FOR many students in Wokingham borough, 11 years of education will be reaching a turning point tomorrow when GCSE exam results are published.

Thousands of teenagers across the country will be nervously awaiting the results of their summer exams, with many facing some very big decisions on their future.

Many students will continue into further education at sixth form or college, others will take up an apprenticeship to earn while they learn, and some will take a leap into full-time employment.

It can be a very nerve-racking time for youngsters, but the Association of Colleges has put together these helpful tips on how to cope with GCSE Results Day.

Confirm your place: once you’ve received those all-important results, make sure you contact the college or training provider where you want to study to confirm your place.

Seek out advice: if you haven’t quite got the grades you wanted, don’t panic! Talk to your school or local college and ask for advice about all the options out there – there will be a course or training programme that is right for you.

Consider all the options: once you’ve asked advice about the options, the choice is yours. At college you could take a technical or professional qualification, which may lead directly to the career you are interested in. Colleges offer technical and applied qualifications, such as BTECs, as well as A Levels at Level 3 and qualifications at other levels to meet your individual needs.

Research apprenticeships: apprenticeships are a great way to earn and learn. Many local and national companies now offer apprenticeships. Colleges can help you find the right one for you and you can search for apprenticeships at www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. You will work and earn while spending time learning your trade at college too.

GCSE English and maths: If you didn’t achieve a grade C or above in GCSE English and maths, you will retake these subjects alongside any other qualifications you do. Colleges will be able to support you through this.

Understanding the levels language: After GCSEs, it seems as if there is a whole new language to learn about qualifications. If you know what they all mean then you’ll be able to understand what you might want to do next:
- Levels:
  - Entry level – suitable for students who have gained no GCSEs
  - Level 1 – equivalent to at least four GCSEs below grade C
  - Level 2 – equivalent to at least four GCSEs at grade C or above
  - Level 3 – equivalent to two or three A Levels (depending on size)
- You may be offered a 16-18 study programme and this includes:
  - a technical or professional qualification or A Levels
  - employability skills, such as work experience, CV writing and preparation for interviews
  - English and maths, if you do not have a grade C or above in these subjects.

And finally, don’t get disheartened. Whether you have received the grades you wanted or not there is something out there that is right for you and will help to get you on your chosen career path. Keep calm, look at all your options, do your research and get as much advice as you can.