Everything you need to know about BTEC results day 2023.
When is BTEC results day 2023? What are your options if you don’t get the grades you need? You’ll find the answers to these questions and more in our quick guide.
Results day 2023
The waiting is over – BTEC results day has arrived!
Today can be a day of joy, worry, or disappointment. At the very least, you know where you stand. And don’t worry if you didn’t get what you wanted. Although it may feel like it, it’s not the end of the world, and you still have options.
Whatever happens, we want you to be as prepared as possible. That’s why we compiled this short guide to help you navigate BTEC results day and what comes after.
Read on for all the information you need!
When is BTEC results day 2023?
Your BTEC results day will depend on the level of BTEC you studied. BTEC National Results Day in the UK is the same as A Level Results Day. This year, that falls on Thursday, 17 August 2023.
However, BTEC Firsts, Technicals and Tech Awards may have a different results day, one week later, on Thursday, 24 August 2023.
The date may sometimes also vary depending on your school or college. For example, if your course was primarily coursework, the results day may be earlier than for exam-based courses.
How do I collect my BTEC results?
Just as your school or college will remind you of results day, they will instruct you on the best way to collect your results.
It could be in person, via email, post, or an online system such as ResultsPlus Direct. Usually, results are available from 9 am on results days.
What to expect on BTEC results day
Depending on how you receive your results, you may be waiting in line or refreshing a screen. Either way, it’s a good idea not to be alone. If your grades aren’t what you hoped, it is better to have someone supportive close. And if you do achieve the grades you wanted, it’s more fun to celebrate with friends or family.
If you are collecting them in person, make sure you’re phone is charged so you can let your loved ones know when you open them.
If it’s online, make sure you have a good connection!
What are the possible BTEC grades?
For BTEC Nationals, you can receive up to three grades, depending on the level.
- Extended Diploma – three grades
- Diploma – two grades
- Extended Certificate – one grade
BTEC Level 1/2 Firsts are graded as follows:
- Level 1 Pass (L1)
- Level 2 Pass (P)
- Level 2 Merit (M)
- Level 2 Distinction (D)
BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Awards are graded as follows:
- Level 1 Pass (L1)
- Level 1 Merit (L1M)
- Level 1 Distinction (L1D)
- Level 2 Pass (L2P)
- Level 2 Merit (L2M)
- Level 2 Distinction (L2D)
BTEC Level 2 Technicals are graded as follows:
- Distinction (D)
- Merit (M)
- Pass (P)
BTEC Level 3 Nationals (teaching from 2014) BTEC (QCF) are graded as follows:
- Distinction (D)
- Merit (M)
- Pass (P)
- Near Pass (N)
If you fail to meet the criteria required for the lowest grade, you will get a U, which means ‘Unclassified’.
I’m not happy with my BTEC result. Can I appeal?
Firstly, take a deep breath and allow yourself to process the reality. No matter your grade, the situation isn’t as bad as you may think, and options are open to you. Apprenticeships, training programmes or paid employment may be a better next step for you.
If you wish to attend university but did not get the grade required, you can enter Clearing to see if a place opens up.
If you don’t think your grade is correct, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process will vary depending on the examination board. Your school, college or training provider will know the correct process and will be able to advise you.
What happens after BTEC results day?
Depending on your results, there are lots of avenues open to you.
University
There is a common misconception that you can’t go to university without completing your A Levels. This is not true. 99% of UK universities accept BTEC qualifications. You need to complete a Level 3 BTEC, as this is equivalent to A Levels.
Your BTEC grades are converted into points, which are added together to give you your overall score and determine your UCAS eligibility. For example, a pass in a National Extended Certificate will equal 16 points, A Merit 32, Distinction 48, and a starred distinction is equivalent to 56 points.
Higher Level BTECS
You can also choose to undertake a higher level BTEC to earn a higher qualification and open up higher-earning jobs or a place at university.
Other options
- Paid employment
- Apprenticeships
- Work experience
- Traineeships
- Taking a year out (gap year) to travel or volunteer
Good luck!
What to do after my BTEC?
Parents Zone: What should parents do on BTEC results day?
If you are reading this page on behalf of your child, this next section will be particularly relevant to you. If not, pass the screen to your parent or legal guardian so they can get some tips on how best to support you on BTEC results day.
Providing mental and emotional support
This is your main job in the run-up to and aftermath of results day. It is important that you neither downplay nor exaggerate the importance of your child’s BTEC results.
Letting them know that you are proud of them and the person they are becoming can go some way to taking the pressure of what can seem like all-important results.
It can be difficult to swallow our disappointment when our child isn’t reaching their full potential. But they will probably be feeling bad enough. The last thing they need is to carry your disappointment too.
Low grades can produce feelings of embarrassment, disappointment and guilt. Your child may feel like they have let everyone down by not doing as well as their friends.
They should know they can come to you with any concerns and speak freely about their worries without feeling judged.
If your child deals with mental health issues, results day can be a trigger, so be extra vigilant about any medications or therapy sessions your child attends.
At the same time, try to give your child time and space to process the results and come to terms with their feelings about them.
It’s tempting to immediately offer up practical suggestions to rectify the situation. But this kind of information can be overwhelming if delivered too quickly after a major disappointment.
How to discuss options if your child doesn’t get the right grades
When your child is ready to discuss their next steps:
- It can be helpful to speak with your teacher or tutor
- Consider resitting – but only if you feel it is right for you. Be aware you will need to wait for the next set of exams to resit and may need to repeat modules
- Look into Clearing – UCAS is in charge of the clearing process which may be able to match you with a suitable university
- Consider the other options outlined above – university isn’t for everybody, and your child could have a very successful career by following an alternative route
