The A level results are out tomorrow (Thursday) while GCSE students are forced to wait another week to find out how they fared in their exams.

This is a particularly stressful time of year for young people and their families with decisions to be made about college or course choices in the wake of results that may or may not have met expectation.

Elizabeth Armstrong, principal of Enniskillen Royal Grammar School has advised students not to panic if they do not get their desired results as options are always available.

“There is no doubt that this can be a time of mixed emotions as young people get their results – the culmination of their hard work and effort over the past two years.

 If the results do not turn out as expected the key thing to remember is to give yourself time to consider all your options and to seek the help and advice of your teachers at school who know you and who can talk through the possible routes with you. 

There are many different pathways on offer now and it is important to keep flexible and open minded about the way forward.”

It can be a daunting time for students, but advice and support are widely available for those who are worried about their next steps.

Sean Carlin, careers teacher at St Michael’s College has told students that advice is readily available for anyone who needs it. 

“These results will determine the next steps for a student’s future. 

There is a lot of stress and anxiety out there but it is important not to worry. If the results go well, it will be a brilliant feeling. If they don’t go so well, contact your careers adviser straight away and they will help you sort something out.

 There are more options these days so there is always a way around it that will still get students to their desired career path.”