A-Level Results Day: Whats Next
Finally the wait is over! I have no doubt it has been a stressful 2 months waiting for results day…but now you can sit back and enjoy what is left of the on/off British summer.
Congratulations to everyone who received their A-levels and got into the University they planned for!
A BBC News article revealed that for the first time in 20 years the proportion of A-levels scoring A or A* has fallen in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, the overall A-level pass rate rises for 30th year in a row – up from 97.8% to 98%!
For those who did not get the grades they planned for there is no need to panic! Take this as an opportunity to re-asses what you want to do…do you want to go through clearing and get into another University? Or do you want to take a year out to re-sit exams, re-apply for your dream University and make the most of your unexpected gap year. You now have 12 months free to re-apply and develop your CV with valuable life skills. You also have the option to volunteer or gain paid work overseas for a few months – a great way to show that you have made the most of this time!
Don’t be disappointed if you did not get in this year, as a year out is a great opportunity to take a break from education and return to education far more committed and having made the right choice in regards to your course and university. You will most likely find this will increase your university experience after gaining confidence and life skills on your time away, which is also a great talking point!
According to a survey by the ‘Association of Graduate Recruiters’, 88% of recruiters think a well-structured gap year helps equip you with the soft skills you may not have acquired while studying. Vice chairman Terence Perrin says: “Overall, gap years are viewed very positively. Communication skills, leadership, organisation and motivation are all important. One thing that impresses employers is that graduates come back more mature and with more insight into themselves and the world. I think recruiters recognise that after a year’s travel there’s a lot more to bring to the table. They have left the security of their home looking for a new challenge and for that you need independence, motivation and confidence”
Richard Oliver, of the Year Out Group adds: “Students who take a year out before university arrive refreshed, focused and, if they have made full use of their time out, they will be better able to make the transition from dependence to independence”
Interested in a gap year? Check out our websiteand view the variety of options available! If you are just looking for some impartial advice on what to do next, our highly experienced team are more than happy to help, call us on 01892 770771.
