GCSE students across Wiltshire congratulated on exam results

Wiltshire Council has congratulated GCSE and Vocational Technical Qualification (VTQ) students collecting their results today (24 August) praising their determination and hard work.

GCSEs are currently ranked on a 9-1 scale, where 9 is the top grade and grade 4 is a standard pass, roughly in line with the former Grade C. VTQs are practical qualifications for over 16s, designed to help students to get the required skills to start a career or enter higher education.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: Today is an exciting day and I send my congratulations to everyone who is due to find out their GCSE or VTQ results and wish you good luck with your next steps.

I also want to thank those who have provided support to students and helped them to achieve these results, whether that's teachers, school staff or parents and carers.

If you are a student who maybe didn't get the grades you were expecting or you are unhappy with your results, you should speak to your school or teachers and use the available support around you to decide the best options available.

Students that do not receive the grades they anticipated should initially speak to their school or college who can offer help and advice about options available to them including the appeals process.

There is a dedicated results day page on the Work Wiltshire website at https://workwiltshire.co.uk/results-day/ (opens new window) with details of the support and advice available.

Anyone aged 16-17, who is finding it hard to stay in education or to find a place for September can speak to Work Wiltshire and register for support with Education, Employment Advisers. Support is available online at Support - Work Wiltshire (opens new window), by emailing workwilts@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or by calling 01225 716890.

For those thinking about starting an apprenticeship rather than continuing in education, information and registration details can be found https://workwiltshire.co.uk/home/apprenticeships/ (opens new window).

The Building Bridges programme (opens new window) can also help those who did not get the results they wanted. The free programme (funded by the European Social fund and Lottery community Fund) offers 1:1 support from a friendly development worker to help students decide on next steps in getting employment, education, or training.

People who are worried about receiving their exam results or require support following their results can contact the Wiltshire SHOUT service. This is a free, anonymous 24/7 mental health text messaging service which will not appear on your bill. Text WILTS to 85258 to be connected with a trained volunteer who will aim to support you to a calm and safe place.

Help and support is also available from Skills for Careers (Department for Education) (opens new window), who can be contacted via social media, webchat or by phone. You can contact the helpline on 0800 100 900 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturday.