GCSE & A-Level Results Day 2025: What to Do if You Miss Your Target Grades

Expert guidance for private school students and their families

Results day can feel like a defining moment. For students, especially those aiming for top universities or scholarships, the pressure to meet target grades is immense. So, what happens if the envelope – or the UCAS portal – brings disappointment?

At Enjoy Education, we have supported families through results day for two decades. We know that lower-than-expected grades can be a shock – but with the right support, they can also be a turning point.

Here’s what you need to know for Results Day 2025, and how to take confident next steps if things haven’t gone to plan.

Key Dates for 2025

• A-Level Results Day: Thursday 14 August 2025
• GCSE Results Day: Thursday 21 August 2025
• UCAS Clearing Opens: 5 July 2025 (live from results day onwards)

Autumn Resit Exams: November 2025

Step 1: Stay Calm and Get the Full Picture

First, pause. Emotions run high on results day – but reacting too quickly can lead to rushed decisions. Take time to:

• Review results carefully
• Speak with teachers or tutors
• Consider how close you were to your offers or target grades

Sometimes a single mark can make all the difference. At Enjoy Education, we help families analyse results in detail and spot the best opportunities for action – whether that’s a remark, a resit, or a fresh academic direction.

Step 2: Know Your Options for A-Level Results

If you’re holding university offers and haven’t met them:

• Check UCAS Hub: Some universities may still confirm your place, particularly if you’ve just missed your offer.
• Explore Clearing: In 2025, competitive courses in areas like STEM, Business and Psychology are likely to be available through Clearing. We help students navigate this swiftly and strategically, identifying high-quality alternatives.

Consider a Gap Year: Taking a year to resit and reapply is a strong option for students aiming at Oxbridge, Medicine or other competitive courses.

Step 3: Don’t Panic if GCSEs Didn’t Go to Plan

If GCSE grades are lower than expected, don’t assume future doors are closed. Sixth form admissions teams will often take a holistic view.

Your options may include:

• Appeals or remarks if grades seem out of line with expectations
• Resits in November 
• Reapplying to sixth forms or colleges, including switching to more tailored environments
• Tutoring support to rebuild academic confidence and prepare for A-Levels

Step 4: Take Advantage of Innovative GCSE Exam Options

Good news from exam boards: Pearson Edexcel has confirmed that they’ll continue to offer iGCSE Remote Invigilation (RI) for both the November 2025 and Summer 2026 exam series.

What this means:

• Students can sit many iGCSE exams from anywhere in the world
• The list of eligible subjects is growing
• Enjoy Education manages the entire A–Z registration process

We are one of the only consultancies offering this as a managed service – a game changer for families needing personalised academic solutions.