Level 3 / A Level Results Day
What to expect and how to support your young person
For many families, Level 3 Results Day is one of the most significant milestones in a young person’s education. Months of hard work have led to this moment, and it’s natural for everyone involved to feel a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and nerves.
Whether your young person is hoping to progress to university, an apprenticeship, employment, or another course, Results Day is just one step on their journey. Whatever the outcome, there are always options available.
Before Results Day
Preparation can make the day feel less overwhelming. Encourage your young person to think about different possible outcomes rather than focusing on just one scenario.
Before the day arrives, make sure they have:
- Their login details if results are being released online.
- Details of any university or college applications.
- Contact numbers or email addresses for universities, colleges, or training providers if needed.
- A quiet space to check their results and process the news.
Remind them that it’s okay to take a moment before making any big decisions.
What happens on results day?
RNN Group is putting on results day celebrations at each of our campuses for students to come in and get their results from 9:00am at Rotherham Campus, North Notts Campus and Dearne Valley Campus.
Students may receive their grades in person or through an online portal. Some will know immediately that they have achieved the grades they hoped for, while others may need to explore alternative options.
As a parent or carer, your calm support can make a huge difference.
If they get the results they wanted
Celebrate their achievement. Reaching Level 3 or A Level qualifications is a significant accomplishment and reflects months, if not years, of commitment.
If they have secured their university place, apprenticeship, or next course, take time to recognise the effort behind their success.
Once the celebrations are over, it’s time to think about the practical next steps, such as accommodation, finance, enrolment, travel, or preparing for employment.
If the results aren’t what they expected
Disappointment is difficult, but it doesn’t have to define the future.
Allow your young person time to process their emotions before discussing solutions. Avoid comparing them with friends or siblings, and remember that everyone responds differently.
Once they’re ready, explore the available options together.
These may include:
- Accepting an alternative university or college place.
- Using Clearing if they still want to go to university.
- Speaking to their current college about next steps.
- Considering apprenticeships or employment opportunities.
- Retaking qualifications where appropriate.
- Looking at different Level 3 or Higher Education pathways.
There is rarely only one route to achieving career goals.
Understanding Clearing
For many students, Clearing offers a positive opportunity rather than a last resort.
It allows students to apply for university courses that still have places available if they:
- Didn’t receive the grades they expected.
- Changed their mind about where or what they want to study.
- Applied after the main application deadline.
Thousands of students secure university places through Clearing every year, so there’s no need to panic if this becomes part of the journey.
Supporting your young person
Results Day isn’t just about grades – it’s about emotions too.
You can help by:
- Listening more than talking.
- Staying calm, even if they are upset.
- Focusing on solutions rather than blame.
- Encouraging them to ask questions and seek advice.
- Reminding them that one set of results does not determine their future.
Sometimes young people simply need reassurance that they are valued regardless of the grades on the page.
Looking beyond the numbers
Qualifications are important, but employers, universities, and training providers also value Power Skills like resilience, communication, problem-solving, and a willingness to learn.
Many successful people have taken unexpected routes into their careers. Some changed courses, took gap years, completed apprenticeships, or returned to education later in life.
There is no single definition of success.
Where to find support
If your young person is unsure what to do next, encourage them to speak to:
- Their college or sixth form careers adviser.
- University admissions teams.
- Tutors or teachers.
- Apprenticeship providers.
- National careers services.
Seeking advice early can open up opportunities they may not have considered.
Final thoughts
Results Day can feel like the culmination of years of study, but it is really the beginning of the next chapter.
Whether your young person is celebrating, reconsidering their plans, or exploring new opportunities, your encouragement and reassurance will be invaluable. The conversations you have on Results Day are likely to be remembered long after the grades themselves.
Success isn’t defined by one envelope or one email. It’s shaped by determination, adaptability, and the willingness to keep moving forward. With the right support, every young person can find a pathway that helps them achieve their goals.