, looking up information online while you’re on calls, or just providing a reassuring presence. Sometimes, even just voicing your thoughts out loud to someone can help you weigh options more clearly.
Take Breaks and Look After Yourself:
In the frenzy of making calls and decisions, don’t forget basic self-care. Stay hydrated, eat something, and if you’ve been at it for hours, take a short break. A 10-minute walk or a quick chat with a friend can clear your mind and reduce stress. Remember that even in worst-case scenarios, there is always a way forward – it might be different from your original plan, but it exists. No single day’s outcome defines your entire future. Many students who face disappointment on results day go on to flourish in their eventual paths, sometimes realising it was a blessing in disguise that pushed them to explore a better-suited opportunity.
In Summary:
A-level results day is a significant milestone, marking the transition from school to the next chapter of your life. Whether your results are better than expected, exactly as hoped, or disappointing, there are avenues and support for every outcome. Celebrate your hard work and achievements, and remember that one day’s results do not define your entire future.
On A-level Results Day, be prepared for any result. If you achieved your goals – fantastic! If you fell short, know your alternatives (Clearing, gap year, etc.) and act swiftly. For medical school hopefuls, the road can be especially challenging, but perseverance is often key. Use authoritative resources (UCAS, university websites) for accurate information, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from professionals or trusted mentors. By the end of results day, you should have a clearer idea of your next step, whether it’s securing a university place this year or formulating a new plan for the future. Keep your head high – your ambition to become a doctor (or whatever your goal) isn’t over because of one challenging day. In fact, handling this day with resilience and determination is the first test of the many that life will throw at you.
Good luck to everyone receiving their A-level grades – and whatever happens, keep looking forward and embrace the opportunities ahead!
