RESULTS DAY 2021 - A WRITTEN GUIDE ON WHAT TO DO NEXT
FOR IMMEDIATE ADVICE, CALL US ON +44 1622 813870 OR EMAIL INFO@EDUCATIONADVISERS.CO.UK
PLEASE ALSO REVIEW THIS RECORDING OF OUR RECENT WEBINAR ON WHAT TO DO, FEATURING PRINCIPAL OF ROCHESTER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL, ALISTAIR BROWNLOW.
HOW AND WHEN TO APPEAL IF YOU DON’T GET THE GRADES YOU EXPECTED
All A Levels and GCSEs this year are based on teacher assessed grades. (TAGs) Results this year are being issued earlier than usual to give students a chance to appeal if they don’t get the grades they expected. What should you do?
- Appeal to your school or college. If a mistake has been made they can submit a revised grade
- If there has not been a mistake you can submit a formal appeal and the exam board will look at the evidence used by your school to decide if your grade is reasonable and justified. Remember that your grade could go up or down.
- The final stage is to appeal to OFQUAL if you believe there has been an administrative error.
Appeals this year are free of charge.
WHAT IS THE SITUATION WITH UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS THIS YEAR?
Universities are reporting a slightly higher number of applications this year and an increase in the number of students who have deferred places from last year, although this was fewer than anticipated. There has been a decline in applications from EU countries following Brexit and there are plenty of places available through clearing.
How will universities treat Teacher Assessed Grades?
Universities will respect TAGS. They are awarded by the teachers who know their students best and are trusted and taken seriously by admissions tutors. Some report that they are being more lenient with grade requirements this year in the light of all the disruption over the past year.
If you haven’t achieved the grades needed you should contact the university to see if there is any flexibility. Do this as soon as possible!
CLEARING
Clearing is a system offered by UCAS and gives students the opportunity to change course or university before making a final decision. If you are unhappy with your results, or if you haven’t got the grades needed to fulfil the terms of a conditional offer, it can give you a second chance. It operates from 5 July to 19 October. It is really important to be well prepared for Clearing to give yourself the best chance of an offer
When can you use Clearing?
- if you are not accepted by your current choices
- if you didn’t meet the terms of your offer
- if you didn’t receive any offers
- if you haven’t yet applied
- if you have rejected an offer because you have changed your mind
How to prepare for Clearing
- Do your research! Familiarise yourself with the courses and universities you are interested in. Look at their websites and social media channels. Make notes about any courses you are thinking of applying for. Write down university contact details (phone or webchat) so that you are ready.
- Get advice from your school or college, and if necessary consult a Careers Adviser.
- Track your choices through the UCAS Track system
- Make sure you have all the relevant information to hand when you call
- your UCAS number
- your results (including GCSE results)
- a list of questions you might want to ask
In many cases offers will be made during the call so remember that the admissions staff want to talk to the student and not the parent!
CONSIDER RESITS OR RETAKES
It will be possible to sit actual GCSE and A-Level exams in the autumn to give yourself the chance to improve your grades. Think carefully about how to prepare for these and talk to us for advice about getting the best possible academic support.
Another option is to take a whole academic year to get your education back on track which can massively improve your chance of achieving top grades and potentially open many doors for your future studies and career. A private 6th form college is the perfect solution for many students. Talk to us for free and impartial advice and recommendations.
RESOURCES
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/clearing