A-Level Results Day 2026: Celebrations and commiserations – what comes next?

Paul JonesAugust 13, 20260 Comment0

STUDENTS are collecting their A-Level results today, as well T-Level, BTEC and other Level 3 qualifications.

Young people are busy planning the next steps in their academic journey, be it to university, higher education, apprenticeships, employment or training.

Dorset Council cabinet member for children, families and education, Councillor Clare Sutton, said: “Congratulations to all the young people receiving their results today. This is an important milestone and a chance to celebrate the hard work, commitment and resilience you have shown throughout your studies.”

And Paul Dempsey, executive director for Children’s Services, said: “I hope young people across Dorset take pride in everything they have achieved and look ahead with confidence and ambition for the future. My thanks to everyone who has supported them along the way, helping them reach this important milestone.

“Remember, if your results mean you have to reconsider your next steps there’s plenty of support available to help you move forward so talk to your school or college in the first instance.”

Support and advice for young people, parents and carers is available on the Dorset Council website, as well as other organisations who can help and advise.

Next steps – advice, support and guidance from Dorset Council:

Career and training options

There are different ways to find out about future options:

visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/where-next – read about some of Dorset’s young people who have gone on to have
fulfilling careers by choosing a range of different paths
find more career information on careerpilot.org.uk
find information and support about options at 16 in Dorset from Flying Start
talk to your school tutor about the different career options

Advice about apprenticeships can be found online through the Amazing Apprenticeships website.

The Department for Education has shared some advice from the National Careers Service in a blog post at educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/08/looking-for-guidance-on-your-next-steps-after-exams-heres-some-advice-from-a-national-careers-service-adviser.

Students can chat directly to a National Careers Service adviser via webchat or by calling the National Careers Service exam results helpline on 0800 100 900 (freephone).

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Find information to help young people with SEND decide what route to take in education, training or work at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/children-families/sen-and-disability-local-offer/preparing-for-adulthood/education-training-and-work/education-training-and-work.

Higher education

Any student who is concerned about their results should speak to their school or college, especially if their further education, university place or employment offer depends on a change to their overall grade.

Information about higher education and what to do after you get your results is available from UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

UCAS also offers advice on what to do in different circumstances, depending on results received.

Read UCAS advice about Clearing. Clearing matches applicants to university places that are yet to be filled.

Advice and emotional support

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) and NHS 111 can assist in providing mental health support.

Young Minds and Kooth offer support for anyone who feels disappointed with their grades. Students are also advised to speak to their school, as they will be able to provide support and advice on next steps.