Ref. 71760-24Tomorrow is D-Day for thousands of Swindon students. After weeks of waiting, they will then know what their A-Level results are. BHAVANI VADDE reports on the help available to them

TOMORROW thousands of A-Level students in Swindon will experience one of the most momentous days of their young lives.

The results of two years study will determine which path their careers take depending on whether they achieve their predicted grades or whether they miss out.

It can seem the end of the world for students who don't make the grade and fail to get a place at their chosen university.

At the same time, people who get better results than they expected may want to revise their future plans.

Whatever the situation, results day can be an emotional rollercoaster.

But help is at hand to guide students through the confusion.

Trained personal advisors will be on standby throughout the exam results period.

And there is a wealth of information about education and training at the Connexions drop-in centre at Temple Chambers.

Connexions advisor Amanda Walker said: "Waiting for results can be a nail-biting time, and if you do better or worse than expected there are some important decisions to be made.

"If you have applied for university and you have missed the entry requirements by a grade or two, the first thing you should do is contact the universities you are holding offers from, they may still accept you onto the course.

"If you haven't already applied to university, it is not too late and there are thousands of places available through clearing.

"But you will have to be organised, as demand peaks as soon as A level results are announced."

She said the most important thing was to keep calm and plan properly.

"When looking at alternative courses keep an open mind and be realistic," she said.

"It is important not to panic and remember that universities and colleges need you too."

Students must complete a UCAS application form to go through clearing and this can be done online.

Students can ring institutions directly about course entry requirements and availability while they wait for the UCAS application to be processed, which can take about two weeks.

Many young people are put off going to university due to rising costs and don't want to be saddled with debts that could exceed £20,000 before they start their working life.

But there are many alternatives to university such as part time courses or 'learn while you earn' courses such as apprenticeships.

Amanda added: "Some people may also want a break form learning for a while and might be interested in gaining work experience, taking a gap year or joining a community or voluntary project.

"Whatever your results, it is important to think carefully about what options are available."

Bhavani Vadde