Help is at hand for students

AROUND 40 careers advisers at the national Exam Results Helpline received a significant 3,800 calls yesterday (Thursday, August 15, 2013) from students who did not receive the grades they expected and who needed advice about their future options.

Alongside queries about Confirmation, Clearing and Adjustment, 40% of callers were interested in pursuing university via other routes such as alternative further education qualifications, using a gap year to upgrade skills, re-sits and re-marks. Callers were also exploring new choices such as vocational learning routes and employment.

Delivered by UCAS on behalf of the Department for Education, the helpline – which has been running annually for over 20 years – is open daily for the next nine days (closing on Saturday, August 24).

It offers free impartial and expert careers information and advice to students across the UK receiving A level, GCSE and equivalent exam results who need advice about their future options.

Exam results helpline adviser and careers adviser with 25 years’ experience, Bev Allport, said: “One of my calls was a late applicant who wanted to go through Clearing but wasn’t sure what degree he wanted to do.

“We explored what he was passionate about, his ambitions and subject choices and we also looked at his options for September 2014 instead of him rushing into a potentially wrong decision this year.

“By the end of our conversation, he realized that taking a year out could be a productive option for him, giving him time to find what he really wanted to do.

“I gave him plenty of ideas to explore work placements and internships in order to gain experience and help him establish his future career direction.”

The Exam Results Helpline can be reached on 0808 100 8000. Calls are free from landlines. Mobile network charges vary.

Further information including opening hours and student case study videos can be found at www.ucas.com/examresultshelpline

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