GCSE Results Day is almost here. It's an anxious time for teenagers waiting to hear how they've got on and their parents too. Here are our top tips to help reduce the stress.

The key to getting through this stressful time is to be prepared for any eventuality, so follow the tips below before, on and after results day:

Before the day

• Keep results day and the following days free
• Make sure you know the arrangements for getting your results
• Get contact phone numbers to hand
• Research all your options so that you have a back up plan
• Try not to worry - whatever the day brings there are always other options

On the day

• Take action if you haven’t got the grades you expected
• Have an offer of a job or apprenticeship? Contact the employer to negotiate your offer as they may still accept you
• Planning to go to sixth form? Discuss your options with the Head of sixth form as soon as possible
• Applied to college? Contact them immediately as they may offer you an alternative course. It is disappointing if your heart is set on something but there may be another course which you have not considered at a lower entry level ie, Level 2 rather than Level 3; this way you can work your way up
• Consider other options such as an apprenticeship. There is a wide range of interesting apprenticeships available to school leavers if you decide you want to enter the workplace. Find opportunities at www.getingofar.gov.uk and Milkround
• Get advice from school staff and your school’s careers adviser on the day or call us on 0118 402 7050 to arrange to see an adviser
• Remember, if you do not pass English or maths GCSE you will have a chance to retake them, whether you go to sixth form, college or do an apprenticeship. Your education provider will help you to pass as part of your next qualification, so dont worry.

After the day

• If you need to change plans and don't know where to start, seek advice from school staff, your school careers adviser or Adviza
• Adviza is offering a drop-in service in Reading and Slough for students getting results
• We offer a range of services to support you, both free and costed, including one-to-one guidance sessions and assessments. Find out if you qualify for a free service through our bursary scheme

Good luck!

Adapted from a blog published in August 2017