Q&A: A-levels - expert advice

Deborah Ribchester and Nick Davy of the Association of Colleges answer A-level questions

Changes to the rules on university admissions and increased fees mean the situation for many is confusing, with only a few days to do something about your situation.

Experts Deborah Ribchester, curriculum manager, Association of Colleges, and Nick Davy, higher education manager, Association of Colleges, have been offering advice to readers worried about their results.

Your questions and answers

I got BCC in my A2s. I really would like to resit one of my Cs. I am booked to do voluntary work abroad from January for eight months. Can I resubmit some of my technology course work and get an improved mark, or will I have to attend the exams in January?

Jake, Argyle

Debbie

My son finished with two A-levels - a C in physics and D in maths. He dropped chemistry half way through the year as he was off ill and was unable to do his laboratory project work. He is very keen on doing something with physics - he enjoys the subject. What can he do now? He does not mind looking at doing an apprenticeship.

Anon

Debbie

I am an A-level retake student who has just received his results. Slightly disappointed with an ABED, However since I have once before taken my A-levels at another college and received an A in Drama do I still retain this grade or has it lost its value since deciding to retake the year. Does this mean that I have an AABED?

James, Teddington

Debbie

I found out my AS results today and they were terrible - DEEE. I want to do law at university and now I'm scared that top universities won't accept me. I am planning on retaking all of exams but won't they have already made a decision by the time that I get my results for retakes?

Anon

Debbie

I received results higher than expected. I was predicted BBC and achieved AAB. Should I not accept my place and reapply next year to go to a better uni?

Jacob, London

Nick

My son didn't get the three As he needed for Birmingham. We have spoken to Birmingham on the phone who have confirmed that they won't accept him. Track hasn't been updated, meaning my son can't move forward with his insurance or clearing until they do. He has contacted other universities and has received an offer which is open only until midnight tonight. His insurance university say they would love to discuss things with him but can't until Birmingham update - he missed an A in maths by one mark - so his insurance isn't guaranteed. Please help. This is an incredibly stressful time for him.

Denise, Surrey

Debbie

My daughter missed her required grades - needed ABB and got BBB. Her chosen university have said they cannot confirm whether she has a place or not until after 16:00 today. Does this mean she cannot look elsewhere as she hasn't received a clearing number? Just worried we'll find out after 16:00 that she hasn't got in and missed the opportunity to find a place elsewhere.

Graham, London

Debbie

Great results for my brother. He achieved A in chemistry, A in biology and A in maths at A2 but no offer for medicine, so don't know what he can do as he only wants to do medicine. Any help welcomed.

Bethany, Ballymena

Nick

I was ill in hospital and missed one of my exams. I have had no insight on what I should do. I got 2 Cs in my other two subjects but still can't get to university. Any advice would be appreciated.

Bethany, Ballymena

Nick

My daughter has plans to go to a top university, unfortunately she only achieved ABB when she needed AAA. She now wants to resit in December - do you have any advice?

John, Frinton

Nick

I have been offered a place by a uni in clearing but I am finding it confusing on how to accept the offer, can you help?

Louise, Birmingham

Nick

My son got one A and 2 Cs. He needed 2 As and a B. He's been offered an alternative course to the one he wanted, but at the same university. Is there a chance that, if he shines on the alternative course, he'll get a chance to transfer to the one he preferred at some point?

Stephen, Broughton

Nick

I just got my AS results today and I didn't really expect to get the grades I did. I got 2Cs and a D I don't know where to go from here. I'm thinking if I should retake some of my exams. I need help.

Ayesha, London

Nick

Sadly my son has failed the 3 A-levels he took. He gained a C in art, U in in English and geography. What can he do now as he is distraught at the moment, me and his mother are trying to keep him positive about the future.

Francis, North of England

Nick

I have just received my results. However, I have a question for the experts. Do you believe, as I do, there should not be various profit-seeking exam boards with lots of different syllabuses and instead, there should be one standardised board that controls everything? I believe that this standardised board should be made up of various university representatives as well as representatives from the job industry. This way you can have a good mixture of academia and useful job skills relating to that subject.

Kyle, York

Nick

Contact the Ucas social media team with any queries on Twitter and Facebook from 06:00 on results day.Phone the National Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000 for expert independent advice on clearing and other options. Calls are free from most landlines. Some networks and mobile operators will charge for these calls.