TODAY, hundreds of thousands of teenagers across the country will be celebrating their GCSE results.

However, it will not be a success story for all and some students face disappointment and the possibility of retakes. Those pupils who fail to make the grade in English and Maths – achieving below a four on the new GCSE grading system – must carry on studying them. The benchmark was previously a grade C. Retakes in the two subjects are allowed in the November and summer of the following academic year. There are also resit opportunities in science and additional science.

Rakhee Kotwal, of Justin Craig Education, has compiled a simple checklist for students who do not get the results they expected:

• Speak to your teachers – were the results expected, where did you lose marks – and ask their advice on whether you need to resit your exams, or which other options there are for you.
• Learn from the result – if you decide to retake, then ask for feedback. This will enable you to look at where you can improve your marks.
• Create a new study programme – for retake revision, or to consolidate your knowledge as you go through the academic year, gaining confidence in your ability and reducing the stress level for next time.

Ms Kotwal, a Business Studies teacher, said: ‘Many schools and colleges put in a lot of hard work into changing mindsets of the youth of today, trying to boost their confidence as well as knowledge.

‘However, it widely believed that the same environmental setting, way of learning and exam preparation can hinder students from thinking ‘outside of the box’ and having a ‘repeated limited train of thought’ to turn things around for themselves.’ She argues this is where ‘external’ revision expects, such as Justin Craig, can help. The company provides GCSE and A-level revision courses at centres across the country. ‘They work alongside experienced teachers, examiners and other educational bodies, making a real difference to students,’ she said.

‘The perception of retaking exams as dull, monotonous and demotivating can be changed in a different environmental setting, bringing a different result altogether, not only in result but in attitude, focus and more importantly positivity. ‘The Justin Craig approach helps students embrace their revision, becoming an enjoyable experience as opposed to being ‘stuck in a rut’. ‘This mindset includes building confidence and consolidating knowledge reduces stress.’

Some students are also likely to resit their A-levels following last week’s results, ahead of reapplying to favoured universities.

Dr David Crouch, also from Justin Craig Education, added: ‘Although a few universities may increase the standard offer for retake applicants, many recognise that retake candidates are often highly motivated and more organised than standard students – both skills that will enable them to do better at university.’