Whether or not students get the GCSE grades they were hoping for, the days after results day can involve a lot of thinking about available options and what happens next.

From apprenticeships to A-levels or part-time work that is combined with study, we take a look at some of the options for post-16 education.

A levels and AS levels

A levels are subject-based qualifications that in most instances require two years of study and mean students stay in full-time education.

Designed for students aged 16 or older, who have taken their GCSEs, A-levels provide those who study them with a much deeper knowledge of particular subject areas.

A levels can be taken through schools, colleges, dedicated sixth form colleges or further education colleges. A

And while there is a wide range of subjects available, not every campus will offer every option so you may need to spend some time exploring what is available at each institution.

There are also one-year AS level qualifications in most subjects for which there are A levels. The AS is a standalone qualification.

For those looking ahead to university – an AS level is worth up to 20 UCAS points, while an A level at the highest grade is worth 56.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a job where you will learn, gain work experience and get paid.

Essentially, the role is one of an employee with a contract of employment and holiday entitlement that comes with high-quality training away from the workplace as well to ensure you get the necessary skills to start on the path to your chosen career.

They can be a great way for people to start their careers in a range of exciting industries in everything from space engineering to advertising.

There are more than 600 apprenticeships, says the government, approved for use by employers and thousands of vacancies. The same as with jobs – formal applications will be required most likely followed by interviews.

To understand more about the process and available options click here.

Traineeships

A traineeship is a course with work experience. It can help prepare someone for work or moving onto an apprenticeship.

They last for between six weeks and one year but most are less than six months long.

If you’re eligible to work in England but are unemployed or have little work experience and are aged 16 to 24 you may be able to apply.

You are not paid during a traineeship but you do get help with CV writing and finding work, get given a work placement, may be able to take a job interview with feedback and can also claim help with English, maths or basic digital skills.

While there is no salary, help with some expenses such as travel can be available.

To learn more about traineeships click here.

Vocational technical qualifications (VTQs)

These courses will give you all the practical skills and knowledge that you will need for a particular area of employment.

This could be for sectors like travel and tourism or for specific jobs and career paths like becoming a chef or hairdresser.

BTECs, Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals are among the different types of VTQs a student may have to choose from.

The qualifications will teach you how to complete the types of tasks you’ll be required to do within your chosen field.

Thousands of students take vocational qualifications every year in order to enter their chosen place of work and there are more than 2,000 subject options on offer.

T levels

T levels are some of the newest vocational qualifications open to students aged 16 and older having first been launched in September 2020.

The government describes them as being ‘broadly equivalent’ in size to three A levels and it says they are proving ‘hugely popular’.

The two-year courses will combine study in a learning environment with an industry placement to help students gain the skills and experience they would need to progress into either work, a formal apprenticeship or extra study.

Students spend 80% of their time in the classroom and 20% on a minimum nine-week placement with an employer.

Available subjects currently include digital, science, construction and health and more options are being added every year.

Exam resits

Not everyone gets the grade they want the first time says the government’s National Careers Service.

You can usually retake any exam you want if you’re unhappy with the grade but, under current government plans, pupils have to retake GCSE English and maths if they are under the age of 18 and did not get at least a grade 4 in each subject.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to take functional qualifications instead.

English and maths GCSE resit exams can ordinarily be taken in the autumn – but for other subjects you’ll need to wait until the next exam year/period.

For those retaking English or maths to reach a grade 4 or above, there is no cost to sit the exam again but students looking to improve their grades in other subjects may need to pay.

Before making any firm decisions about resits, you should speak to your school or college and ask for their advice.

kmfm is hosting a special GCSE results surgery on Thursday, August 26 on The Hit List between 7pm and 10pm.

Recorded at Canterbury College it will delve into Apprenticeships, T-Levels and life in sixth form with a panel of guests that include education professionals and students.