GCSE and Level 2 VTQ results day 21 August: Not sure what to do next
On Thursday, 21 August 2025, students in Buckinghamshire will get results for their GCSEs and Level 1 and 2 vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs). VTQ results may be available on or before this date.
If you are not sure what to do next, you can find information and advice on our website, including help for young people and post-16 education and training.
Our preparing for adulthood page has advice for those young people with SEND. You can search our directory for post-16 educational options.
If you would like to talk to someone about your options on results day, you can speak to our friendly team who can help on 01296 383 293.
16 plus survey
Once you've got your results we need to know what your plans are for the next term, this could include work, an apprenticeship or more education. Even if you don’t have a plan yet, we still want to hear from you.
We have a legal responsibility to find out if local young people are in education, training, or employment.
Your answers will help us to support more young people to continue learning until the age of 18.
If the survey is not completed, we may need to check whether you are in learning or work next term. Buckinghamshire Council staff or our partner agency, Adviza, may contact you.
Further information
If you are looking for more information, advice or careers guidance, there is online help and support available for you.
UCAS is an independent charity providing information, advice on courses, applications, funding, admissions services and careers guidance. To help people figure out what the next step in their education might be, and to support them when they take that step.
Their website has lots of information and support, including podcasts, YouTube videos and webinars:
- choosing what to study after GCSEs
- apprenticeships
- post-16 options: ideas to help you start your job or career plan
Kooth is a free and safe anonymous online mental wellbeing community where you can find:
- articles
- discussion boards
- someone to talk to
- a safe place where you can write down your feelings and emotions
BBC Bitesize Support have lots of tips and advice to help you be prepared for results day including:
National Careers Service have lots of information to help with your exam results.
You can also call the Exam Results Helpline on 0800 100 900:
- 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday;
- and 10am to 5pm Saturday and bank holidays
Youth Employment UK is an independent non-for-profit youth organisation providing information, advice and support on:
- employment
- skills development
- opportunities
- youth-friendly employers
- and much more!
They also have lots of handy tips for students on results day.
Winston's Wish is a charity that supports grieving children, young people and their families. They offer lots of information, advice and support on:
Health For Teens is a website where young people can go to learn more about their physical and mental health. You can get tips about:
Bucks Skills Hub provide lots of information and advice, including guides to different job sectors, case studies on the world of work, how to make yourself more employable, and much more.
There is lots of support and advice available to parents and students from the exam boards: