GCSE Results not what you expected? Here's what to do next

If your GCSE results weren鈥檛 quite what you were hoping for, take a breath. It鈥檚 okay to feel disappointed, confused, or frustrated. But this is not the end of the road. There are still plenty of options ahead, and support is available to help you find the right path. 

Let鈥檚 walk through what you can do next. 

 

Don鈥檛 panic 

Right now, things might feel overwhelming. That鈥檚 totally normal. But remember, this moment will pass. Take some time to clear your head, talk to someone you trust, and give yourself space to think. Decisions are easier to make when you鈥檙e calm and focused. 

 

Option 1: Re-sit your GCSEs 

If you didn鈥檛 pass key subjects like English or Maths (Grade C or above), you鈥檒l likely be required to re-sit them. Most colleges and sixth forms offer support for this, so don鈥檛 worry, you won鈥檛 be alone. 

You might also consider re-sitting other subjects if:

  • You just missed out on the grades you needed 
  • You鈥檙e aiming for a specific course or college that needs higher marks 

Talk to your school or college to explore what resit options are available and whether it鈥檚 the right move for you. 

 

Option 2: Ask for a re-mark 

Think your result doesn鈥檛 reflect how you performed? You can ask for a review of marking or a clerical re-check. This means someone will go over your paper again to check for errors or inconsistencies. 

Important: 

  • Requests must go through your school鈥檚 Exams Officer 
  • There鈥檚 a deadline, so don鈥檛 wait too long 
  • Marks can go up or down, so be sure before you apply 
 


Option 3: Re-apply somewhere else 

If your chosen sixth form or college has said no based on your results, that doesn鈥檛 mean all doors are closed. You might be able to:

  • Apply to a different college or sixth form that accepts your grades 
  • Start a different course that鈥檚 better suited to your current results 
  • Resit specific subjects alongside your new course 

Being flexible could open up new opportunities you hadn鈥檛 considered before. 

 

Ask for help 

You don鈥檛 have to figure this out alone. Speak to:

  • A teacher or career adviser at your school 
  • Your parents or carers 
  • The sixth form or college you want to attend 

They can guide you, explain your options, and help you choose what鈥檚 best for you. 


One set of results doesn鈥檛 define your future. It鈥檚 just one part of a much bigger journey. Whether you鈥檙e planning to re-sit, reapply, or take a new path entirely, there鈥檚 still time, and support, to figure it out. 

Whatever your next steps, know this: you鈥檝e got options, and you鈥檝e got people who want to help. 

You鈥檝e got this.