Results season 2027
Didn't get the grades you wanted? Here's what to do next
Missing your grades feels huge on the day. In reality, you have more options than you think: Clearing, resits, a review of marking, apprenticeships and T Levels. Here's how to work through them calmly.
Last reviewed
Key dates for 2027
- A level and AS results day
- (AQA results days)
- T Level results
- Released alongside A level results (August 2027) (GOV.UK: T Levels)
- GCSE results day
- (AQA results days)
- UCAS Clearing
- Opens in early July and runs to October; check UCAS for this year's exact dates (UCAS: Clearing)
- UCAS equal consideration deadline
- Late January for most courses; check UCAS for this year's exact date (UCAS: applying to university)
Dates checked on 2026-10-02. Always confirm with the linked source.
What to do in the first 48 hours
1. Breathe, then check UCAS Hub
Universities sometimes accept students who narrowly miss their offer. Your status in UCAS Hub is the first thing to check.
2. Talk to your school or college the same day
They can advise on a review of marking, help you call universities, and support you with resits.
3. Look at Clearing with a plan
Shortlist courses you'd actually want to do, not just any place. Call universities yourself, and have your grades and UCAS ID ready.
4. Put paid routes side by side
Apprenticeships, T Levels and entry-level jobs with training are real options, not a fallback. Many employers are still recruiting in August.
5. Give yourself 48 hours before committing
Unless an offer needs an answer today, take a day to decide. A good fit matters more than a fast one.
Routes that are still open
- Apprenticeships: paid from day one, with employers setting their own entry requirements.
- T Levels: two-year technical courses with an industry placement, if you've just had your GCSE results.
- Apprenticeship or university? A neutral side-by-side comparison.
- School leaver jobs that train you on the job.
Common questions
What should I do if I didn't get the grades for my university offer?
Check UCAS Hub first, because your firm or insurance choice may still accept you. If not, you can look for a place through Clearing, talk to your school about a review of marking, or consider a paid route such as an apprenticeship.
Can I get my exam paper re-marked?
Yes. Your school or college requests a review of marking from the exam board for you, and there are deadlines. Speak to your exams officer as soon as possible after results day.
Can I do an apprenticeship if I missed my grades?
Yes. Apprenticeships set their own entry requirements, and many employers recruit across the summer and into the autumn.
Do I have to resit GCSE maths and English?
In England, if you're under 18 and didn't get grade 4 or above in GCSE maths or English, you'll usually keep studying them alongside your next course.
Find what fits you, not just what's popular
The free Shine quiz takes about 15 minutes. It matches your strengths and interests to careers and routes, then builds a step-by-step plan with live jobs and apprenticeships near you.