GCSE Results Day is a key moment in the calendar for students, parents and teachers as the culmination of years of hard work is revealed. These exams will decide the future of many young people, with admissions to colleges or apprenticeships often hinging on these grades. What’s more, after several years of disruption caused by the pandemic, this year’s results day should return entirely to normal.
GCSE results will be released to schools on Wednesday 23 August, with students allowed to collect the following day on Thursday 24 August 2023. This usually starts from around 8am, but double-check as specific timings often depend on your school. If you’re expecting to be on holiday, asking in advance for results to be emailed to you is generally the best option.
As for the day before, it’s important to remind yourself that you’ve worked hard and that will show in your results. Deciding who to take with you and where you’ll open your envelope might help calm your nerves too. It's best to be somewhere at school, so you can get advice from your teachers if you need it - but you can always take them home if you prefer. We'd recommend keeping any acceptance letters and the relevant contact details for the sixth forms or colleges you’re interested in attending on hand in order to confirm acceptance - so remember to take those in the morning. Otherwise, try to keep your mind off of things by spending time with family or friends, or maybe reading a book or listening to some music on your own.
When you open your results, GCSE English and maths are the qualifications to look out for first, as most schools request a minimum grade of 4 in both if you want to study at a higher level. If you miss the requirements of your preferred sixth form or college (especially if it's by a narrow margin) the first thing to do is to speak to the head of the school you've applied for. You might want to consider applying for a marking review (the deadline is Friday 28 September), but it’s best to talk to your parents, guardians and teachers before making any quick decisions.
People often find one or two subjects where their grades have slipped a little. If that happens to you, focus on the positive grades you've got. English and maths aside, having a couple of lower GCSE grades is highly unlikely to restrict you in the future. As long as you get into the courses and sixth form of your choice, you're all set. Here at Head of the Class, we know you have what it takes - so don’t stress, and good luck!
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