Bournemouth students weigh their next move after results

Students across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are receiving A Level, T Level and vocational qualification results today, with university, apprenticeships, training and employment among the next steps being considered.

Sixth forms and colleges across the area began welcoming students from early Thursday morning. For many, results day is the point at which offers, applications and career plans move from provisional choices to immediate decisions.

BCP Council has urged students whose grades were not what they hoped for to speak to their school, sixth form or college as soon as possible. Those conversations can help young people understand the options still open to them and decide on a route forward.

Results day across BCP

A Levels are commonly used for progression to higher education, while T Levels combine classroom learning with an industry placement. Vocational qualifications offer another route for students developing skills linked to particular sectors and careers.

The results being collected on Thursday therefore cover several pathways, rather than a single route into university. Students may be considering further study, an apprenticeship, training or a move into employment.

Councillor Richard Burton, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for children, young people, education and skills, congratulated students and said the day was also a chance to recognise parents, carers, teachers, lecturers and support staff.

“This is a moment to celebrate your hard work, determination and ambition,” he said. “You should be proud of everything you have achieved.”

Support for students choosing a route forward

Lisa Linscott, BCP Council’s director of education and skills, said the results reflected the talent and resilience of young people across the area.

She said the council wanted every young person to have the opportunity to develop skills, pursue ambitions and take the next step with confidence. “There are many pathways to success and support is available to help young people move forward,” she added.

For students reassessing their plans, the first practical step is to contact their own school, sixth form or college, where staff can discuss available options. BCP Council also signposts its Early Help Access Point for family support and UP in BCP, an information and advice service for young people aged 12 to 19, extending to age 25 for those with SEND.

National and specialist support is also listed through UCAS, the National Careers Service, Prospects, SENDiass4BCP, Disability Rights UK, Careerpilot and mental-health services including Kooth, Dorset Mind, Childline and the Anna Freud Centre.

Source: Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council