5 ways we can support you after GCSE results day
Results day can be a whirlwind of emotions: relief, excitement, pride, and sometimes uncertainty.
Whether you’ve smashed your targets, surprised yourself, or faced a setback, one thing’s certain: your journey isn’t over. In fact, it’s just getting started.
At the RNN Group of Colleges, our focus is on helping you navigate this important moment and feel confident about your next move.
If you need to reassess your choice of vocational course, are looking for pastoral support ahead of starting in September, or just need reassurance that you’re making the right choice, here are five ways we can support you after you’ve received your GCSE results.
1. Support if things didn’t go to plan
Sometimes grades don’t reflect your hard work or potential. If you didn’t get the results you were hoping for, it’s not the end of your journey – it’s a redirection. There’s more than one way to reach your dream career.
When you come in to enrol, our staff will look at your GCSE results and help you find a course at the right level for you, with clear progression routes. You could also explore practical and work-based learning options like an apprenticeship.
If you need to resit key GCSEs such as English or maths, you can do this while studying another subject so you can keep doors open for your future.
We see results day not as an end point, but as a checkpoint. With the right guidance, a change in direction can be the start of something better suited to you.
2. Advice and guidance about changing course
Second guessing your course choice? We get it – it probably feels like a lifetime since you applied here and your career goals may well have changed since then.
Thankfully, it’s not too late to change your mind and switch to something more suited. Our Careers and Admissions teams are on hand during and after results day to talk through your grades, interests, and ambitions so you can choose a route that plays to your strengths.
They can help you explore the full range of vocational study programmes available, as well as alternative qualifications such as T Levels or apprenticeships which have a work placement element.
If you do decide to go ahead and pivot to something new, they can sort all application paperwork out there and then.
So whether you’re starting fresh, changing your course, or applying late because your results have opened new possibilities, our goal is to make sure you leave that first conversation feeling clear, informed, and excited.
3. Emotional and wellbeing support
Results day can be one big ball of emotion. You’ve spent months revising, had to sit endless exams, and waited months to find out how you did. Opening that envelope can go two ways: relief or disappointment.
We know that success isn’t just about academics, it’s about feeling supported, healthy, and confident.
If you’re worrying out about your results or feeling anxious about starting college, our Student Support Services offer one-to-one guidance and a friendly listening ear.
As an RNN student, you’ll have access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources at College when you start in September, such as counselling for ongoing support with anxiety, stress, or personal challenges.
The student support team can also signpost you to as well as external support organisations that offer free mental wellbeing support such as Kooth, Qwell and Samaritans.
Your mental and emotional wellbeing is just as important to us as your grades. We’ll help you keep both on track.
4. Financial support
We understand that starting or continuing in education can bring extra costs for you and the adults you live with, and we don’t want finances to be a barrier to your success.
At the RNN Group of Colleges, we have a range of schemes and advice to make sure you can focus on learning without unnecessary money worries.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for:
- 16-18 Bursaries to help with travel, equipment, and study costs.
- Free meals at college to make sure you keep your energy up for learning.
- Help with childcare costs for learners under 20 who are parents so you can focus on your studies knowing your child is being cared for.
We also offer an enhanced young persons bursary for care leavers or students with additional needs.
Our Student Finance team will work with you confidentially to explore every option you’re entitled to, because your future should never be limited by your wallet.
5. A place to belong
Joining college isn’t just about getting a qualification. It’s about finding your community and meeting new people who share your interests.
We make it easy to settle in and feel at home by offering a range of enrichment options such as clubs, societies, extra-curricular activities.
From joining student unions to trying out sports or even trips abroad, these activities help you build confidence, expand your network, and boost your CV, all while having fun.
Each of our three colleges offer different enrichment opportunities, but they all have a wide range of clubs, societies and schemes available including:
Student Union and Leadership Programme
Represent your classmates, organise events, or work on campaigns that matter to you.
Work towards certification in up to ten transferrable skills such as communication, critical thinking, leadership, resilience and time-management.
From arts and crafts to Dungeons and Dragons groups, film and anime clubs to LGBTQ+ society, and even driving theory practice sessions – there’s something for everyone.
An exciting educational programme involves a grant-funded two-week international trip aimed at giving students the opportunity to develop new skills and boost their employability.
College is where you’ll grow not just academically, but personally. It’s your chance to try new things, meet new people, and discover more about yourself.
One final reminder…
Whatever your results, you have options, and you have support. Don’t make decisions alone – come and talk to us.
We’ll help you find a path that fits your goals, strengths, and passions.