As young people and their families wait expectantly for exam results, help and advice is available. A/AS level results will be announced on Thursday 14 August and GCSE results on Thursday 21 August.

Next steps

Young people have important decisions to make about what comes next after results day, whether it's:

• continuing in full-time education
• starting an apprenticeship or traineeship
• getting a job
• taking a gap year

As a parent/carer you will want to know how best to support and guide them, particularly if they do not get the results they had expected.

Careers support

The Careers Service has a team of professionally-qualified advisers who provide free, impartial advice and guidance to both parents/ carers and students when thinking about future educational/ career paths. 

Careers advisers use up-to-date labour market information, including new and growing sectors, and knowledge of the skills and qualities employers are looking for. There may be career opportunities available that you have not even considered before.

Online help

You will find useful information in the results section, including articles on:

• your various options
• continuing education
• student life
• work and training
• useful contacts

Support for young people with special educational needs

Careers advisers can explain the options and support available in education, training and employment. 

• Career planning for young people with special educational needs

Querying your results

If you have a query on any issue about your results, your school will be able to advise you of the procedure to follow. 

Contact the Careers Service                 

The Careers Service is available to offer support whatever the circumstances, and at any stage in a person’s career journey, even after they have left school. 

• phone: 0300 200 7820
• email by completing an 'Ask Careers' online form
• go online and chat with the Careers Service

The Careers Service phone line and webchat is available from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

A Level students: UCAS clearing/ universities

• UCAS results, confirmation and clearing
• Queen's University Belfast
• Ulster University
• Stranmillis University College
• St Mary's University College
• Open University
• Discover Uni

Further Education colleges

Contact details for the Further Education (FE) Colleges, which provide full-time and part-time higher and further education courses.

• Belfast Metropolitan College
• CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise)
• North West Regional College
• Northern Regional College
• South Eastern Regional College
• South West College
• Southern Regional College