This document provides alternatives for students who are disappointed with their A-level results and no longer have a university offer. It suggests considering university clearing vacancies through UCAS, taking a gap year to retake A-levels or gain experience, or pursuing alternative routes into careers like law, accountancy or retail that do not require a degree. The document also provides several website resources for exploring these options.

1. Want2get on? is a unique career coaching service that offers 1:1 support for those who want
coaching
to draw upon their Christian faith and apply it in a practical way to their job situation.
www.want2geton.co.uk Tel: 07503 177126 charles@want2geton.co.uk
charles@want2geton.co.u
Disappointing A-level results? What are the alternatives?
level
I remember my A-level results day only too well. I was in Scotland on holiday. My time away
evel
was going really well, up until the point when I called my parents to find out how I did, and
then everything changed. Instead of predicted B grades, I got D's. I was gutted, and all my
B-grades,
plans came to a shuddering halt!
Looking back, I can now see that this was probably for the best, because only 3 three years
later I embarked on a degree course at another university to which I was better suited.
another
However, at the time, I thought my life, my plans and my whole future held little for me. As it
turned out, nothing was further from the truth.
If you find you find you are in this position, then here are some alternatives to going to Uni.
Clearing
If you don't have an offer from a University you can find clearing vacancies on the UCAS
website or in the Daily Telegraph or The Bel
Belfast Telegraph.
Although it can be tempting to look for a quick fix, don't jump for the nearest clearing vacancy
listed. UCAS clearing officially goes on until October and this is the last date to add a clearing
choice – use that time wisely.
Remember - you don't have to apply for the same course as before. You can pick an entirely
u
new university and subject if you wish.
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2. Don't forget, you can always defer going to Uni until the following year and retake your A-
levels, or just take a gap year and gain some great experience - see below.
Here are some new, fantastic sites that can offer some great help not only to disappointed
want-to-be undergraduates but also to their bewildered parents!
www.applytouni.com/
www.ucas.ac.uk/
www.parentadviser.co.uk/
Study abroad
As a member of the EU, you may be eligible to study at low cost. For example, the University
of Copenhagen, Denmark's oldest and largest university, will cost UK students absolutely
nothing in tuition fees. Importantly, many of the university's courses are taught in English.
Astarfuture.co.uk will give you a guide of all the English-speaking universities in the EU that
you can apply to where there won’t be any tuition fees!
www.astarfuture.co.uk
© Copyright Want2geton? Christian Career Coaching UK 2013

3. Alternative ways to a profession
Not known by many, there are alternative routes into many professions, and it just takes a
little research to track down these entry routes. Here are just three examples of professions
where a degree is not the only way in:
Law: To enter the legal profession without a degree, take the ILEX (Institute of Legal
Executives) training scheme, which combines on-the-job training with examinations and
academic study. www.ilex-tutorial.ac.uk/
Accountancy: Many of the top accountancy firms offer opportunities to school leavers with
260-340 UCAS points. Many smaller sized firms offer training places on the AAT (Association
of Accounting Technicians) scheme. The training typically takes several years on-the-job with
some day release courses. Once a qualified Accounting Technician there is scope for further
training to become a Chartered Accountant. www.aat.org.uk/
Retail: Most of the top retail chains offer A-Level entry schemes, typically 2/3 year
management training opportunities. For example: www.sainsburys.jobs/graduates
A must-visit site for great on-the-job training opportunities (even up to degree level) in a
wide range of industries visit:
www.notgoingtouni.co.uk
Take a gap year
Do creative… If you haven’t made your mind up, you could always take a gap year.
Spend it doing work experience (preferably paid!) in your chosen industry, or perhaps
go travelling or do voluntary work at home or abroad. Not only will a gap year give you
valuable experience that you can use to put on your next Uni application, it will also
mature you and deepen your character.
The following sites offer a brilliant list of creative, alternative and philanthropic ways to spend
an enriching year (or more) between A-levels and Uni.
© Copyright Want2geton? Christian Career Coaching UK 2013

4. www.prospects.ac.uk/gap_year.htm
www.gapyeardirectory.co.uk
Do business…‘A Year In Industry’ is an education charity that offers high quality paid
work for 9-12 months, to give you experience as well as a way into a permanent job.
There are placements for students interested in all areas of engineering, science, IT,
e-commerce, business, marketing, finance and logistics. Visit www.etrust.org.uk for
more info.
Other must-visit sites for work and training opportunities across all sectors
include:
• www.apprenticeships.org.uk
• www.apprenticeships.qa.com
• www.etrust.org.uk/
• www.princes-trust.org.uk/about_the_trust/the_a-z_of_young_business.aspx
Want2get on? is a unique career coaching service that offers 1:1 support for those who want
to draw upon their Christian faith and apply it in a practical way to their job situation.
www.want2geton.co.uk Tel: 07503 177126 charles@want2geton.co.uk
© Copyright Want2geton? Christian Career Coaching UK 2013