West Midlands GCSE students celebrate their success with a cheer - and look to the future as they receive their results
The day has come for thousands of GCSE students to reap the rewards of two years of hard work and see what their next steps are - then celebrate with friends and family.
Today, GCSE results day, sees thousands of West Midlands students descend upon their schools and academies to receive their results and bring to an end two years of coursework, studying and exams.
Although there is a bit of a difference for some this year - as 95,000 GCSE students in the West Midlands and Greater Manchester are getting their results on a new app.
For those who are going to school, teachers and staff members will be on hand to present them with their results and to congratulate them for what they have achieved on a day of high emotion for everyone involved.
One school which will be celebrating with students is Beacon Hill Academy in Sedgley, which has announced another years of outstanding GCSE achievement across a wide range of subjects.
Principal Sukhjot Dhami praised both learners and staff and spoke about his own feelings on results day, saying that while it was a nerve-wracking experience for everyone involved, it always proved worth it in the end.
He said: "The nerves are the same as what they were when I first became headteacher as you feel just as nervous as the learners because you've invested all this time, energy and effort and you want the learners to do well.
"There's part of you that feels like a parent and another that's thinking like a headteacher and another that thinks like the child, so it's a very nerve-wracking feeling, but then absolute delight at the outcome and results that they get.
“Every learner who opened their results today has not only met expectations: they’ve exceeded them, shattered benchmarks, and redefined what success looks like.
“Behind every grade is a story of resilience, ambition, and belief and I am incredibly proud of our learners, whose determination has been nothing short of inspiring, and of our staff, whose passion and relentless commitment have made these achievements possible."
Students in England are required to remain in official education or training until they turn 18, whether staying in full-time education, starting an apprenticeship or working while studying part-time.
Many pupils go on to study A-levels, while the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), BTec Level 3s, TechBacs, Cambridge Technicals, T-levels and the International Baccalaureate are among the other options.
As thousands of students prepare for their GCSE results later this week, the Career Development Institute (CDI) has some advice for those who don't get the grades they wanted.
The CDI emphasises that this isn't the end of the road; instead, it could be the start of a new and unexpected journey.
CDI chief executive David Morgan said: “Your potential is not defined by these exam results.
"If your grades aren't what you expected, don’t panic as this isn't the end of your journey.
“At the CDI we know success isn't a single path. Unexpected results can feel like a setback, but they're also a surprising opportunity for new directions.
"Many students have navigated similar situations and achieved great things. Your potential is not defined by these exam results, and seeking professional careers advice can help you find your best way forward.”
Students who don't get the results they are expecting are encouraged to talk to their school or college and discuss grades with teachers or careers advisers as colleges may be able to offer flexibility on entry, meaning they might still accept them even if the grades are slightly below their advertised requirements, suggest alternative internal pathways, or advise on resit options.
They are also encouraged to explore all their options, look at resits for exams if needed, look at alternative qualifications, apprenticeships and traineeships, as well as look at other opportunities.
