GCSE Results Day 2025 | What to Do Next

GCSE Results Day can bring excitement and nerves in equal measure. If you’ve just collected your grades, you may be unsure what to do next. The key is to stay calm, gather information, and remember that there are many routes forward. Whatever the outcome was, in this guide we will cover practical steps and support for GCSE Results Day 2025. 

Grading System for GCSEs​ 

Once you have your grades, the first step is to understand what they mean. In England, GCSEs are now graded 9–1 (with 9 being the highest). A grade 4 is considered a standard pass (roughly the old C), and 5 a strong pass. Generally, achieving 4 or 5 in English and Maths is expected (many post-16 courses require it). Getting a grade 7 or 8 is broadly the same as the previous A to A* range and a 9 goes beyond the old scale. Only a ‘U’ means no grade awarded.  

If You Did Well, Celebrate and Plan Ahead 

If your grades match or exceed expectations, congratulations! Celebrate your hard work. GCSEs were probably your toughest exams so far, and doing well is a significant achievement. Let yourself feel proud and share the news. Afterwards, turn your mind to the next steps. If you already have a place in a sixth form or college, confirm any details with them. You may have more options now, for example, if you outperformed expectations you may have the choice to take different A level subjects to the ones initially agreed upon, now that you meet higher requirements. So, if your grades make you eligible for courses you hadn’t considered (or higher-tier courses), check in with your school or college admissions staff to see if you can switch or add subjects. 

More broadly, think about what interests you. You might review which GCSE subjects you enjoyed most, or research new subjects now available in further education. You can also talk to teachers or a careers adviser for guidance. If you’re headed on to A-levels or vocational study in September, enjoy the summer with friends while preparing and most importantly, relish the moment, you’ve earned it! 

What Happens if You Fail Your GCSEs​ 

If your results are lower than hoped, try not to panic and certainly don’t think you are alone, many students find themselves in this situation each year, and there are still plenty of options available. 

First, give yourself a moment to process how you feel and talk it out with someone you trust. Then start making a plan. These are some practical, immediate steps: 

• Talk it through. Find someone to chat with about your results, a parent, friend, teacher or counsellor. Hearing an outside perspective can help. 

• Consider a GCSE remark or review. If you believe a particular grade is significantly below your expectations, contact your school to discuss a review of marking (sometimes called an appeal). Schools can apply to the exam board to have papers re-checked. Schools usually need to do this on their pupils’ behalf, and it must be done promptly, as there are firm deadlines.  

If the initial check doesn’t change your grade, a second appeal or an Ofqual review is possible, though it’s worth remembering that grades can go up or down. It’s worth exploring this if you feel there may have been an error but remember the outcomes can vary. 

• Plan any necessary GCSE resits. If you didn’t achieve at least a grade 4 or 5 in English or Maths, UK rules mean you’ll have to continue studying those subjects until you pass. Typically, you can resit them in November (for English and Maths) or the next summer (for other subjects). Your school or college will advise on this.  

Many Sixth Forms allow you to carry on with your other studies while you resit failed subjects, as long as you’re willing to juggle the extra work. If retaking, think about what went wrong this time, perhaps arrange extra support or a tutor to focus on trouble areas so you’re ready next time. 

• Ask about GCSE Special Consideration. If something extraordinary affected you (e.g. illness, bereavement or other serious issue) during the exam, you might be eligible for an adjustment under the exam boards’ Special Consideration rules. This usually needs a teacher’s backing and evidence, and must be arranged quickly after the exams. It’s not a common fix, but it’s worth discussing with school if it applies. 

It may help to make a simple pros-and-cons list of these routes and discuss them with a parent, teacher or careers adviser. It can be difficult when you’re disappointed with your results, but the best option is to be proactive.  

Exploring Post GCSE Pathways 

Regardless of your grades, there are many paths after GCSEs. The UK National Careers Service outlines three main options once students leave Year 11: 

• Full-time education: This is the most common choice. You can study A-levels (at a sixth form, college or school), or vocational/technical courses (like BTECs or Cambridge Technicals). T-levels (two-year technical qualifications with an industry placement) have also become available at some colleges. These build on GCSE knowledge and prepare you either for university or skilled careers. When exploring courses, check any subject requirements (for example, many A-level courses ask for certain GCSE grades in those subjects). 

• Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn. You apply to an employer to work and train on the job. You gain a qualification and hands-on experience, often with the chance of a permanent job at the end. They span many fields (e.g. engineering, IT, business, health, and more). If you didn’t get the GCSEs for sixth form, an apprenticeship just might be a great alternative. 

• Work or volunteering + training: Under the raising of the participation age, you must stay in education or training until 18, but this can include working or volunteering at least 20 hours a week with part-time study. For instance, you might work in a job or volunteer while taking evening courses or do a traineeship. Volunteering can also be a way to gain skills and even a qualification (some volunteering schemes include learning opportunities). The benefit is you earn experience (and sometimes pay) while still learning. 

If your initial plan doesn’t work out, for example, a college won’t accept you on the course you applied for, talk to them about alternatives. If they won’t accept you on the original courses then find out about similar courses they offer. Don’t be afraid to apply to a different school or college if needed, some places have different entry requirements or more vocational options.  

Remember, everyone is different. Some students thrive on continuing academic study, others prefer hands-on learning. Whether it’s A-levels, a technical course, an apprenticeship or something else, pick the route that best suits your strengths and interests. There is no “wrong” choice, plenty of successful adults took non-traditional paths after 16. 

How Tutoring Can Support You 

If your results indicate some gaps in understanding, or if you simply want to solidify your skills before moving on, tutoring can be a very effective solution. Research shows that personalised tuition works. High quality tutoring, delivered consistently and matched to a student’s needs can yield significant gains. The Education Endowment Foundation found that in a year, roughly 4 months’ additional progress is made with small-group tutoring. In fact, they described tutoring as “one of the best evidenced interventions” to raise attainment, especially for those who have fallen behind. 

In practice, a good tutor will start by identifying exactly what you need, at Kip McGrath we offer a free assessment to pinpoint gaps in English or Maths, then a customised learning plan will be created and sessions tailored to those areas. Sessions typically focus on key concepts you missed and so build skills and confidence. This individual attention can boost understanding and also lift your confidence, students often feel more comfortable asking questions in a small group setting. 

If you’re considering resits or advanced courses, a tutor can also offer targeted exam practice (past papers, technique) and support. Even if you achieved your desired results, tutors can help you excel to your full potential. Kip McGrath has nearly 50 years experience supporting students and helping them thrive. Our tutors can help reinforce what you’ve learned at school, close any gaps, and make you feel more prepared for the next step, whatever that might be.  

Moving Forward 

Whatever your results, keep in mind that GCSEs are just one step on a much longer journey. Take time to absorb what’s happened, talk things through and then move on with a plan. You have options! 

Above all, keep perspective. Many successful people didn’t get perfect grades at 16. The important thing is to learn from this and keep going. There are excellent routes to achieve your goals, whether it’s progressing in academia or pursuing a specific career path. With a clear plan, GCSE Results Day 2025 can be the start of an exciting new chapter. 

At Kip McGrath, our qualified teachers are here to help you take that next step. Book your free assessment today and start working towards the results you deserve.