Help on hand for students (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Help on hand for students

AN anxious wait will come to an end for many young people across the north Cotswolds as they receive their A-level and AS-level results today.

For many the news will be good, confirming that they can now go to the university or college of their choice. For some, there may be disappointment.

About 6,000 young people in Gloucestershire sat AS or A levels this summer. In line with the rest of the country, results in the county have risen year on year, and the local education authority is hoping that 2004 will show a further improvement.

Half of these students will have sat AS examinations at the end of their first year of sixth form, and will now be confirming their A-level subjects.

Most of the rest will have completed their A-levels, and many will be waiting to see if their grades meet the requirements for the next stage of their education.

Jayne Bailey, Gloucestershire County Council spokeswoman, said help and support was at hand for those unsure of the next step, or whose results do not quite meet requirements.

School staff will be the first line of help and support. The UCAS Clearing service found university and college places for 35,000 people last year and lists of courses with vacancies will appear on the internet and in the press, said Ms Bailey.