Help and support available for young people getting exam results

Well done to all our students collecting their A-level and BTEC results today – and good luck to students collecting their GCSE results next week.

You should be extremely proud of your results having worked so hard. These last few years have been extremely challenging for students so if you are disappointed in the outcome of your exams, please reach out.

We would like to remind all of our young people that there is a wide range of support available for all Blackburn with Darwen students as they receive their A-level and GCSE exam results this month.

Home-schooling, learning whilst wearing masks, socially distancing in schools as well as coping with getting Covid or missing school due to near and dear ones getting sick, are just some of the trials that our children and young people have faced.

Jayne Ivory, Director of Children’s, Young People and Education, said:

Many congratulations to all of Blackburn with Darwen’s hardworking students for their A-level and BTEC results.

It may now feel as though it is business as usual but we are fully aware that in terms of education the last two years have been far from easy. I am extremely proud of all of our young people for continuing to work hard and face the challenges with a positive attitude.

I wish you all best of luck with your next steps, whether you choose to continue into further education, apprenticeships or other training, or employment.

There is a wide range of support available for everyone regardless of their exam results. All contact details are provided below – please get in contact with them if you are unsure of your next steps or would just like some more guidance on what to do and where to go next.

Cllr Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

Firstly, I would like to say a huge congratulations to all of Blackburn with Darwen’s hardworking students who are collecting their A-level and GCSE results.

We know that since 2020 our young people haven’t had an opportunity to sit their exams in the same way as they have pre-pandemic. However, we are also aware that the classes of 2022 have faced many challenges.

I’m extremely proud of how all our young people have handled the last couple of years. I hope that whatever the outcome of your results, you can also be proud of yourselves.
I wish you all the best of luck with the next steps in your career.

Locally in Blackburn with Darwen, the New Directions Careers Service are available to offer their support to both Year 11 and Year 13 students. They can be contacted for one to one impartial careers guidance, have all of the latest information on further study, training and employment, and can support with applications and CVs. If any students have had a change of mind in terms of the courses they have opted it’s really important you get in touch with your education provider as soon as possible to help you with this.

The team can be contacted on: (01254) 666424 or emailed at newdirections@blackburn.gov.uk. The service can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by searching ‘new directions’.

The National Careers service is also offering free and impartial advice for all students receiving their results. Visit https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-your-education-and-training-choices/exam-results or call 0800 100 900.

Kooth.com also has free to download resources offering students support – Kooth Promotion Central | koothplc (brandmaster.com)

Save the Student are offering online advice for sixth form and college students on the next steps to take if they are unhappy with their A-level results.

Mental health support is available through the following organisations

• Visit the YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People  or Text YM to 85258
• Visit the Childline website, call 0800 1111 or visit their exam results support page
• Students can call and ask for an emergency appointment through their GP surgery or call NHS 111.