For decades, a fateful Thursday in the middle of August has been significant.
Significant as a gateway to the hopes and dreams of 18 year olds in the UK and beyond.
After a summer of anticipation, it is the date when those who study A-Levels and other level 3 courses (such as BTECs and T-Levels) receive their results. Results which impact their potential access to chosen universities and apprenticeship opportunities.
This year was no different.
In 2026, Level 3 Results Day fell on Thursday 13 August.
Being employed as Head of Careers in a school, it is always an honour to be on site at the school where I work and see the celebratory and relief-filled moments as students accessed their results and shared news with their friends.
- News of academic passions
- News of confirmed university places
- Insights into gap year plans
Even…
- Musings of potential plan bs
- Acknowledgement of uncertainty
… and similarly at any post-result schools, sixth forms and colleges, there will be young people who have either:
- not reached the grade level required to access their chosen course and university
- changed their mind since submitting their application about what they want to do at this post-18 stage
and as a result, wherever there are students keen to enter the UK Higher Education system, there will be students poised to pivot, for a variety of reasons.
In this short video, I share some ideas around coping with disappointing results and changing options, engaging with UCAS Clearing, mindset and more.
Also, as mentioned to parent viewers – I am launching a Careers Start Here membership for supportive parents and their teenage / young adult children. Click here for more information.
There are a world of exciting options from Clearing and beyond. Wishing all students the best of luck navigating next steps.