A-level results: Why bad grades aren't the end of the world

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What to do after you get your A-Levels, external

It's a time of year for a number of 16 to 18-year-olds which can feel daunting, especially if the exam results they get are not quite what they were hoping for.

But there's no need to panic.

There are plenty of options and help.

Image source, AFP/Getty Images

Clearing

If getting to university is your ultimate goal, then why not try phoning your first choice. The uni may still let you in.

There's more information on clearing at BBC Advice.

Image source, Reuters

There is always clearing. You can find all the information you need on the Ucas website, external.

Around one in 10 students who started university last year got their place this way.

If clearing isn't right for you now, there's always next year.

According to Ucas, around half of 18-year-olds who didn't get in to university apply again the next year. And around 90% of them get in second time round.

Image source, PA

Re-sit exams

There's no shame in retaking exams, just be sure that you meet the deadline with your school or college to be able to re-sit.

Image source, PA

Try an apprenticeship

Hear Jamal Edwards' advice on what to do next, external

The government has set up tens of thousands of apprenticeships all over the country. You can try anything from banking to aerospace to brick laying to fashion.

More than 850,000 people were earning and learning on an apprenticeship in 2013/14.

The National Apprenticeship Service will be holding a Q&A on its Facebook page and on its Twitter page @apprenticeships to offer any advice to people considering taking one up.

The world of work

Image source, Thinkstock

The latest figures show that unemployment across the UK is at 1.85 million.

It might sound daunting to just "get a job", but if you think of the amount of freedom you get, the satisfaction of a new challenge and the cash, it could very well be worth it.

You could join a company.

Or you could think about starting your own business. There are plenty of small business loans available.

There's more information about what to do next at BBC Advice.

Travel

If there is one regret that I have, it's not taking a year off to go and see the world. Yes cash may have been a bit of an issue, but think of the adventures and the people you'll end up meeting.

If nothing else, you'd have stories for life.

There's more on gap years at BBC Advice.

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