GCSE results day – what’s next?

Your exam results can be key to your next steps at sixth form or college – or your chances of getting a job. But if you don’t get the grades you wanted, there are alternatives for you to consider. Just missed your grades? If you are not far off what was needed for your chosen subject you may be able to study it if your college has some flexibility. Go in on enrolment day and talk to them, with someone…

A level results day – what’s next?

Today's one of the most stressful dates for many students. It may feel like disaster if you don’t get the grades for your chosen course, but there are options.  Universities still want you – more than 50,000 students find their places through Clearing every year. Many more choose apprenticeships, internships, gap years, or go straight into work.   How Clearing works Universities fill spaces that are still available after results day via Clearing, matching students with places. This year the system…

What to consider when choosing subjects for sixth form

Are you ready to choose your subjects for sixth form? Whether you are staying at school or moving to a sixth form college there are lots of options open to you. It can seem overwhelming – but don’t panic - here are tips to help you. First, you might want to think about the sort of job you would like to do. Look on a careers website like Careers in Eyecare and explore careers you might like and what you…

Exam results not what you hoped for? A career in eyecare can offer a bright future

The government in England is planning to reduce the number of top A level grades this year. Ministers want to return to pre-pandemic statistics, the proportion awarded in 2019. Scotland and Wales are moving more slowly. It may be bad news for some students, parents and schools. But if you miss out, there are still plenty of options for a rewarding career in eyecare. Whether you are into science and technology, fashion or engaging with people, there’s a great future…

Waiting for exam results?

Have you survived your GCSEs, or nationals in Scotland? It can be a nerve-wracking time. Here are some tips to help. When will I find out?  Results day for National Qualifications in Scotland is on Tuesday 8 August and GCSE results for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (and some Scottish schools) is on Thursday 24 August. Well done! Congratulate yourself. Whether you get the results you expected or not, that's OK. Try to celebrate what you have achieved – you…

Exams success inspiration

If you are awaiting exam results in a state of trepidation, read this article from newly qualified dispensing optician Matthew. We covered a day in his life as a student DO - now he is ready for his first fully qualified role! Well done Matthew, it's inspiring to read your story. On the Thursday morning, 11 August 2022, around 1am I ran upstairs and woke my wife up. She was confused until she heard my words; “I passed! I bl**dy…

What happens if A level results don’t go how you hoped?

A level results day can be a fraught time as you’ve pinned your hopes and next steps on getting the grades you need for a particular course at a particular university. But if things don’t work out how you hoped, there are alternatives for you to consider. Just missed your grades – you may still find that your first choice is possible as the university may decide to offer the place to you anyway via a ‘changed course offer’ meaning…

What to think about when choosing your A levels

When you are deciding on A level topics it can seem overwhelming - but don't panic. Read on for tips to help you, and advice on timings. First, you might want to think about the sort of job you would like to do. Look on a careers website like Careers in Eyecare and find out the entry requirements to careers you might like. Will you need A levels or a degree? If there is a training course, you can contact…

How to choose your GCSEs

There can feel like a lot of pressure to choose the right subjects for GCSE. If you have to decide on the right subjects for you, read on for some tips to help you. There are different ways to pick your subjects at GSCE. You could pick subjects you are good at or those you enjoy. You might want to do subjects your friends are doing, or ones where you like the teacher. These are all good reasons to think…