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Original poster

A Levels 2023 - Results Day & Beyond: Part 2

370 replies

SlightlyJaded · 19/08/2023 12:28

The previous post is filling up and as i seem to be one of the few still in limbo, I thought I'd start a new thread.

A place to discuss 2023 A level results and navigate our way through clearing/frustrations/questions and anything else.

Previous thread here: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/higher_education/4873934-a-levels-2023-results-day-and-beyond?page=10&reply=128536278

Waiting till the old thread fills up before we hop over here.

Page 38 | A levels 2023 - Results day and beyond | Mumsnet

Hi all. I thought I’d make a new thread as the countdown one is filling up. Results day is here and I’m sure we will all value each others support, t...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/higher_education/4873934-a-levels-2023-results-day-and-beyond?page=10&reply=128536278

OP posts:
PacificState · 24/08/2023 09:24

Hope the GCSEers have a happy morning. What a year to have to do the results double!

Your DD sounds v happy with a good outcome @Luckyme2 but every year I'm struck by how sadistic the Cambridge maths system is. Good on her for punching through.

Luckyme2 · 24/08/2023 09:38

@Darkbutstarrynight It’s Kings College and the halls are with Chapter. We looked at a couple of companies who arrange the booking. Well I say a couple - it felt like years! But they seem like decent halls with common room, gym, cinema room etc.
I was like you and had visions of sending her with a sleeping bag…. 🙈
Good luck and I really hope it’s sorted for you soon

Luckyme2 · 24/08/2023 09:39

@PacificState thank you! Yes the Cambridge STEP was traumatic all round
I’m hugely proud of her for giving it a go and pleased she’s happy now anyway

Darkbutstarrynight · 24/08/2023 09:41

@Luckyme2 Thanks! To make it more fun he's away at the moment so will get sorted out whichever way from a distance!

Luckyme2 · 24/08/2023 09:46

I know that feeling @Darkbutstarrynight ! DD was away too! 😂

dancingsands · 24/08/2023 10:35

moshmoshi · 24/08/2023 09:23

It’s good to read that it seems to be working out for lots of DC. My DS is having a gap year but has lost his offer from Ox Brookes. He is coping fine- just really fed up of having to tell everyone and explain his plans. I’m just relieved that the gap year was already planned so we didn’t have the disappointment of not going into the accommodation already arranged etc.

We’ve requested a remark of his C and to look at the U papers in case there is any chance of getting an E from a remark. I know I’m probably being really overhopeful- I keep reading about sections being missed by the markers. Anyway I just want to feel like I’ve done everything I can to maximise his UCAS points.

He is now planning to apply for a foundation year that can lead to Paramedic Science. We’ve found courses at Wolverhampton, Coventry, UWE and Canterbury. Has anyone got any positive stories about these unis? DS very social and sporty (mainly athletics but also likes team sports) so thats important to him as part of his uni experience.

Canterbury is a lovely uni and town, loads of sport groups xx

LaDeeDa123 · 24/08/2023 13:11

Has you DS looked at Edge Hill @moshmoshi?

Ohhelpicantthinkofaname · 24/08/2023 13:40

moshmoshi · 24/08/2023 09:23

It’s good to read that it seems to be working out for lots of DC. My DS is having a gap year but has lost his offer from Ox Brookes. He is coping fine- just really fed up of having to tell everyone and explain his plans. I’m just relieved that the gap year was already planned so we didn’t have the disappointment of not going into the accommodation already arranged etc.

We’ve requested a remark of his C and to look at the U papers in case there is any chance of getting an E from a remark. I know I’m probably being really overhopeful- I keep reading about sections being missed by the markers. Anyway I just want to feel like I’ve done everything I can to maximise his UCAS points.

He is now planning to apply for a foundation year that can lead to Paramedic Science. We’ve found courses at Wolverhampton, Coventry, UWE and Canterbury. Has anyone got any positive stories about these unis? DS very social and sporty (mainly athletics but also likes team sports) so thats important to him as part of his uni experience.

I only have experience of UWE. I have recent been a mature student there myself doing a health science degree. Tbh they’ve been great. The glenside campus is nice and green and Bristol as a city is great for students.

dds friend is going into her second year doing paramedic science there and is loving it. The only thing is that accommodation fills up quickly so if it’s an insurance or clearing choice you may struggle to find anything for a reasonable price that’s anywhere near the campus.

Ohhelpicantthinkofaname · 24/08/2023 13:42

I think UWE has good sports opportunities but I’d look into it further to see if it meets your sons needs.

NotDonna · 24/08/2023 14:25

@Lowther thank heavens for that!!
@SlightlyJaded i think we all totally understand your feelings. Great you’re voicing them here. I have a couple of friends with DDs at MMU who love it and love everything about Manchester despite coming from sleepyish southern towns. Who cares if MMU or UEA is better - they’re both great and the former gives her very easy access to the support system of her boyfriend and bestie. Plus it’s up to her to nail the next stage, which I’m sure she will! Hope you’re now celebrating DSs results.

im on my phone and can’t recall the DS going for remarks for paramedics- but HUGE good luck to him and everyone going for remarks!

moshmoshi · 24/08/2023 16:08

LaDeeDa123 · 24/08/2023 13:11

Has you DS looked at Edge Hill @moshmoshi?

I don’t think he has the ucas points for edge hill. He will have C DU or BCE at best when he applies. I couldn’t find a foundation year there that linked to paramedic science- unless I missed it? It does look good though and offered joint nurse paramedic training as well.

moshmoshi · 24/08/2023 16:11

Ohhelpicantthinkofaname · 24/08/2023 13:42

I think UWE has good sports opportunities but I’d look into it further to see if it meets your sons needs.

We’ve booked the open day so hopefully he’ll like it. The foundation course has limited places so may be more competitive. than others.

moshmoshi · 24/08/2023 16:13

@Ohhelpicantthinkofaname thanks, good to hear you had a good experience there. DS would be applying for sept 24 so should be able to sort accommodation if he gets in,

moshmoshi · 24/08/2023 16:15

@dancingsands thanks- his course would be at the Medway campus so not sure what that’s like. I think he would struggle if it was too small and quiet.

ono40 · 24/08/2023 16:32

@SlightlyJaded my friend's husband went to MMU back in the 1980s. We were at Aston in Birmingham and were always dead jealous of people who were students in Manchester as the nightlife was way better (the Hacienda!), the city was nicer and more vibrant and the shops were better. Anyway, he is now head of marketing for a multi-national company and earns mega bucks.

I'm actually jealous of your DD being a student at MMU! I think I need to get over myself now after almost 40 years 😂

Ruth222 · 24/08/2023 16:39

Looking for a bit of advice please?

DD didn't apply for unis, I think this was because she wasn't expecting to pass and she kept saying she didn't want to go.
Was quite happy with whatever she decided. Told her we would support her in any decisions she made.

She actually got BBB, which we were so happy about and I think it made her realise how capable she is.
She was away for results day but has now obviously left it too late for clearing. She wanted to go to a London uni (we are just outside London, she wanted to stay at home) I think that's why she didn't apply because most of them wanted AAA.

She could however go to our local uni, which is quite average but seems to be getting better every year. They have confirmed she could get a place there.

She doesn't want to retake, but she's worried that if she takes a gap year the universities will require higher marks next year so no guarantee of her getting in.
Im not sure how to advise her, my gut is saying take the local place but I don't want to push her into the wrong thing.

We have never pushed her to go to uni but she is really good at her chosen subject and I really think she would enjoy studying it and would do well.

Ruth222 · 24/08/2023 17:06

Also just thought I would add, she had a very tough year last year.
I had a mental health crisis and was admitted to hospital for 3 months.
My problems are ongoing and she helps me a lot :(

Original poster
SlightlyJaded · 24/08/2023 17:13

@Ruth222 she's done really well. Especially in this years harsh grading climate.

She has left it late but she hasn't left it entirely too late for clearing. Go on the UCAS website and see what's available. Bear in mind that many Unis still looking to full places will definitely look at BBB even if they've posted AAB or whatever. They want to fill those places and there has been quite a lot of give from some Unis this year.

I'd do this before 'settling' for your local if you aren't super sure.

Congratulations to your DD. Hopefully she will start to really believe in herself.

OP posts:
Skule · 24/08/2023 17:29

Ruth222 · 24/08/2023 16:39

Looking for a bit of advice please?

DD didn't apply for unis, I think this was because she wasn't expecting to pass and she kept saying she didn't want to go.
Was quite happy with whatever she decided. Told her we would support her in any decisions she made.

She actually got BBB, which we were so happy about and I think it made her realise how capable she is.
She was away for results day but has now obviously left it too late for clearing. She wanted to go to a London uni (we are just outside London, she wanted to stay at home) I think that's why she didn't apply because most of them wanted AAA.

She could however go to our local uni, which is quite average but seems to be getting better every year. They have confirmed she could get a place there.

She doesn't want to retake, but she's worried that if she takes a gap year the universities will require higher marks next year so no guarantee of her getting in.
Im not sure how to advise her, my gut is saying take the local place but I don't want to push her into the wrong thing.

We have never pushed her to go to uni but she is really good at her chosen subject and I really think she would enjoy studying it and would do well.

Not too late for clearing, or for London, depending on what she wants to study. SOAS could be an option or, moving a bit further out, Goldsmiths or Royal Holloway

Ruth222 · 24/08/2023 17:41

Thank you, will have a look, I'm so proud of her. She has worked hard

DinkyDaisy · 24/08/2023 17:47

Also, Surrey University maybe...

DinkyDaisy · 24/08/2023 17:47

Surrey University in Guildford is not far from London by train.

Original poster
SlightlyJaded · 24/08/2023 17:50

@Ruth222 do you want to say what course she is looking to do? Maybe we can help you?

OP posts:
Cafeconleche · 24/08/2023 17:52

@Ruth222 City University of London has courses in clearing with BBB. What does your DD want to study?

ChurroChuryummy · 24/08/2023 18:01

@Ruth222 my dd accepted a place through clearing yesterday! She needed time after results day to think through her options before making a decision and even though she left it late the process was OK.