Poor exam results not end of world, thanks to helpline

UCAS Exam Results Helpline helps those who didn’t get expected grades  London – Arab Today Students in Britain who didn’t get the exam results they were hoping for this summer can turn to a national helpline for advice. The telephone service, run by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), offers free, impartial guidance to students who are worried about whether they qualify for further or higher education courses.
British teenagers will receive their GCSE results this Thursday, after A-level students were given their grades last week.
The UCAS Exam Results Helpline is open for between Thursday 15th and Saturday 24th August for students who have taken A-level, GCSEs and equivalent exams. It has already supported almost 4000 students to choose their next steps after unexpected A-level results. Advice topics covered include continuing into further or higher education, or pursuing different routes such as vocational qualifications, taking a gap year or finding employment.
Nick Hynes, Exam Results Helpline adviser and a careers adviser with over 25 years\' experience, said: \"Last year, I spoke in-depth with a 16 year old student. Her year 11 had not gone to plan. She failed her GCSEs and both she and her family were distressed. Luckily, she thought to call the Exam Results Helpline.
\"By reflecting on her underlying strengths and her longer term career goals, we managed to find a bridging course at a local college. I supported her to contact the college, highlighting why she would be a good candidate for the course. She got in and started two weeks later!
\"Disappointing exam results are a setback but not a disaster,” he added.
“It\'s imperative that students have access to expert and impartial advice after unexpected results if they need it, to identify alternative ways of achieving their career goals. The Exam Results Helpline is open daily until Saturday 24th August so make that call!\"                          
The Exam Results Helpline can be reached on 0808 100 8000. Calls are free from landlines. Mobile network charges vary.