When is A level results day 2022? The date, time and how to prepare

'When is A level results day' is a hugely Googled term right now, and it's not surprising given that waiting for exam results can be agonising. But, the time is almost here, meaning students and parents across the country are asking when is A level results day 2022?

Much like GCSE results day (opens in new tab), for students it feels like a lot is riding on their A level grades, as many nervously wait to see if they've secured a place at their chosen university. Those who don't do as well as they hoped might find themselves asking how to appeal A level results (opens in new tab) or wanting to know more about clearing (opens in new tab). 

It's difficult to know what to expect on A level results day, especially as the previous two years saw exams cancelled due to the pandemic. This year marks the first time that national exams went ahead since the onset of Covid, so naturally people are unsure what results day will have in store. 

Nicola Anderson (opens in new tab), Chief Customer Officer at MyTutor, says; "If you don’t get the results you’ve hoped for... it’s important to remember that there are other people who are in the same boat, and that grades aren’t everything." 

When is A level results day 2022? Date and time they come out

A level results day 2022 is on Thursday 18 August, and grades are usually available to collect from schools and colleges from 8am. This is the same for schools across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and is also the day that results for AS level, Level 3 Certificate, Functional Skills and Level 3 Extended Project will be available. 

Students should have been provided with a timetable of what time and where they can collect their results by their school or college. Make sure you have any log in details you might need, and you may also need some form of identification - such as a student card - if you're going to pick up your results in person. Make sure you also find out what time the school will close, so you don’t miss out.

For those who have applied to university through UCAS (opens in new tab), the system will also be available to view from around 8am. In the days leading up to A level results day UCAS is 'frozen' until the grades are released, so make sure you've made any necessary changes and your details are up to date in advance. If you need to update your information after UCAS has been frozen, you will have to contact them directly.

You can also use UCAS to track your application (opens in new tab) online. 

How do I find out my A level results?

You can collect your A-level results from your school or college on results day, but you will need to check the exact opening and closing times, as these will vary. You don't need to open them on the spot, you can take them home first if you wish, though you may prefer to be around teachers and friends for support.

You will receive the results on a slip, or you might have more than one slip per exam board. Since the changes to examinations, you'll no longer receive a unit per module, but instead an overall mark and grade for each subject. A levels are graded A* - E, and anything below an E counts as a fail and will be marked with a U, which stands for 'Unclassified'.

Some schools and colleges will allow students to receive their results by email or by post, and they should have already informed you if this is the case. If you're not sure, get in contact with them and make sure you have all the details you need - such as passwords and log-ins - to hand on the day.

Those who have applied to university through UCAS may also get an email informing them if they've secured a place. However, the email will not contain the individual grades, as these can only be obtained through your school or college.

What to do on A-level results day 2022? Preparation

• If you've applied for university, make sure you have the details of your offers, university contact numbers and your UCAS Track number 
• If you're thinking about applying through clearing, research some universities and courses beforehand, and make sure you have the universities' UCAS and Clearing numbers on hand
• Keep your personal statement and GCSE results to hand
• Try to find out some information on appeals in advance, in case you are unhappy with your grades
• Make sure your phone is fully charged
• Take a pen and paper with you to collect your results
• Try to get a good night's sleep the night before 
• Remember your results don't define you

Nicola says getting organised for results day is a key way to help with nerves. She says "It can be easy to only focus on the things you can’t control - like grades - or what you’re going to do if you don’t get into your first choice uni. Worrying about things that have already happened Isn’t helpful because they are out of your control. 

"It helps to focus your energy on what you can control– like what you’re having for breakfast, what time you’re going to pick up your results, and what you’re going to do after, always remembering there’s a plan B if things don’t go exactly as you expected."

Nicola (opens in new tab)also shares some ways students can cope with the pressure of A level results day, saying: "If you’re feeling overwhelmed and are having trouble relaxing, we suggest trying to get your feelings out on paper. Writing your train-of-thought is a good way to let go of anxiety, and it can also be a relief to think that in a few weeks, ‘future you’ will be reading that entry back knowing how it all went – especially if you did better than expected."

What happens if you miss A level results day?

If you're not around on A level results day, you may be able to receive your results via email or post. You will need to check with your school or college whether they can do this, and make sure they have all the right contact details for you.

You will also need to provide a signed letter of consent naming the person you have elected to collect your result, and they will need to take along ID.

However, it is best to try and make sure you are available on A level results day, especially if you have applied to university. UCAS cannot speak to anyone but the student about an application, unless someone else has been given nominated access. You can do this by calling UCAS ahead of results day. Make sure you know your personal ID, as they are likely to ask for it.

You will also want to make yourself available in case things don't go to plan, and you don't get accepted into your chosen university. In this case, you can still get a place by applying to an alternative university or course through clearing. While clearing is open until 18 October, getting a place is dependent on the course having spaces left, so you don't want to leave it too late to apply. 

If you’re worried about collecting your results, the best thing to do is contact your school to find out your options.

Do universities get A level results before students? 

Yes, universities receive A level results a few days before results day, but they are treated as confidential. This is so they can make a decision on the status of your offer in advance, meaning this can be updated on UCAS Track first thing on results day.

When you log in to your UCAS Hub on A level results day, you will be given one of the following offers:

• Unconditional: your place on the course has been confirmed
• Unsuccessful: you’ve not been accepted by your choice(s) and you are eligible to enter clearing
• Unconditional Changed Course (UCC): you haven’t met the grades for your course, but the university has put forward an alternative

If your UCAS Hub doesn't update by mid-morning, try calling the university, as it may mean they haven't made a decision yet.

Do universities email you on results day?

You might not receive an email from the universities you have applied to on results day, but you will likely get an email from UCAS. However, UCAS won't tell you the individual grades you received, but only whether you have got in to your chosen university. 

Once you have received an unconditional offer, the university will likely be in touch at a later date to congratulate you and let you know of any next steps you need to take. 

What happens after A level results day?

If you've met the requirements, your offer will change to unconditional and you will be contacted with details of what you need to do next. If you don't meet the grades, there are a number of routes you can take.

• Contact the university: If you only missed the grade you needed by a few marks, you can contact the university and they may still be able to offer you a place. If you are unsuccessful with your first choice offer, but meet the conditions of your second choice, you will be accepted there. 
• A level retakes (opens in new tab): You may choose to sit retakes to try and achieve higher grades, and delay your university entry for a year until you receive the results. 
• Clearing: If you have been turned down for a place at university, you automatically become eligible for clearing. UCAS will send all eligible applicants a Clearing Passport as soon as A level results are available, which you will need to send off if you are offered a new place. You can search for course vacancies on the UCAS website and apply for a place by contacting the university directly. 
• Do an apprenticeship: Getting paid while you learn might sound too good to be true, but as an apprentice you really will get the best of both worlds. If you want to enter the workplace but don't want to stop studying then an apprenticeship could be the answer. There are now over 180 different apprenticeships available across 80 different sectors, and you could go on to an Advanced Apprenticeship and a Foundation Degree.  
• Take a gap year: You may decide you want to take a year out to work travel, or pursue other opportunities, and reapply again the following year. 

Nicola offers some advice for if you find yourself in any of the above situations. She says "If you don’t get the results you’ve hoped for, it can be a great idea to stay off your phone or check how your friends have done. It’s important to remember that there are other people who are in the same boat, and that grades aren’t everything. 

"Once you’ve had a bit of time to take in your results, it helps to have a chat about things that you can do to achieve your goals and have plans in place instead of focusing on the past."

The National Career Service (opens in new tab) Helpline is the official free service available for both parents and young people alike to seek advice and support following exam results. It can be reached on 0800 100 900 and is available 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and bank holidays. NCS’s dedicated team of helpline operators can share impartial advice from trained careers advisers on the different options available to young people.

If you are planning on heading off to university, the next steps are to get your accommodation sorted and make sure your student finance (opens in new tab) details are up to date. You may also want to start researching the area your university is in, if you will be moving away from home.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you take some time to reward yourself for getting through it, no matter the outcome.

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• A-Level and GCSE retakes: everything you need to know (opens in new tab)