GCSE Results - what next?

With the latest GCSE results now released, around 5,900 young people in Buckinghamshire will soon learn whether or not they have achieved their desired grades.

If you are celebrating because your results are better than expected or concerned because they are not quite what you had hoped for, help is at hand to guide your next steps.

"A hiccup in exam results need not spell 'disaster' for young people, says Pauline Risk, Communications Manager for Connexions, the Buckinghamshire careers and training advice organisation.

"Whatever the exam grades, the Connexions team are here with advice and support to help those whose results are higher or lower than expected, and also for those who don't yet have final plans."

This year, year 11 leavers collecting their GCSE results are part of the first year who must remain in learning until aged 17 (end of school year), as part of the 'raising the participation age' (rpa).

However, this does not mean they have to stay on at school as the compulsory school age has not changed and still remains at 16. Options available include going onto further education at either sixth form or college, finding an apprenticeship or work based learning.

Connexions can provide guidance to young people with decisions and point to a range of options for young people to consider, including apprenticeships, which allow them to earn money while continuing to learn new skills before moving on to an advanced apprenticeship, skilled employment or further education.

They also have access to a range of short courses where students can gain work experience and work on their qualifications.

People can talk to a Connexions personal adviser at school, college, chat online at www.connexionsbucks.org.uk or by dropping into their local Connexions Centre.

Connexions Aylesbury and High Wycombe centres will be extending their centre opening hours on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 August from 9.30am — 5pm.

For further information visit the connexions website