Wiltshire Council congratulates all GCSE students collecting their results today

Wiltshire Council have congratulated all students across the county who are collecting their GCSE and Vocational Technical Qualification (VTQ) results today.

This is an exciting time for many, and Wiltshire Council recognises the hard work and commitment these students put in and offers their support to those who didn’t get the grades they were expecting.  

GCSEs are currently ranked on a 9-1 scale, where 9 is the top grade and grade 4 is a standard pass, roughly in line with the former Grade C. VTQs are practical qualifications for over 16s, designed to help students to get the required skills to start a career or enter higher education.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “A huge congratulations to all of our students collecting results today. I wish you good luck with your next steps as you start the next chapter of your journey, whatever that may be.

“There’s lots of support available to those needing to decide what to do next, and I would encourage them to speak with their teachers or schools and use the available support around them to decide the best options available to them. We also have a dedicated results page on the Work Wiltshire website which has information on help available, as well as guides and advice.

“I’d also like to thank the teachers, school staff, parents and carers. Your hard work in supporting our students has helped them achieve these results.”

Students that do not receive the grades they anticipated should initially speak to their school or college who can offer help and advice about options available to them including the appeals process.

Anyone aged 16-17, who is finding it hard to stay in education or to find a place for September can speak to Work Wiltshire and register for support with Education, Employment Advisers. Support is available online at: https://workwiltshire.co.uk/young/under18/support/, by emailing workwilts@wiltshire.gov.uk or by calling 01225 716890.

For those thinking about starting an apprenticeship rather than continuing in education, information and registration details can be found at: https://workwiltshire.co.uk/home/apprenticeships/.  

The Building Bridges programme can also help those who did not get the results they wanted. The free programme (funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund) offers 1:1 support from a friendly development worker to assist people in taking the steps to gaining employment, education, or training.

Students can talk to career advisors at National Careers Service, who can offer help with exam results for both post 16 and post 18- year-olds.  

People who are worried about receiving their exam results or require support following their results can contact the Wiltshire SHOUT service. This is a free, anonymous 24/7 mental health text messaging service which will not appear on your bill. Text WILTS to 85258 to be connected with a trained volunteer who will aim to support you to a calm and safe place.