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Date published: 13 August 2026

Exam results day can bring excitement, uncertainty and important decisions for young people and their families. If you're getting A/ AS level results on Thursday 13 August or GCSE results on Thursday 20 August, support is available to help you consider your options.

Next steps

Young people have important decisions to make about what comes next after results day, whether it's:

• continuing in full-time education
• starting an apprenticeship or traineeship
• getting a job
• taking a gap year

As a parent/ carer you will want to know how best to support and guide them, particularly if they do not get the results they had expected.

Careers support

The Careers Service provides free, impartial advice to parents, carers and students who want guidance about education, training or work. 

Careers advisers can help you understand your options using up-to-date information about jobs, sectors and the skills employers are looking for.

You may have more options than you think, and speaking to a careers adviser can help you feel more confident about the choices available to you.

Online help

You will find useful information in the results section, including articles on:

• your various options
• continuing education
• student life
• work and training
• useful contacts

Support for young people with special educational needs

Careers advisers can explain the options and support available in education, training and employment. 

• Career planning for young people with special educational needs

Querying your results

If you have questions or concerns about your results, your school will be able to advise you what to do. 

Contact the Careers Service                 

The Careers Service is available to offer support whatever the circumstances. 

• phone: 0300 200 7820
• email by completing an 'Ask Careers' online form
• go online and chat with the Careers Service

The Careers Service phone line and webchat is available from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

A Level students: UCAS clearing/ universities

• UCAS results, confirmation and clearing
• Queen's University Belfast
• Ulster University
• Stranmillis University College
• St Mary's University College
• Open University
• Discover Uni

Further Education colleges

If you're thinking about college, find out about full-time and part-time higher and further education courses at the following links:

• Belfast Met
• CAFRE - College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise
• North West Regional College
• Northern Regional College
• Southern Regional College
• South West College

Other information

There is also information available at these links:

• How the Careers Service can help you
• Guides to help with career planning
• Careers A to Z list

More useful links

• Skills in demand
• Getting ready for university or college
• Financial support at school or college
• All Ireland scholarships
• Skills Barometer 2023 to 2033
• Careers occupational information

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