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What to Do After Getting Your A-Level Results (2025)

  • Writer: Excellence Online Academy
    Excellence Online Academy
  • Aug 14
  • 14 min read

Image: Congratulations on your A-level results! Now let’s plan your next steps.
Image: Congratulations on your A-level results! Now let’s plan your next steps.































Receiving your A-level results is a huge milestone – congratulations on getting through it! Whether you’re ecstatic about your grades or feeling a bit disappointed, it’s important to know what to do next. This guide will walk you through the steps to take after results day. We’ll cover everything from understanding your results to exploring alternative paths. Each section provides clear advice and links to trusted resources so you can take action or learn more. Let’s jump in:


1. Checking and Understanding Your Results

1.1 Collect your results and interpret them carefully. 

On results day, pick up your results slip from your school or college (or open your results email) and see how you did in each subject. Then, if you’ve applied to universities, log in to your UCAS Hub to check your application status. UCAS Hub will show whether your university offers have been confirmed – it won’t list your grades, but it will tell you if you’ve been accepted or not. For example, if you met the conditions of a conditional offer, your status may update to an unconditional place confirmed.




1.2 Understand what your grades mean for your plans.

Compare your A-level grades to the entry requirements of any university offer you held. If you attained the grades (or UCAS Tariff points) needed for your firm choice university, congrats – you’re in! If you missed your firm offer but met your insurance choice offer, you should have a place at your insurance university. (Your UCAS Hub will indicate if you’ve been placed at your insurance choice.) If you didn’t meet the conditions for either, don’t panic – you’ll automatically become eligible for Clearing, which we’ll explain in Section 3.




1.3 Ask for help if anything is unclear.

If any result is unexpectedly low or something seems wrong (for instance, a grade is missing), talk to your teachers or exams officer as soon as possible. They can help you understand your mark breakdown and advise on next steps like a re-mark or appeal (more on appeals in Section 3). Remember, support is available – staff at your school or college are usually on hand during results period to answer questions and guide you on what to do next. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a careers adviser or tutor if you’re unsure how to interpret your results.





2. If You Got the Grades You Needed (Accepting Your Offer)

2.1 Celebrate and confirm your place.

If you achieved the grades for your firm university offer (or your insurance offer, if that becomes relevant), take a moment to congratulate yourself. This is a fantastic accomplishment! Your university place should be automatically confirmed on UCAS – your UCAS Hub status will show that you’ve been accepted, and you’ll get a notification when your place is confirmed. In most cases, you don’t need to formally “accept” again because you already did so when you chose your firm and insurance offers. The university will now update your offer to unconditional.


2.2 Follow the university’s instructions.

After your place is confirmed, your chosen uni will send you details of what to do next (by email or via a student portal). This typically includes information on how to register or enroll, accommodation options, welcome events, and any paperwork (like providing proof of grades or ID). Keep an eye on your email (and junk folder) for this information, and complete any required steps by the deadlines given. It’s also a good idea to update your student finance application (if applicable) with your confirmed university and course details.


2.3 Prepare for the next chapter.

Now that you’re officially in, you can focus on practical arrangements for university life. For example, sort out accommodation if you haven’t already – universities often have guides on campus halls vs. private housing. Ensure your funding and budgeting are in order (check out the student finance guidance on gov.uk and scholarships or bursaries if relevant). You might also join university social media groups for new students, so you can meet classmates. Enjoy this moment and get excited for your next step in education!


Tip: If you got better grades than expected and are curious about other opportunities, you could consider “trading up” via Clearing. This means, if you wanted, you can decline your confirmed place and apply to a different course or university with your higher grades. Think carefully and get advice before doing this – only do it if you have another offer in mind, because once you decline your firm place, it’s gone.


3. If You Didn’t Get the Grades You Needed (Clearing, Appeals & Alternatives)

3.1 Don’t panic – there are plenty of options if you missed your required grades.

Many students who don’t meet their offer conditions still find a happy outcome through processes like Clearing or by considering alternative paths. Take a deep breath and let’s explore your next steps:


  • Check for a “changed course offer” from your university. Sometimes universities still want to accept you even if you missed the exact grades, but perhaps for a different but related course or a foundation year. Log in to UCAS Hub and see if you have an offer with a different course than you applied for – this is called a changed course offer (or an “alternative offer”). For example, if your offer was for a BSc but you fell short, the uni might offer you a place on a similar course or the same course with a foundation year. If you get a changed course offer and you like it, you can accept it on UCAS Hub and you’re all set. If you don’t want it, you can decline it – in that case, you can go to your insurance choice (if you have one and they accept you) or enter Clearing.



  • Consider appealing your grades (review of marking). If you feel strongly that an exam grade is wrong – for example, if it’s much lower than your performance in class or predicted grades – you have the right to ask for a review or appeal. Start by talking to your school or college about a review of marking. They can request your exam board to re-check the marking of your papers. Keep in mind there may be a fee if your grade doesn’t change, so get advice on whether an appeal is worth it. After a review, if you still believe there’s an error, your school can formally appeal to the exam board on your behalf. Remember that grades can go up or down on appeal, so discuss the risks. Deadlines are tight (often within a couple of weeks of results), so act quickly if you plan to appeal. For official guidance on the appeals process, check the gov.uk page on reviewing AS/A level grades. While an appeal is underway, you could still explore other options like Clearing or retakes, rather than waiting idle.


  • Talk to someone and stay positive. Missing out on your offer can be upsetting, but you’re not alone and it’s not the end of your education journey. Get support from a careers adviser or teacher – they’ve guided many students through this and can help you figure out a plan. Also, consider that universities sometimes accept near-misses; if you were only one grade off, it’s worth calling the university to ask if they might still take you – you have nothing to lose by politely enquiring. Above all, remember there are many paths to success. Which leads to…


4. Retaking A-Levels (How to Arrange a Resit)

If you didn’t get the grades you wanted and you’re determined to improve them, retaking your A-levels is an option. Many students resit exams and find success the second time around. Here’s what to know:


  • You’ll usually take A-level resits the following year. A-level exams are typically offered once per year (in the summer). This means if you plan to retake, you’ll likely sit the exams next May/June. (GCSE English and Maths have some autumn retakes, but A-level subjects generally don’t.) So, you’ll have time to prepare for the next exam season.


  • Arrange the resit through a school or exam centre. Contact your school or college if you want to retake an exam. They can often handle your registration for next year’s exams. If you’ve graduated or can’t return to your old school, you can register as a private candidate at another local school or an exam centre – the exams officer at your former school can advise how. Be mindful of entry deadlines (usually early in the new year for summer exams).


  • Costs and practical details. In some cases, retaking at your old school might be free or discounted, especially if you were just one grade below a key threshold. However, some schools charge exam entry fees for retake students, and private exam centres will charge per exam. Check with your exam centre about fees and payment timelines. You’ll also need to decide whether to self-study for the retake or enroll in classes (some colleges offer A-level evening courses or one-year intensive programs for retakers).


  • Prepare a strategy for improvement. Simply sitting the exam again isn’t enough – make a plan for how you’ll boost your performance. Identify which areas or papers you struggled with and focus on those. You might use new revision resources, get a tutor, or lean on online materials. Also, confirm that the syllabus/topics haven’t changed for next year. A bonus: if you’re retaking during a gap year (see Section 6), you can also use that year for other enriching experiences alongside studying.


  • Consider university implications. Most universities accept A-level resits, especially if you achieve the needed grades the second time. However, a few very competitive courses (like medicine or top universities) may have specific policies on resit applicants. It’s worth researching or calling the admissions offices of any uni you plan to apply/reapply to, just to be sure. Generally, improving your grades via a retake can only strengthen your future applications, so don’t be discouraged from doing so if it’s the right path for you.


5. Exploring Apprenticeships and Vocational Alternatives

University is just one route – apprenticeships, traineeships, or other courses can be excellent alternatives, leading to rewarding careers. If your results or interests are pointing you away from full-time uni, consider these options:


  • What’s an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a program where you work a paid job while training and studying for a qualification. In other words, apprenticeships combine practical on-the-job training with study. You’ll have an employer and earn a wage, and typically one day a week or 20% of your time is set aside for study (either at a college or via online learning related to your field). Apprenticeships come in various levels – some are equivalent to A-level (called Advanced Apprenticeships), and others go up to Foundation Degree or even Bachelor’s degree level (Higher and Degree Apprenticeships). They usually last 1 to 4 years depending on the level (see levels of apprenticeships here).


  • Why consider an apprenticeship? If you’re eager to start working and gain real-world experience and you want to keep learning, an apprenticeship offers the best of both. You’ll finish with practical skills, a network in the industry, and a recognized qualification – all without the full-time university debt. There are apprenticeships in a huge range of fields, from engineering, IT and finance to creative industries, healthcare, and more. Some even include a degree (for example, Degree Apprenticeships in subjects like Digital Technology, Nursing, or Chartered Management).


  • How to find apprenticeship opportunities: In the UK, the government runs an official apprenticeship search platform. You can search and apply for apprenticeships on the gov.uk “Find an apprenticeship” service. This website lets you filter by industry, location, and level. It’s updated with vacancies year-round, and you can often apply right after finishing school (many start in September, but opportunities pop up anytime). Another resource is the UCAS career finder or National Apprenticeship Service which provides info on apprenticeships nationwide. When applying, you’ll typically need a CV and to perhaps attend an interview – use the same effort you would for a job application. Check out the National Careers Service pages on apprenticeships for tips and to see if this path might suit you.


    (Resource: For an overview of how apprenticeships work, see the gov.uk guide on becoming an apprentice gov.uk, and to search current openings, visit the official apprenticeship vacancies site gov.uk.)


6. Considering a Gap Year (and Making It Productive)

Taking a gap year – a year off from formal education – is a common choice for students who want to pause and plan their next step. Remember, a gap year is not just a year “off”. When done right, it’s “a way to develop yourself and your skills before your next step. Here’s how to make the most of it:

  • Why take a gap year? You might take a gap year if you want to rethink your goals, gain new experiences, or simply have a break after the intensity of A-levels. A well-structured gap year can make you more mature, focused, and motivated when you do start university or a career. It can also strengthen your CV or personal statement. Some advantages highlighted by advisors include having time to consider your career plans, travel and experience new cultures, save money by working, and pick up skills you wouldn’t in a classroom.


  • Productive gap year ideas: There are many ways to ensure your gap year is enriching:

    • Work a job or internship: Earning money and getting work experience is hugely valuable. Whether it’s a part-time retail job or a relevant internship in an industry you’re interested in, work experience builds skills (communication, responsibility) and savings for uni.

    • Volunteer or do community work: Volunteering, either locally or abroad, can help you develop skills and contribute to a good cause. For example, you could volunteer with a charity, school, or environmental project. This shows initiative and looks great to future unis/employers.

    • Travel (if feasible): Traveling during a gap year can broaden your horizons, improve independence, and maybe even help you learn a new language. If budget is a concern, consider work-and-travel programs or teaching English abroad which often fund your stay.

    • Learn something new: Use the time to pick up a new skill or qualification. You could learn to code, take an online course (many free ones available), improve your language skills, or even pursue a hobby seriously. These endeavors can be both fulfilling and useful for your future.

    • Plan for your next step: Importantly, if you’re taking a gap year with the intention to go to uni after, use the time to research courses or reapply. If you’re retaking exams, dedicate enough time to study (perhaps alongside the activities above). Keep track of university application deadlines – many students apply to university during their gap year for the next intake. If you already have a deferred university place for next year, stay in touch with the uni and meet any requirements they set (like obtaining certain grades in your retakes or just confirming you still intend to enroll).


  • Deferring or reapplying: If you got a university offer but want to take a gap year, see if you can defer your entry. Many universities will allow you to start a year later – you usually just need to contact them and request a deferral (or there may have been an option to apply deferred). If you didn’t apply anywhere yet or didn’t get a place, you can apply in the next UCAS cycle during your gap year. Either way, plan ahead so your gap year activities and uni/career plans line up smoothly.


  • Stay organized: It helps to set some goals or a loose schedule for your gap year so that time doesn’t slip away. Note down a plan (e.g., “Sept-Dec: work and save money; Jan-Mar: travel; Apr-Jun: volunteer locally + prepare uni application”) – it doesn’t have to be rigid, but it gives you direction. Also, keep your CV updated with any new experiences, and be ready to explain in applications what you gained from your year out. Universities and employers will be impressed if you can show you used your gap year wisely.


Remember, a gap year can be truly life-changing. As one official source says: it’s an opportunity to become more independent, learn new skills, and come back to studies or work with a fresh perspective. If you plan it well, you’ll end your gap year with great memories and a stronger sense of purpose.


Resource: Check out the National Careers Service’s gap year advice page for ideas on gap year activities and benefits.


7. Guidance for International Students (with UK A-Levels)

This section is for international students (including those from the EU or overseas) who have taken UK A-levels, either in the UK or abroad. The steps above largely apply to you as well, but there are a few extra considerations:


7.1 Applying to UK universities – same process, but mind the visa.

If you as an international student are looking to attend a UK university, you will use UCAS and Clearing just like UK students do. International students can use Clearing in the same way as home students – there is no separate process. So if you didn’t get your expected grades, you can absolutely ring up universities through Clearing and find a course; universities will be happy to hear from qualified international applicants too. The main difference comes after you secure a place: you’ll need to handle student visa arrangements. Most international students require a Tier 4 (Student) visa to study in the UK, which you can only apply for once you have an unconditional offer and a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the university. It typically takes a few weeks to get a visa, so factor that time in – apply for your visa as soon as you receive your CAS and follow the university’s guidance on visa documents. Also, if English isn’t your first language, check if you need to provide an English proficiency test (like IELTS); many international A-level students will already meet this, but it’s something to confirm.


7.2 Considering universities outside the UK.

One advantage of having A-level qualifications is that they are internationally recognized – accepted by universities around the world. If studying in the UK doesn’t pan out or you prefer to look elsewhere, you can use your A-level results to apply to universities in other countries. Research the countries or specific universities you’re interested in: admission procedures and timelines vary. Some countries in Europe have application deadlines later in the summer or even in early autumn for courses starting the same year, so you might still be on time. Others (like the US or Canada) have their intakes on a different schedule (e.g., applications in the winter to start the following fall). You may even find that your A-level grades qualify you directly for universities back home or abroad without needing foundation courses. Check with the admissions offices of any international universities you’re considering – they can tell you how to apply with your A-levels. The British Council and other educational organizations often have guides for using UK qualifications abroad. For instance, the British Council notes that A-levels can help you get a place at universities at home or abroad because they’re well respected and understood by institutions globally.


7.3 Plan your next steps, wherever they may be.

If you’re an international student who got the grades for a UK university offer – congratulations! The process forward (accepting your offer, etc.) is the same as described in Section 2, just with the added step of sorting your visa. If you didn’t get the grades, you have choices: you can try Clearing for other UK courses, or you might choose to apply to a university in a different country that might accept you with the grades you have (or even take a gap year to improve results and apply again). Make sure to utilize resources available to you: many schools have international advisors, and UCAS has an International Students FAQ and guidance section to help with common questions about studying in the UK. If you’re already abroad now, remember to account for time zones and communication methods on results day – UCAS Hub will update online, and universities can usually be emailed or called internationally for Clearing discussions (some may even have international freephone numbers or chat services).


Finally, as an international student, you’ve managed the challenging feat of completing A-levels – often far from home or in a different education system. That’s an achievement on its own. Whatever you decide next, whether in the UK or another country, know that your A-level qualifications are a strong foundation for university-level study worldwide. Take pride in what you’ve accomplished and make the choice that’s right for your future.

Good luck, and remember: no matter what your results are, there’s a path forward for you. This is just the beginning of a new chapter. Celebrate your hard work, seek guidance when you need it, and embrace the opportunities ahead! 🎉👏



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