A TEAM dedicated to helping students after they have received their exam results this summer are gearing up for another busy day this Thursday, when GCSE results are published.

The Exam Results Helpline has already helped thousands of students since opening on A-level results day.

Data released showed the results in the county were strong with 85.3 per cent of Worcestershire students achieving three or more A* to E grades. But whether results are higher grades than expected, or pupils have just missed out, the helpline, funded by the Department for Education, has been speaking to all students wanting to talk through their options.

The helpline's advisers, who can also be contacted through Facebook, talk to students on all exam-related topics including resits and retakes, gap years, clearing, adjustment, apprenticeships, funding and student accommodation.

The helpline is designed to be able to talk to someone impartially, and confidentially.

Nick Hynes, a careers adviser who has worked for the service for over 25 years, said: “We usually find that a lot of young people who are picking up their GCSEs aren’t aware of all the options available to them other than sixth form.

"The Government have put a lot of funding into apprenticeships recently which can offer a great alternative that some teenagers haven’t considered.

"If the caller hasn’t achieved the grades they need, we will discuss alternative routes into the profession of choice, as well as highlighting the possibility of going to other local colleges that are available.”

The helpline's number is 0808 100 8000, or find the Exam Results Helpline on Twitter or Facebook.