If you're reading this, it's because results day didn't go as you may have planned or as well as hoped for. First of all do not worry in the slightest and stay calm, there are so many opportunities out there ready for you to grab. You didn’t fail you are simply redirected to a path that you may even enjoy more! It may not feel like it now but it is an exciting time of your life.
You're not alone in how you’re feeling, in fact, 1 in 3 A-level students don't get at least one grade they require for the course they wanted.
Remind yourself of the positives, you have created some amazing memories at college/sixth form and maybe earned achievements or milestones in your hobbies.
So now you are wondering “what are my options?”
1. Apply for an apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a full time job(yes paid!) whilst also learning for 20% of your working hours. Best of both worlds right! You can still earn a degree this way- just look for level 6 apprenticeships. In addition there are levels 3-5 for courses that will be a course through a training provided that is trusted by the employer and accredited by a professional body. Get a head start on your peers by gaining invaluable work experience and building a exciting career without the need to go to uni full time and without paying that hefty tuition fee.
There are many apprenticeships open right now on the Not going To Uni website.
2. Take a gap year
Take a well deserved breather from all that hard work from years of school. A gap year is when you have a break from education and spend your time doing something you enjoy and is beneficial to your personal development. This could be volunteering in the U.K. or abroad, travelling the world or trying out different jobs. Gap years help you grow and discover yourself, they give you time to evaluate your future or find a passion along the way.
3. Follow a passion and start a business
If you have a hobby that you are really passionate about, you could evolve this in to your very own business. Enjoy baking? Start a online bake shop. Skilled at photography? Capture events. Enjoy playing the violin? Play for weddings or even on cruise ships.
4. Vocational courses at higher education colleges
Vocational courses is a short, intensive course you can take to improve your skills or learn something new. You can find courses in business, IT, creative, construction, health and social care, to name a few. Search for these at your local colleges.
5. Online courses
This can be websites such as Udemy or Coursera that allow you to earn certificates without prior experience which will help you gain business knowledge or technical skills. This gives you the extra edge on your CV showing employers or unis that you are passionate about learning new things which is important for entry level jobs.
It is important to remember that the results you receive on results day do not define you and it certainly doesn’t end your educational journey.
There are many options available for you, so please do not feel bad about having missed out on a conditional offer.
When one door closes many more open, this is just the beginning of your next chapter!
