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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

GCSE results - anxious about what to do next.

56 replies

Moschops1 · 21/08/2025 18:22

Feeling a bit lost now as not sure what to do. I can't be the only one in this position though I feel I am, as everyone I know has a place for their DC.

DD got her GCSE results today with a 9 and 8 in her top two A Level choices. But the others were a mixed bag, with her missing out on some scores by just 1 or 2 marks.

Long story short, for the schools she applied to (and had conditional acceptances) because she didn't get the required grade average, she has missed out on a place. We are still awaiting one but if that one comes back with a no, I don't know what to do.

It is just so disheartening because she did SO well in the subjects that she is brilliant in, but it means nothing now and we almost can't celebrate her achievement in that. Schools spout off about 'looking at the individual child and focussing on their talents'. It's not true - obviously if you don't achieve across the board, it means nothing.

I am now trying to look for alternatives but can anyone offer advice about how I go about this, because everywhere I look, it seems to focus on enrolment for NEXT year. I live in London if anyone is in the same boat and can offer any advice.

Thanks.

OP posts:
Snorlaxo · 21/08/2025 18:30

I’m assuming that you’re in the state sector but I’d find every commutable Sixth Form and college, check if they offer the subject combination that you’re after then contact them directly.

Has the Sixth Form that you’re waiting a reply from said when they’ll let you know if she has a place or not?

If it’s possible to compromise on the third subject then that might help secure a place. For example if the third subject is an essay subject then they might say yes if she chooses something different to what she originally planned. Remember that level 3 BTECs count the same as A-levels for uni entry so don’t be put off by a school asking her to consider level 3 BTEC instead of the A-level.

titchy · 21/08/2025 18:33
  1. Ask for a check of marking for the near misses - let your target schools know so they can hopefully leave her placement. 2. Where about are you? There will be a college that will take her. You need to get phoning urgently.
geoger · 21/08/2025 18:39

Where in London are you based?
what grades did your dd get and what would she like to study? What grades did she get for English language and maths?
I am sure that sixth form colleges will take her. She may have to be flexible and follow a blended route of A levels and Btecs
The more info you provide the more help we can give

Original poster
Moschops1 · 21/08/2025 18:40

Snorlaxo · 21/08/2025 18:30

I’m assuming that you’re in the state sector but I’d find every commutable Sixth Form and college, check if they offer the subject combination that you’re after then contact them directly.

Has the Sixth Form that you’re waiting a reply from said when they’ll let you know if she has a place or not?

If it’s possible to compromise on the third subject then that might help secure a place. For example if the third subject is an essay subject then they might say yes if she chooses something different to what she originally planned. Remember that level 3 BTECs count the same as A-levels for uni entry so don’t be put off by a school asking her to consider level 3 BTEC instead of the A-level.

We tried both State and Private. The one remaining is private and she spoke to them directly in her 'post results chat'.
The problem she has is that she got a 5 in Maths and that seems to affect a LOT of choices. This particular school makes them do 4 A levels - if it was only 3 choices, she would be fine, but the woman was struggling to find a 4th choice, based on her results.
Yes, she said she would get back to her, but we are not sure when.

I am now looking into BTEC courses, thanks.

OP posts:
ghostyslovesheets · 21/08/2025 18:41

What’s her career aim?

Original poster
Moschops1 · 21/08/2025 18:44

geoger · 21/08/2025 18:39

Where in London are you based?
what grades did your dd get and what would she like to study? What grades did she get for English language and maths?
I am sure that sixth form colleges will take her. She may have to be flexible and follow a blended route of A levels and Btecs
The more info you provide the more help we can give

Edited

I'm in Canary Wharf.

She got 7 for English Language, 6 for English Lit (her teacher told her she missed out on a 7 by one point!) and 5 for Maths. 6 in Combined Sciences.
She is not academic at all - she is extremely creative, hence she got a 9 for Art and she got an 8 for PRE, which she also found incredibly interesting. She would love to follow the creative route. The colleges she spoke to didn't offer her the combined option of BTec and A-level

OP posts:
ghostyslovesheets · 21/08/2025 18:45

BTEC Art and Design? Media?

Original poster
Moschops1 · 21/08/2025 18:45

ghostyslovesheets · 21/08/2025 18:41

What’s her career aim?

She is very creative so something art based. She has always had a natural talent for art and design. She struggles with academic subjects - so did really well to get the 6s and 7s but sadly not good enough.

OP posts:
AnnieAverage · 21/08/2025 18:45

If maths was one of the near misses i would request a remark, especially if you expected her to do better.

A grade 9 in two subjects is wonderful.

I am thinking back to my db who got an E in his English O’level, he claimed he had a migraine after the fact but hard to know if that was true. Anyway his very academic school made an exception and let him stay in to 6th form and resit his O level English. He subsequently got 4 A’s in his STEM A levels, two distinctions at S level, passed the Oxford entrance exam and went up to read maths for his first degree (swiftly followed by an MSc and sparkling career in IT).

It makes me so sad that schools can’t see past one slip in performance any more. I hope your dc finds a good solution and does not lose heart!

Original poster
Moschops1 · 21/08/2025 18:46

ghostyslovesheets · 21/08/2025 18:45

BTEC Art and Design? Media?

That's what I'm looking into now. I just hope I'm not too late for applying.

OP posts:
titchy · 21/08/2025 18:47

If she’s not academic and is creative why was she applying for A levels? Have you looked at other colleges? Thought about straight BTECs rather than including an A Level?

ghostyslovesheets · 21/08/2025 18:48

Moschops1 · 21/08/2025 18:46

That's what I'm looking into now. I just hope I'm not too late for applying.

Show quote history

Probably not - enrolment will go on tomorrow and next week - good luck

HawaiiWake · 21/08/2025 18:49

Maybe checked Sixth forms colleges which are private like MPW or Ashbourne College. They do cost but may suit her in small classes and more creative route. What A levels does she want to do?

geoger · 21/08/2025 18:49

Your dd’s grades are very good! Most places ask for 6 grade 5s or 6 grade 6s to do Alevels. She could do Art A level with textiles A level and maybe Philosophy or RE A level or a BTEC in a creative subject

DreamingofRaining · 21/08/2025 18:51

My DD had lower grades than yours and was allowed to do 3x Alevel at a big college all science based. She has passed them all ok this year but she struggled and in hindsight a BTEC with more focus on coursework would have been a much better option for her. For a creative I would really encourage you to look into BTEC options.

Original poster
Moschops1 · 21/08/2025 18:57

AnnieAverage · 21/08/2025 18:45

If maths was one of the near misses i would request a remark, especially if you expected her to do better.

A grade 9 in two subjects is wonderful.

I am thinking back to my db who got an E in his English O’level, he claimed he had a migraine after the fact but hard to know if that was true. Anyway his very academic school made an exception and let him stay in to 6th form and resit his O level English. He subsequently got 4 A’s in his STEM A levels, two distinctions at S level, passed the Oxford entrance exam and went up to read maths for his first degree (swiftly followed by an MSc and sparkling career in IT).

It makes me so sad that schools can’t see past one slip in performance any more. I hope your dc finds a good solution and does not lose heart!

Funny you say your DB had a migraine, as my DD had horrific period pain on the day of her maths exam - she was in fact sprawled over her desk so I know she did not perform her best that day. It's horrible that there is no compensation for sickness like that, I mean the poor girls have no control over it. :-(

OP posts:
Original poster
Moschops1 · 21/08/2025 19:01

geoger · 21/08/2025 18:49

Your dd’s grades are very good! Most places ask for 6 grade 5s or 6 grade 6s to do Alevels. She could do Art A level with textiles A level and maybe Philosophy or RE A level or a BTEC in a creative subject

Edited

She loves Philosophy, Religion and Ethics - that was on of the two subjects she did really well in - she only misssed out on a 9 by 4 marks.
I am trying to find a BTEC in Art / Design right now.

OP posts:
Myjobisridiculous · 21/08/2025 19:03

Ok, you need to take stock!
The grades which are just below a boundary, you could get remarked( or whatever it’s called nowadays!) . My DS went up two grades 4 to 6!!
There’s still some time to sign up… change mind…. Whatever.
What does dd ultimately want to do? There are many ways to get to the end point…

Myjobisridiculous · 21/08/2025 19:04

Getting an 8 won’t stop her from doing the A levels!

geoger · 21/08/2025 19:06

Moschops1 · 21/08/2025 19:01

She loves Philosophy, Religion and Ethics - that was on of the two subjects she did really well in - she only misssed out on a 9 by 4 marks.
I am trying to find a BTEC in Art / Design right now.

Show quote history

If she loves PRE she could do it as an A level along with 2 other A levels or take blended route by doing it alongside a BTEC
Have you looked at Newham College, New City College or Newham Collegiate Sixth Form?

ThingsgetbetterwithalittlebitofRazzmatazz · 21/08/2025 19:14

Those are great results, what a shame she's being made to feel like they're not. Definitely have a look at colleges, they will have some great options for her.

BigCity · 21/08/2025 19:15

My local school asks for 5xgrade 5 for A levels and 5 x grade 4 for btec/A level mix. So she should have plenty of options at many local comprehensives with a 6th form and can do 3 A levels with those grades if that’s what she wants (and chooses ones she’s strong in).

Original poster
Moschops1 · 21/08/2025 20:04

Myjobisridiculous · 21/08/2025 19:03

Ok, you need to take stock!
The grades which are just below a boundary, you could get remarked( or whatever it’s called nowadays!) . My DS went up two grades 4 to 6!!
There’s still some time to sign up… change mind…. Whatever.
What does dd ultimately want to do? There are many ways to get to the end point…

She is not sure of her exact career path but wants to do something creative. I didn't really know much about BTEC courses so we only applied for A Level 6th forms. Tomorrow will be taken up with lots of ringing around. Hopefully the colleges are open as I know a lot of them only opened for the A level and GCSE results days.

OP posts:
Original poster
Moschops1 · 21/08/2025 20:09

HawaiiWake · 21/08/2025 18:49

Maybe checked Sixth forms colleges which are private like MPW or Ashbourne College. They do cost but may suit her in small classes and more creative route. What A levels does she want to do?

Her 2 main A Levels she wants are Art and Philosophy, Religion and Ethics.
She had put down Chemistry as her third choice as it interested her but as she had to do Combined Science, her Physics mark dragged her down as she was very weak in that. So that is why she didn't accepted into the 6th form schools.
The maths is what really scuppers her chances as it is a 5 and every single place so far has asked for a 6 for Maths. That was the exam where she was so ill with severe period pains so did not perform well at all. I feel so sad for her. :-(

OP posts:
HawaiiWake · 21/08/2025 20:21

Moschops1 · 21/08/2025 20:09

Her 2 main A Levels she wants are Art and Philosophy, Religion and Ethics.
She had put down Chemistry as her third choice as it interested her but as she had to do Combined Science, her Physics mark dragged her down as she was very weak in that. So that is why she didn't accepted into the 6th form schools.
The maths is what really scuppers her chances as it is a 5 and every single place so far has asked for a 6 for Maths. That was the exam where she was so ill with severe period pains so did not perform well at all. I feel so sad for her. :-(

Show quote history

Chemistry A levels is a super tough jump for those on separate sciences GCSEs and you need another STEM A levels for STEM university courses. Would she consider other humanities such as Business Studies, Politics or Classical Civilisation?