What to Expect on IGCSE Results Day

Results day can be scary, overwhelming, exciting and nerve-wracking! It’s a big step in your educational journey and probably something you haven’t experienced before. To make the day a bit easier for you, here are some ways to prepare, what you can expect on the day and what to do if you don't get the results you were hoping for.

How to Prepare for Results Day

The first (and probably most obvious) way to prepare is to go to sleep at a reasonable time. Getting to sleep before a big event like results day can be tricky, but you’ll feel better if you go to sleep at a normal time instead of staying up most of the night. Try to do something relaxing beforehand to help you fall asleep if you’re feeling anxious or restless. 

Don’t forget to eat breakfast in the morning. Heightened emotions and an empty stomach don’t make the best combination and can make you feel nauseous or even increase your anxiety. If you really don’t want to eat breakfast (for example, if you already feel nauseous) at least stay hydrated and have a snack handy in case you feel hungry later.

Make sure you have everything you need to get your results. If you are collecting your results in person from your school or exam centre, bring some photo ID just in case, make sure your phone is charged and check what time you can collect your results from. If you are getting your results online, make sure you have your login details and know what time your results will be available from.

If you’re prone to anxiety, have some calming techniques prepared. That could be breathing exercises, a fidget toy or even headphones and a playlist. Do whatever works for you to avoid becoming overwhelmed while waiting for your results.

Plan something fun for after you get your results. This can be a celebration of your results or something to take your mind off them if they weren’t quite what you were hoping for. What you plan is entirely up to you and should be something you enjoy; whether that's going out with friends, getting an ice cream with family or enjoying a hobby on your own.

“Remember: results don’t define who you are. Whether today brings joy or disappointment, it’s just one moment in a much bigger journey. You are the author of your life’s book and have the power to shape what comes next and how you grow from here.” - Dr Amira, Head of Department

What to Expect on the Day

Your IGCSE results will be available to collect on Tuesday 19th August 2025. The time you can collect your results will depend on your school or exam centre. 

If you are collecting your results in person, you will need to go to your school (or exam centre) at the time they have told you. Some schools may give you a specific time to avoid crowds and make the process more streamlined, while others may allow you to come anytime during the allotted hours. When and how you open your results is up to you. You can open them at your centre or take them home to open. You can also choose whether you want to open them in front of others or would prefer to open them alone.

If you are getting your results online, your centre should tell you what website or portal to use and send you any login details you need. The website shouldn’t crash, but if it does (because lots of people are trying to get their results at the same time) don’t panic and try again in a few minutes. Just like collecting your results in person, you can choose whether you want people around when you access your results or if you would like to view them privately.

“Give it your best, work hard, and trust the process. The results day is just one stop on your journey. If things don’t go as planned, remember: every setback is just another chance to rise stronger.” - Dr Soha, SENCO

What IGCSE Results Do You Need for College?

You will need at least a C (or a grade 4 if you’re using the numerical system) in Maths and English. If you do not have a C in Maths and English you will need to resit these exams.

In general, most colleges and sixth forms require 5 GCSEs -including Maths and English- at a grade C (grade 4) or above. Some colleges may have more specific requirements such as higher grades, 6 or 7 GCSEs, or even particular subjects. It’s best to check the exact requirements for the college or sixth form you would like to attend.

“Today is more than a set of grades – it’s the start of your next adventure. Your results don’t define you; your courage, curiosity, and determination do. Be proud of how far you’ve come, and step boldly into the future that’s waiting for you!” - Danni, Head of Department

Didn't Get the Results You Wanted?

If you don’t get the results you wanted it can feel devastating, but just know it is not the end of the world and you do have options. Below are some emotional and practical tips for dealing with disappointing GCSE results.

Emotional Tips:

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Of course everyone wants to share their results, but comparing yourself to friends and other students may make you feel worse. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so comparisons aren’t very helpful.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

You are allowed to feel upset and frustrated. Try not to bottle up your feelings as that can make you feel worse and if you need to cry, do it. You don’t have to put on a brave face for others.

Talk to Someone

This could be a teacher, family member or friend. Talking can help you work through your feelings and your options. Someone else can also give you a different perspective or advice you might not have thought of on your own. It’s also nice just to have someone listen to you, even if they can’t help fix the situation.

Practise Self-Care

Getting your results is a very emotional day, so if you need to take some time to relax and recharge, that’s more than ok. Self-care looks different for everyone so do something that makes you feel cared for.

Still Be Proud That You Did Them 

It can be easy to slip into negative thinking patterns but you still deserve to feel proud for sitting your GCSEs. Celebrate what you have achieved - getting through a stressful time in your life is no small thing.

“When I was at school my highest grade was a B, with most of my results being Cs and a few Ds. That might not sound impressive to everyone, but I knew I had done my best and I was proud of what I achieved. My next steps were shaped by more than just my grades, it was my determination and hard work that made the difference. Going to university, travelling the world and chasing new goals has always been possible despite my school grades. Just remember grades, good or bad, don’t define you. Your future is shaped by your effort, resilience and determination.” - Rosie, Wellbeing Officer

Practical Tips:

Talk to a Teacher

You won’t be the first student in this situation, nor will you be the last. Your teachers will have dealt with this before and know what you need to do next.

Resits

You can always take your exams again. English and Maths can be retaken in November, while your other subjects will need to be retaken next summer. You may be able to carry on with your A-Levels at your college or sixth form’s discretion, but that can be a lot of extra work as you will have to juggle preparing for both your GCSEs and A-Levels.

Remarks

If you are only one or two marks off the grade you need, you can ask for your papers to be remarked up to 30 days after your results are published. However, this can be risky, as you may in fact lose marks instead. It depends on how your paper was marked and the grade boundaries. Your teacher should have a good idea of whether it’s worth having them remarked.

Rethink Your Options

If your first-choice college or sixth form won’t accept you onto your desired courses, they may have other courses you can take instead. You could also look at other colleges, as they may have different entry requirements. Some colleges offer Level 2 Foundation years, which are one-year courses you can take before starting your proper A-Levels. 

Alternatives to College

College and Sixth Form are not the only options you have after finishing school. BTECs are an alternative route to University that are assessed on an ongoing basis through coursework and exams, instead of one big end-of-year exam like A-Levels. There are also T-Levels, which are vocational qualifications that involve a mix of classroom learning and work placements. From T-Levels, you can progress to apprenticeships, higher education or skilled employment. Apprenticeships are also a great alternative to Universities -  they combine on-the-job training with classroom-based learning and lead to  recognised qualifications.

“Results day can feel overwhelming, but it's just one chapter in a much bigger story. Whatever the outcome, there’s always a way forward, and sometimes, it’s not the one you first expected!” - Dr Gabrielle, School Principal

Whatever your results are, be proud of yourself for trying and getting through this challenging and stressful time. Remember, if you don't get the results you hoped for, it isn't the end of the world. You have options, support and time to achieve your goals. Good luck with the rest of your education journey!