Guide to A‑Level Results Day: What to Expect and what to do if things aren’t as expected.
4th August 25
A-Level Results Day can be both thrilling and nerve‑wracking. This year A level results are released on Thursday 14th August. No matter how you’re feeling, remember: don’t panic, be prepared, and know your options.
Before you wake up on results day, take a few practical steps:
1. Stay connected – Fully charge your phone and have it handy—you may need to call your school, universities, or family.
2. Gather essential tools – Have a notepad and pen for jotting down contact details or offers to hand
3. UCAS Track info – Ensure you know your login details, firm and insurance university contacts, and have the Clearing app ready
On the day itself, keep water nearby, stay calm, and prepare for either celebration or contingency planning.
Results Day Scenarios
- Met your firm offer? – Congrats! You’re in— accept your place on UCAS Track
- Exceeded expectations? – You can release yourself into Clearing (if holding a firm unconditional offer and after speaking to your university/adviser). Use Clearing Plus to find suitable courses.
- Missed firm but met insurance? – Check UCAS Track. If your status is “unconditional,” you’re set. If not, call the university.
- Missed both offers? – Prepare for Clearing: call universities, get informal offers, and consider what your other options are of you are not 100% happy with any offers you receive.
You’ve got options if not happy with your university offers:
- Take time out and explore other pathways.
- Retake A-Levels.
The Power of Retakes
Abbey College Manchester’s One‑Year Intensive Retake A‑Levels programme is specifically designed for improving your grades and confidence.
Key highlights:
- Outstanding academic uplift: On average, students improve by 1–1.5 grades. For example, C → B or C → A in core subjects, with many seeing two‑grade increases
- Proven track record of helping students gain access into their first-choice university & course. Including medicine.
- Supportive, adult‑style environment: No uniforms, small classes, supportive dynamics
- Choose your subjects: Options include Sciences, Maths, Business, Economics, Psychology, Art, Photography, Religious Studies, and more (Click here for details)
- It may be possible for you to study a new subject if desired alongside your retakes. Talk to us about this option.
Many top Russel Group universities accept A levels that have been retaken and Abbey College Manchester provides full UCAS support to ensure you can reapply effectively
Exam timeline: All retakes are in the main summer session (May/June); January exams are no longer an option.
Which Path Should You Take?
If you narrowly miss your offers but believe you can improve, Clearing might still work—especially with strong communication.
If you’re certain you underperformed or want a better course/university, a retake offers personal growth, better grades, and more control over your future.
Clearing vs Retake: Clearing might land you a place quickly, but it might not be your dream course, and not all top universities participate. Retakes give you the opportunity to aim higher with university admissions. If you are thinking about retakes then visit our complete guide to retaking your A Levels.
Final Thoughts
Results Day is just the start—not the end. Whether you’re celebrating at your firm or insurance choice or considering Clearing or retaking exams, you’re not without options. Abbey College Manchester offers strong academic support, small class sizes, and dedicated UCAS guidance to help you progress—whether it’s next year or the year after.
Good luck on Results Day, and remember: whatever happens, there’s always a way forward.
