Everything you need to know about A Level results day 2024.

When is A Level results day 2024? What can you do with your A Level qualifications? Find out all the answers in this guide.

A Level Guide: Young Woman Celebrates

Results day 2024

All those long nights of studying are over – A Level results day is here.

What happens next is completely up to you, and how exciting is that? Before you enjoy a long, hot (probably rainy) British summer, it’s time to finally get your A Level results and decide how to start your dream career.

The secret to a calm mind in the run-up to results day is preparation, so we’ve put together everything you need to know in this guide.

When is A Level results day 2024?

This year, A Level results day is Thursday 15th August 2024. In Scotland, it’s Tuesday 6th August 2024.

You usually pick up your results from 9am on results day, but do check with your college or sixth form. Additionally, if you’ve applied for a higher education course via UCAS, you will be able to see your results online, often from about 7am (but don’t panic if they take longer to appear).

Apprenticeships vs University

How can you prepare for A Level results day?

It’s never too early to get ready for results day with these helpful tips.

Put your wellbeing first

Let’s face it, the big day is gonna be nerve-wracking. Just because you’re nervous doesn’t mean your health and wellbeing need to suffer on the run-up to results day. Here are a few tips to help you manage your mind beforehand:

  • Socialise: Spending time with friends and family will help you keep your mind off things. 
  • Keep your hobbies up: Whether it’s swimming, sewing or anything in between, continue doing the hobbies you love to boost your mood.
  • Get great rest: Practice good sleep hygiene to help you feel fresh and clear-headed on the morning of results day. 
  • Share your thoughts: It’s okay to be nervous – everyone is. Sharing with others will help you get those weird feelings off your chest. 

Pack your bag

If you decide to collect your results in person, here’s what you need to take with you:

  • Phone charger: How else will you call your friends to tell them the news?
  • Notepad and pen: You might need to take notes when you’re discussing options with your friends, teachers and universities over the phone. 
  • Your GCSE results: You might need these to hand if you are on the phone to Clearing (more on Clearing below).
  • UCAS Hub login details: If you’ve forgotten your password, reset it now!
  • UCAS Clearing number: You’ll be able to get this on the UCAS Hub. It will only be available if you get rejected from your first and insurance uni choices. 
  • University contact details and clearing phone numbers: Take the contact details of any universities you have applied to or received conditional offers from. 

Make sure you know all the details

If you want to get your results online, make sure you are prepared with:

  • A good internet connection: Sounds obvious, but it’s essential. 
  • Access to a computer: If you don’t have a computer at home, contact your school and arrange to use one of theirs. 
  • UCAS login details: Take a minute to double check your details. 
  • A private space: Getting your A Level results can be an emotional experience, whether you’re happy afterwards or not. You might want to take some time alone to process your feelings, so you could plan to open your results in a private space. 

What happens on A Level results day?

When you wake up, the first thing you’ll do is saunter downstairs, maybe make a coffee, scroll through Instagram… jokes. You’ll whip open your laptop faster than you can say “It’s go time!” Here’s what to do on A Level results day:

How to access your results if you didn’t apply to university 

If you haven’t applied for uni, you should collect your results in person. Make sure you know what time your school opens (usually 9am) and where to collect them. You will receive your results in an envelope. 

How to access your results if you applied to university

Open the UCAS Hub and log in. Remember that results are usually officially released online at 8am (but may be earlier/later). Alternatively, you can choose to collect your A Level results in person and check the UCAS Hub later to view your university offers.

On the UCAS Hub, you’ll see:

  • Your A Level grades.
  • Your university offers. 

What do your university offers mean?

  • Unconditional: Congratulations! The university has confirmed your place on the course – you’re in!
  • Unsuccessful: Unfortunately, you haven’t been accepted to your chosen universities. You can enter Clearing (read more below).
  • Unconditional Changed Course (UCC): You didn’t get the grades for your chosen course, so the uni has suggested another course instead. You have five days to accept and you can contact the uni about it at any time. 

What happens after A Level results day?

Here are a few scenarios that might happen on the day and what you can do. 

You got the results you hoped for

Nice work! You can now look forward to the university, job or apprenticeship you’ve got lined up, or start looking for your next venture. The placement provider will contact you about what to do next. 

You didn’t get the results you need

Missing out on your grades is disappointing, but it’s not the end of the world. There are loads of options and new paths you can take. 

Can you get a remark?

Speak to your subject teacher and see if they agree that a remark is the right way to go. They can help you start the process with your school, which will submit your remark request to Ofqual. Remember to inform your university, job or apprenticeship. Oh – and remember that your mark might also go down as well as up. 

Can you defer your university place?

Yep, most universities will allow you to defer your place. Make sure you contact them about this as soon as possible. 

You didn’t get the right grades for university – should you call Clearing?

Yes, you can call Clearing. Read on for more about Clearing

What is UCAS Clearing and how does it work?

If you’re not planning to go to university, this bit doesn’t apply to you. If you are, here’s what you need to know: universities use Clearing to fill all the spaces on their courses. UCAS Clearing is a service that you can apply for if:

  • You have the right grades but you don’t have a uni offer. 
  • You got rejected from your uni choices because your grades were too low. 
  • You were too late to apply for university. 
  • You aren’t happy with any of your uni offers/you declined the offers. 

How can you contact Clearing?

If you decide or need to use the Clearing service, you will be given a UCAS Clearing ID. Keep this to hand because you will contact Clearing over the phone, and they’ll ask for it.

What can you do with your A Level qualifications?

No matter what grades you get, there’s an exciting pathway that’ll lead to your dream career. So, what are you doing next?

University 

For a long time, uni was the ‘obvious’ choice for young people. Nowadays, it’s still a viable option, but other choices like apprenticeships give you more power to start your career without student debt. If you’re heading away from home for uni, it’s time to stock up on student cookbooks, new bedding and a load of Pot Noodles. 

Employment

You can get a headstart on earning cash by looking for employment after your A Levels. There are loads of jobs that you can apply for without a degree. Many offer extensive training and development opportunities to help you build the confidence and skills you need to enter the real world of work. 

Internship/Work Experience 

Not ready to dive into the world of work just yet? Or, not sure what career path you want to take? Test the waters with an internship or a work experience placement. While these placements are usually unpaid, they provide great experience in your chosen field and help you build connections.

Apprenticeships

Earn and save while you learn with an apprenticeship.

Want to combine the learning opportunities of university with the earning potential of a job? Look no further than an apprenticeship. You’ll spend 80% of your time in a work placement and 20% studying at a university or college. 

What qualification will you get with an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships work in levels. Depending on the level, you’ll get a more comprehensive and advanced qualification: 

  • Level 2 (intermediate): Equivalent to 5 GCSEs (grades 9-4). 
  • Level 3 (advanced): Equivalent to 2 A Levels.
  • Level 4 and 5 (higher): Equivalent to the first year/foundation year of an undergraduate degree.
  • Level 6 and 7 (degree): Equivalent to a full undergraduate or master’s degree. 

How much can you earn with an apprenticeship?

As of 2024 the minimum apprenticeship wage is £5.28 per hour, and on average degree apprentices earn £17,000-£20,000 per year.

It’s worth remembering that apprenticeships give you a huge opportunity to build your savings account and have some spare cash for holidays, hobbies and nights out. We found the top 5 highest paying apprenticeships for 2023 and the results are tempting – how does £23k starting salary sound?

How do you apply for an apprenticeship?

Here are a few places you can find the best apprenticeships in the UK:

Can you get a degree without going to university?

A Level 6 and 7 apprenticeship is equivalent to a full undergraduate or master’s degree. The best part? It’s all paid for – no student debt. Your employer will pay for your degree, and you will also get paid to complete your apprenticeship. Nowadays, university costs a massive £9,250/year plus expenses and living costs, so it’s no surprise that young people like you are choosing apprenticeships as a financially rewarding alternative. 

Degree apprenticeships usually last between 3-6 years, depending on the industry, level and employer. Plus, you’ll gain much more than just a degree via an apprenticeship – you’ll also get valuable on-the-job experience, opportunities to connect with professionals in your field and the chance to build up a strong portfolio. 

What industries offer apprenticeships?

Pretty much all of them! Browse our industry guides to discover the best apprenticeships on offer in beauty, the public sector, law and plenty of others. 

Can you go to university after your apprenticeship?

Yep, you don’t have to be straight out of sixth form/college to go to uni. In some cases, it’s actually a great idea to defer your place at university and spend a year or two gaining skills, knowledge and experience through a rewarding apprenticeship. Plus, you can save up some funds during your apprenticeship that will massively support your lifestyle when you head to uni. 

How to prepare for interviews after your A Levels

Tip: Ask your teacher, parent or guardian to do some practice interviews with you. 

Whatever you decide to do after your A Levels, one thing’s for sure: there will probably be an interview involved. Apprenticeships, university placements, jobs and internships are all fiercely competitive. The good news is that you still have a strong chance to stand out if you didn’t get top-notch grades in your A Levels. The interview stage isn’t about showcasing your academic results – it’s about showcasing your personality and why you’re the right choice for the placement. 

To give yourself the best possible chance of success, make sure you have thoroughly researched the role, course and/or company beforehand. Ask a teacher to help you think of a few hypothetical questions you might get asked and to do a few practice interviews with you. First impressions count, so make sure you arrive with plenty of time to spare and wear smart, professional clothing (it’s better to be over-dressed than under-dressed). If in doubt, wear suit trousers, a smart shirt… and, most importantly, a smile!

Here’s some homework

After you’ve read this guide, get prepared by checking that you can answer these questions:

  • Do I want to get my results online or in person?
  • What are my UCAS login details?
  • What time does my sixth form/college open, and where do I collect my results?
  • How do I contact Clearing?
  • What university, employment and apprenticeship options am I interested in? Can I list three options for each one?

A Level results day: Your future in your hands

The end of your A Levels signals the beginning of your adult life – it’s a big world out there, and now’s your time to explore it. If an apprenticeship feels like the right path for you, browse our industry and company guides to see what opportunities are hot off the press.

Parents Zone: What should parents do on A Level results day?

Let’s face it, your parents or guardians will be just as nervous as you are. Pass the screen over to the adults for this part, where we’ll show them exactly how they can support you on A level results day. 

Offering mental and emotional support 

Sixth form and College is complex enough for young people, without the added pressures of exams and grades. While many students will be happy with their results, those who aren’t will likely feel disappointment, embarrassment and even guilt. 

It’s important to give them time and space to process their grades before striking up any serious conversations about it. By the time their A levels are over, your child isn’t a child anymore – you’ll need to support them in navigating their own path rather than telling them what to do next. 

How to discuss options if your child doesn’t get the right grades

  • Speak to your college – Your tutor or subject teachers will be the best people to contact. 
  • Consider resit options – Resits aren’t always the best choice for students, as they may feel like they’re falling behind their friends. For this reason, discuss the viability of a resit with your child and their teachers. 
  • Contact university for Clearing – University Clearing is the process in which universities who still have capacity on their courses might opt to lower the required entrance grades. UCAS can guide you through the Clearing process, but in essence it involves contacting prospective universities to see if they are participating and for what courses/grades.
  • Research apprenticeships and T Levels – University is not the only path. In fact, if you have your heart set on earning a degree, you can now do this as part of a degree apprenticeship (while getting paid and accruing no university debt). Make sure you are prepared to discuss other options with your child by completing plenty of independent research on the different options they could take. Scroll to the top of this guide to explore all the info you need. 

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