August is a huge month for students across the country — after hours of revision, late-night cramming, and the stress of exam season there can be a lot of pressure placed upon results day.

Whether you’re waiting to hear if the results are the ones you wanted, or simply wondering what to do next, it can be an anxious time for you, your families and carers. We get that, and it’s completely normal to feel that way.

If you’ve got the results you wanted, congratulations. Maybe your next step is college, university, or starting an apprenticeship. If things didn’t turn out the way you hoped, or you’re still trying to figure things out, try not to worry.

Because here’s the thing: there’s no one “right” route to success. Your path is yours, and that’s what makes it exciting, no matter which direction you choose next.

So, no matter what happens on results day — whether it’s A-Level results on the 14th or GCSE results on the 21st — remember you’ve got loads of options and there’s tonnes of support available to make your next step the right one for you.

Exam Stress

student gather in a semi circle. text reds You aren't alone. talk about how you're feeling

If the thought of results day has left your insides in knots, you certainly aren’t alone. This is completely normal, especially as the day draws closer or you take time to make sense of your results.

We all handle stress differently. So, if you’re anxious about your results, it can be easy to feel you are alone or your world is spinning out of your control.

Speak to someone

One great tip is to talk about how you’re feeling. Don’t bottle your thoughts, tell a family member, or even get your feelings down in a journal. Or why not speak with a friend or fellow student? Chances are, if you talk to someone else who’s waiting for (or just received) their results, you’ll find you’re not alone in your nerves.

If you would like to talk to someone in confidence, text Sussex Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust with the word ‘Sussex’ to 85258 to start a conversation with a mental health professional.

Don’t forget, you can always speak to your school, sixth form or college careers teams for support.

Other ways to minimise the stress and anxiety of the day are:

  • plan ahead – make sure you are organised, such as knowing where you need to go and what steps to take if you don’t get the results you wanted
  • rest up – this can be hard, especially if you’re worried. But a good sleep can put you at ease and in a more positive frame of mind. Try these healthy sleep tips from The Sleep Foundation.

On results day

  • don’t go alone – consider going with a supportive family member, or someone who is a source of support, advice, and hopefully celebration.
  • don’t compete – Remember: you worked hard for your grades, and we all learn differently. If your friends got higher grades than you – it does not make your achievements any less impressive!

After results day

  • got the results you want? – congratulations, celebrate your hard work, but remember some people may not be in a similar mood. Be aware and compassionate if others are upset or need some space.
  • didn’t go so well? – firstly, don’t panic! There’s lots of option available to you. See below for details of organisations that can support you while you make sense of what to do next.

If you are struggling with your mental health after getting your results, there are resources on the East Sussex County Council website, or read our article on mental health tools for young people.

You’ve got options – your next step

signpost with optin 1,2,3 on it. text reads you've got option. your future is full of potential

If you feel anxious after receiving your results, try to remember that whatever they were this isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of the next chapter of your life.

This might not feel like an easy thing to understand now, but your future is still full of potential. You’ve loads of options and choices that will make your future as bright as you want it to be.

The following can help you make sense of those choices, and help you figure things out, whether that’s continuing the path you’ve chosen or finding a new one that’s suitable for you.

Careers East Sussex

If you’re a young person about to leave education, Careers East Sussex offers information on ways to continue your education or training. This includes your options for full-time study, apprenticeships, T-Levels and employment.

Depending on your grades and interests, the service can guide you on the next step of your career path.

National Careers Service

If you’re based in England, you can contact the National Careers Service whatever your results.

You can speak to a professional careers adviser for free and impartial information and advice via a webchat, or by calling the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900. The service is open weekdays 8am-8pm and from 10am-5pm on Saturdays and Bank Holidays. Calls are free from landlines and most mobiles.

Youth employment Service (YES)

If you are aged 16 or 17 and need support with your options for September please call The East Sussex Youth Employability Service on 01323 368390 or email YESEastSussex@cxk.org. The service can offer support on education, employment and training options.

Get Career Confident

This service provides careers information, advice and guidance to young people, their parents and carers.

It’s delivered through a mix of face-to-face careers advice, specially-developed lesson materials for teachers, and an innovative social media content strategy.

There’s a video recording of the service’s ‘What Next Sussex’ event. It includes loads of useful advice for young people (and the teachers, parents and carers supporting them) about choosing what to do after GCSEs.