‘Pop-up’ exam helpline opened for pupils receiving GCSE results

An exam helpline is now open for worried teens and parents receiving GCSE exam results tomorrow, 24 August.

The Exam Results Helpline is formed of expert UK careers advisors who come together at the UCAS head office in Cheltenham once a year to help young people who receive unexpected exam results.

It was set up almost three decades ago and is funded by the Department for Education (DfE). It gives impartial advice to anyone who has received their grades and wants to talk through their options.

The line will be open on Thursday morning from 7.30am and will remain open until 31 August.

On average, a quarter of the calls placed to the helpline comes from parents asking the all-important questions about next steps.

Nick Hynes, a careers adviser who has worked for the service for more than 25 years said: “We are here for everyone who has questions but, in particular, for those people who want to find out all of the options available to them as well as sixth form.

“There are so many choices now and apprenticeships are growing in popularity as well as professional options and going to local colleges.

“Often it’s parents who want to help their children – this is an incredibly stressful time for some young people and it’s really important they don’t panic and call us as soon as they need to and we can work things out together.”

Advisers have been talking to callers about re-sits and retakes, gap years, Clearing, Adjustment, apprenticeships, funding and student accommodation.

The helpline number is 0808 100 8000.