YOUNG people across Bradford will find out how they fared in their A-Level exams on Thursday, and whether they have achieved what they need to move into further education.

While there will be plenty of relieved and happy faces on results day, for other students who may not get the results they want the day can be a particularly fraught one.

Many students will have to go through the clearing process to get a place at a university, and it may not be the exact course or university they wanted to attend.

Students have been advised to prepare for the possibility of going through the clearing process before they head off to pick up their results. The Association of Colleges advises that students make sure that on the day students have access to a clearing guide, such as the UCAS website, a well charged phone, a notebook and a pen.

If they change your mind or don’t want to take the academic university route, students should consider other options , such as investigating a local college. They offer technical and professional qualifications such as BTECs at Level 3, advanced apprenticeships and also Foundation Degrees or Higher National Diplomas. These qualifications often include working directly with employers on placements, and can be an excellent life experience.

An association spokesman says: “Whether you have received the grades you wanted or not, there is something out there that is right for you.

“The key thing is to know your options, do your research and get advice from reliable sources such as careers advisers. There’s also the option of taking a gap year and maybe getting some work experience before going on to further study.”

Kim Clifford, Associate Director for Sixth Form Colleges at the Association of Colleges, said: “This may seem like a really scary time as you are moving on to something new and unfamiliar.

“But stay calm and think carefully about what you want to do. Make sure you have access to information about all the options available, so that you’ll be able to make the best decision for your future. If you’re not sure, speak to your local college, which can advise you on all the options available.”

In the run up to results day, students have been advised to keep active, rather then dwelling on any uncertainties, and parents are encouraged to talk to their children about what they can do if they don’t get the results they hoped for.

The University of Bradford will have people manning its clearing line from 6.30am on results day. People can call 0800 073 1225 or visit brad.ac.uk/undergraduate/clearing/

And Bradford College also has a clearing helpline, 01274 433444, or people can visit bradfordcollege.ac.uk/study/university-centre/clearing.

As in previous years, the Telegraph & Argus will be running a live blog on results day, featuring success stories and photos from schools across Bradford and the surrounding areas.

Anyone who has a story or has anything they want us to include on the blog can use the hashtag #bfdresults on social media or email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk

There will be coverage of the results in Friday’s Telegraph & Argus, and an A-Level results supplement the following Wednesday.