GCSE RESULTS DAY: I got bad grades - what do I do next?
So what are the options if the GCSE grades haven't come up to expectations?
First of all, don't panic.
If you have not done as well as expected, there is a lot that can be done in the next few weeks to influence the future - but you have to be prepared to start now.
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Hide AdFirst of all, look to others for emotional support. Mums, dads, friends and family and teachers can all offer help and support.
Few children go into an exam with the intention of sabotaging their chances, so you have to remember that didn't bring this on yourself on purpose.
The time to identify where you went wrong (not enough study, poor choice of subjects) is later - emotions will be raw today so this is not the best time to sit down and discuss.
This is the time to be practical and improve the situation as best as possible.
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Hide AdIf your have not done well in GCSEs it may affect the college you planned to go to to sit A Levels.
If grades are all well below what was expected, it may be time to sit down with your family and talk about other options other than university for the future.
That may mean taking more practical courses such as a Higher National Diploma or National Vocational Qualification, or looking at other education options or the world of work. And of course, you will also need to look at resitting exams with your school.
If the grades are only slightly below what was expected, the college may still take you so it's time to hit the phone. If it is just one grade below what is expected, depending on take up of the course, there may still be a chance of taking the courses you wanted.
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Hide AdMake as many of the phone calls yourself as possible, a willingness to try and shape your own educational future will count for a lot with many colleges and may tip the balance for you over another child whose mother made all the calls.
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