Ucas' exam results advisers are urging students to "stay calm" in the lead-up to clearing, as they prepare for thousands of calls from young people wanting advice about unexpected exam results.
Last year, the helpline, which is staffed by independent careers advisers, received almost 3,000 calls on A-level results day and almost 9,000 across the whole exam results period. The helpline opens on A-level results day, which falls on 15 August this year, and remains open for students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland until 24 August. The Helpline opens for students in Scotland between 6 and 14 August.
Helen Thorne, Director of Policy and Research, UCAS said the helpline was an "invaluable service" to students.
"Expert careers advisers are ready to help people make informed decisions about the next steps - whether this is university, further education, or other employment or learning opportunities," she said. "The Exam Results Helpline is an invaluable service for students who are weighing up the options after receiving their results.
"Expert careers advisers are ready to help people make informed decisions about the next steps - whether this is university, further education, or other employment or learning opportunities.
"UCAS is delighted to be working in partnership with the Department for Education to deliver the Helpline again this year."
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Supporting schools and colleges, helpline advisers offer information and advice on a range of topics including further and higher education options, vocational learning, re-sits, re-marks, careers, employment and gap years.
The only careers helpline with access to UCAS’ applicant information and higher education qualifications, its experienced careers professionals also offer up-to-date advice about Confirmation, Clearing and Adjustment.
Exam Results Helpline adviser Nick Hynes, who has 25 years’ experience as a professional careers adviser, said:
"After all the planning and revising students do, results day is the moment of truth. If they haven't achieved the grades they were hoping for, if they've done better than expected or if they just want to consider their options before making any major decisions about their futures, our experienced careers advisers are here to help.
“We offer professional and impartial advice on what the best choice might be taking into account individual circumstances and goals. We are happy to speak to family members and friends also.
Student, David Murdoch, called the Exam Results Helpline last year. He said:
“It was really nice to have someone properly explain my options - what I could do, the alternatives I hadn’t thought about, and the processes I needed to go through.
“It was good to get objective advice.”
If a student is reconsidering their options based on results they have or have not achieved, they should contact the Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000.
If a student has a specific query about their university application, they should contact the UCAS customer service line on 0871 468 0468.
For further information, visit www.ucas.com/examresultshelpline