Students praised for hard work and encouraged to explore their options on results day

Wiltshire Council is congratulating students picking up results today (20 August).

Schools have worked hard to support students during the COVID-19 lockdown as young people had to study at home and could no longer take their exams. As students receive their results today they are being reminded there is a wide range of support out there to support next steps.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills said: "I want to recognise the incredible dedication of our schools and our hard working students, who faced unprecedented disruption and uncertainties in their GCSE year. You have all done an amazing job.

"Congratulations to all those receiving results today despite the extraordinary circumstances. If the results are not what you expected and you are unsure of your plans for September, there is help and support out there, so I would encourage you to explore the opportunities and help available as you consider your next steps."

• Talk to your school, college or education setting first, they know you well and will be able to advise you of your best options.
• Research the local offer, the Work Wiltshire website is a good place to start https://workwiltshire.co.uk/young/ (opens new window)
• You can speak to an Education, Employment Adviser at  Young Work Wiltshire (opens new window) today from 10am to 4:30pm and again on Monday 24 August. People can call them on 01225 716890. You can also contact them by email workwilts@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or by following on Twitter @WorkWiltshire
• National Careers Service
  • Exam Results Helpline 2020 from 12 August to 28 August, daily from 8am to 10pm on 0800 100 900
  • https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ (opens new window). Call 0800 100 900 or use National Careers Service: Web Chat (opens new window).
  • With school leavers missing out on the opportunity to visit careers fairs in person this year, the National Careers Service is bringing the fair to them with a virtual careers fair.
  • Tuesday 25 August, Options at 16 event, the Eventbrite booking page can be found on Eventbrite: National Careers Service (opens new window).
• Careermap Useful resource with a results day guide (opens new window).
• The Uni guide (opens new window) advice with what to expect and do on results day.
• If you are aged 16-17 and are finding it hard to stay in education or to find a place for September then please register for support with our Education, Employment Advisers. https://workwiltshire.co.uk/young/support/ (opens new window)

Support and information is available from schools about sixth form and from all local colleges about further education courses. The Work Wiltshire (https://workwiltshire.co.uk (opens new window)) website also offers advice about further education or apprenticeships (https://workwiltshire.co.uk/apprenticeships/ (opens new window)). There is also a dedicated parents page (https://workwiltshire.co.uk/parents/ (opens new window)) to help support young people in their care make the decision with choices post-16.