Results Day features its fair share of celebrations, but many students will be left unsure of what comes next.
Even for those who received the grades they needed and have a place waiting for them at work, university, or college, entering the world after school is a daunting task.
Jill McNicol, Student Recruitment and Marketing Manager for the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) helps students progress from school to work, college, training and university every year.
She said that one of the most important messages for families on Results Day is remembering that there is more than one path to success. It will look different for each student.
Some students who have applied to university but haven’t received an offer on Results Day will be entered into Clearing. Once a student’s application status has been updated on UCAS, they can search for available courses.
Ms McNicol said it is always smartest for students to contact the provider directly when they find a course that interests them, as they may be able to secure a verbal offer straightaway.
But, she added, university isn’t the only option available or the only way to put recently-earned SQA credentials to use.
“If you want to start studying while keeping your career options open, a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) course might be ideal.
“These courses typically have lower entry requirements than a degree and can serve as a pathway to many university degree programmes.”
She said that HNC and HND courses at a UHI campus or other colleges can give students a “fast-track” option to enter a second—or third-year degree programme. They can also help secure employment, as many courses are designed with specific careers in mind.
UHI offers advice on how specific courses can help students progress and plan their route through college or university.
Care-experienced graduate Jacob Buchan, who studied at UHI Moray, now works as a Support Practitioner at the same employer where he completed a placement during his studies.
He said that his qualifications gave him a clear roadmap.
“From a level 5 pathway course, I moved on to an NC and then, with the support of UHI, onto the HNC Social Services. I loved the nurturing atmosphere at UHI where staff and your classmates genuinely care about each other.”
If none of that sounds right, however, Ms McNicol said there is no harm in taking the time to make sure the next step is the right one.
“Taking a year out before starting university can be a fantastic decision.
“It allows you time to gain work experience, decide precisely what you want to study, and even re-sit exams if you’re not satisfied with your results and many of our campuses and learning centres offer Highers in-person and online.
“During a gap year, you can also save money to support yourself when you eventually begin your university or college journey.”
Whatever the results, Ms McNicol said that students and parents shouldn’t feel overwhelmed and stressed the importance of keeping the future in perspective.
“It's natural to feel a mix of emotions. For many, these grades will open the door to exciting new opportunities and mark a clear path forward in their academic journey. For others, the results might not be what they hoped for, and the days ahead may bring challenges as they explore alternative paths to achieve their goals.
“This is just one step in your journey, and there are many options and support available to help you find the right path.
“Stay positive and take each moment as it comes; the future is full of possibilities.”
In addition to the national helplines available to students on Results Day, individual colleges and universities are also available to help students who have a condition or unconditional offer, or who are considering applying for a course.
UHI has expert advisors available on Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm, as well as extended hours on Tuesday 6 August, Wednesday 7 August and Thursday 15 August until 6pm.
- Call: 01463 279190
- Message: www.uhi.ac.uk/course-enquiries
- Email: courses@uhi.ac.uk
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here