GCSE results day falls on Thursday, August 20, when hundreds of thousands of teenagers will discover their grades after sitting exams earlier this summer.
Students will normally collect results from school, although arrangements differ. This year, they can also access grades through the Education Record app, following a trial involving 95,000 pupils in Manchester and the West Midlands last summer. The app provides a digital record for future use when applying for further education or jobs.
What time are GCSE results released?
GCSE results can be released to students from 8am on Thursday, although the exact time pupils receive their grades will depend on their school. Individual schools set their own collection arrangements and will tell students what time they should arrive.
Collection times can therefore differ, so pupils should check information provided by their teachers rather than relying on another school's timetable. Students collecting their grades in person will usually also be told which classroom or other part of the school they need to go to. Those accessing their grades digitally should follow the instructions provided for the Education Record app.
What happens if you're on holiday on GCSE results day?
Students who are on holiday, ill or otherwise unable to travel to school can usually arrange in advance to receive their results by email or post. Emails will normally arrive on results day itself, while grades sent through the post could take longer to reach pupils.
Arrangements vary between schools, meaning anyone expecting to be away should speak to their teachers beforehand and establish how they will receive their results. If plans change unexpectedly and nothing has been arranged, pupils should contact their school on results day to explain the situation and find out what options are available.
Students may also be able to nominate somebody else to collect their results, although that person will usually need a signed letter and photo ID. Pupils should check their school's requirements in advance if they intend to have somebody collect their grades on their behalf.
What should I do after getting my GCSE results?
What happens next will depend on the grades a pupil receives and their plans for further education, training or employment. Students who are unhappy with a result can speak to their school about the options available, rather than simply accepting the grade.
Results-day grades are provisional, so pupils may be able to request a review of marking or a clerical check if they believe an error has been made. Those taking vocational qualifications such as V Certs, BTEC Tech Awards or KS4 City & Guilds Technical Awards should contact their tutor or course leader with any questions.
They will be able to advise students about their results and possible next steps, with further guidance also available directly from individual exam boards. Anyone concerned about their grades or what they mean for their future plans can also speak to a teacher, parent, guardian or another trusted adult for advice.
