The exam results are now out and there may be uncertainty for young people who get higher or lower grades than expected.

Connexions staff will be on hand in centres across Cambridgeshire to help young people make those important decisions on what to do next.

Grades that are higher than expected give cause for celebration and it’s not too late to put great results to good use. There is a range of general, vocational and occupational courses that young people can apply for, and most are offered at varying levels to suit the ability of the student, with opportunities to progress to higher levels on completion.

But what if the grades are lower than expected? Disappointing results shouldn’t mean abandoning dreams. Many colleges will offer the option of starting the course at a lower level and/or retaking GCSEs alongside.  Employers may be prepared to be flexible if they have made a conditional job offer and your grades are not too far off what they asked for.  As each case is different the best thing to do is to contact the employer or college directly – persevere, as phone lines are likely to be very busy.

Connexions website www.purplepigeon.net
offers lots of helpful information and you can find out more about courses and apprenticeships in Cambridgeshire at www.cambscoursefinder.com. The site provides information about how to apply for courses and get to the training providers. The website www.apprenticeshipsonline.org/cambridgeshire
also shows the availability of apprenticeships across the county.

Whatever your circumstances, Connexions can help you through. Give us a call on 0800 56 13219, visit your local Connexions Centre or see us at your school or college. Advisers will be on hand throughout the results period to help.