GCSE Results Day 2025 | What to do when you don’t get the results you want
GCSE Results Day can feel overwhelming, especially if your grades aren't what you hoped. Yet, this isn't the end of the road - here's what to do when you don't get the results you want.
Disappointed with your GCSE results? Take a breath—this isn't the end of the road. Whether it's resits, remarking, or going down an alternative path like apprenticeships or vocational courses, you've got plenty of options at your fingertips. Here's what you need to know about Results Day 2025.
Your options on results day:
1. Request a remark (if you're close to grade boundary):
Every year, 1 in 5 GCSE grades that are challenged end up increasing (that said, it also means 4 in 5 don't increase). However, if you're close to the grade boundary, it's always worth getting your paper remarked.
Deadlines: You can request a GCSE remark for 30 days after results day.
Costs: Approximately £40-£60 per paper, with a refund if your grade improves. What you can request:
1. Copy of the marked script.
2. Clerical remark (which makes sure that all the pages were marked and summed up correctly).
3. Marking checks (checks whether the mark scheme was applied correctly).
AQA GCSE remark is £38.35 per paper.
For OCR, there are several options for requesting a remark. One is a clerical re-check - £11. The second review of marking checks costs £57.50 per paper. A copy of the reviewed script costs £14.75.
Edexcel charges £11.90 for a clerical re-check. A full remark costs £42.40. Edexcel priority remarking fee costs £48.70.
Note: If you request a review of marking, your grade(s) may be lowered, confirmed or raised following the review.
Be sure to check with the examining board for key dates for their remark process.
For example: Key dates for AQA
21 August 2025: GCSE results day.
4 September 2025: Deadline for priority copy of marked paper.
25 September 2025: Deadline for review of marking.
31 October 2025: Deadline for Standard copy of marked paper (access to scripts).
A remark can take up to 3 weeks, but many boards offer a priority service.
2. Resits - talk to your teachers:
Before you decide on a remark, talk to your teachers to see if it's worthwhile. At the same time, find out what the grade boundaries are this year (these show the minimum number of marks you need for each grade and are published on results day) so you can see if a remark is worth doing.
If you decide against a remark, your teachers can advise you on how to resit exams, alternative A-Level subjects, and other options (see below).
GCSE English and Maths retakes are mandatory if you didn't achieve a 4, so ask your school about November or 2026 resits.
If you choose to retake, focus on preparing differently and consider working with a tutor who can work through what went wrong on your original GCSE paper, your revision and examination techniques.
If you're transitioning from school to college, keep in mind that many institutions accept students near grade thresholds. If you missed by a small margin, call them and see if you can still study with them. Many will also take you on while you wait for any remarks to come through.
3. Adjust your A-Level choices:
All schools have a boundary line for grades for A Level. If you missed grades for your preferred subjects, consider alternative subjects. Your teachers can help advise on this.
Best Alternative A-Level Subjects:
1. Business Studies
2. Sociology
3. Law
4. Media/Film Studies
5. Medical Science
4. Consider T-levels and BTECs:
T-Levels and BTECs differ in structure and progression. T-Levels are 2-year, employer-designed courses that blend 80% classroom study with a 45-day industry placement, equivalent to 3 A Levels. They are ideal for direct career paths in sectors such as engineering or healthcare.
BTECs offer more flexibility, with 1-3-year courses assessed mainly through coursework across broader subjects (e.g., business, sport), ranging from Level 2 to Level 3 (equivalent to 1-3 A Levels), and suit those seeking diverse options, such as university, apprenticeships, or work.
While T Levels provide targeted skills and mandatory work experience, BTECs offer the opportunity for in-depth subject exploration.
T-Levels (Equivalent to 3 A-Levels):
Best for: Direct industry skills + work placements (45+ days).
Digital & IT (e.g., Software Development, Cyber) → Tech careers.
Health & Science (e.g., Nursing, Lab Science) → NHS/apprenticeships.
Engineering & Manufacturing → Hands-on technical roles.
Business & Finance → Admin, accounting, or entrepreneurship.
Education & Childcare → Teaching assistants, early years roles.
Pros: Includes an industry placement and UCAS points for University
BTEC Nationals (Equivalent to 1-3 A-Levels):
Best for: Vocational skills with coursework + exams.
Applied Science → Lab work, healthcare, or engineering access.
Business → Management, marketing, or apprenticeships.
Health & Social Care → Nursing, social work, or care roles.
IT/Computing → Tech apprenticeships or uni courses.
Sport & Exercise Science → Coaching, physiotherapy, or fitness.
Art & Design → Creative careers (graphic design, media).
Pros: Less exam pressure, hands-on learning, accepted by many unis.
5. Seek help and support:
Results Day can feel overwhelming, but there's plenty of support available if you feel upset, stressed, disappointed, or unsure of what to do next. Here's where to turn:
Teachers & Tutors: They know you best and can advise on next steps (remarks, retakes, or alternative courses).
School Wellbeing Team: Many schools offer dedicated support on Results Day.
Exam Result Helplines:
Childline (Under 19s): Call 0800 1111
SHOUT To start a conversation, text the word "Shout" to 85258