The dust has settled on your big GCSE results day… but what now? DAVID BARNETT looks at your options.

You’ve worked towards them for years, you’ve had your sleepless night, you’ve opened the dreaded envelope.

You’ve now got your GCSE results, for good or for ill. But what now? If you’re one of those focused individuals who knows exactly what they want to do, and have got the results to get you into the next step, be that further education, a training course, or even a job, then well done you. Take the rest of the day off.

For everyone else, things might not be so cut and dried. You might not have got the results you need for your chosen path… or you might have done better than expected, throwing your plans into disarray. You might also be sitting there clutching your results with no real idea what to do with them.

Liz Hemsley from is from Prospects, a training and education organisation which has been working with Bradford Council to provide a post-GCSE advice and help service. And whatever you decide, don’t do it lightly.

Liz says: “Young people around the country are now making decisions that will have an impact for the rest of their lives. The government requires all 16 and 17 year olds to be employed, in education or training so if you need help making a decision about where to study or train Prospects can help. In Bradford our experts are here to provide support and impartial advice to help you make the best decision for your future.”

Two special guidance sessions have been organised for this week - there was one yesterday (((THURSDAY))) in Bradford and one today, from 11am to 3.30pm at the Airedale Centre in Keighley. These sessions - dubbed What Next? - offer practical advice on where to go from here.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Portfolio Holder for Education, Skills and Culture, said: "It’s a tense time for young people as they receive their results so we’ve organised these events to show them some of the different options available.

“The events will offer impartial advice to help young people consider what their next step could be in their career.”

If you haven’t been able to get to one of these events this week, don’t fret - there’s help available all the time through the Connexions careers advice centres in Bradford and Keighley. Aimed at anyone who’s aged 16-19, the Connexions Centres have advisers and experts on the spot at Culture Fusion, 125 Thornton Road, Bradford on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10am to 5pm, Wednesday 10am to 7pm , Thursday 10am to 5pm, Friday 10am to 4.30pm and Saturdays 10am-12noon. Or you can visit Keighley Connexions Centre at Keighley Town Hall, Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm, Friday 10am to 4.30pm. And if none of those are convenient, give them a call on 01274 377800 to fix up a time to suit you.

Taking what life throws at you this week and making the best of it can actually go a long way to helping you in the future, says Liz at Prospects. She adds: “The ability to carry on and be adaptable when life doesn’t go your way is a quality that many employers, colleges and universities value in future recruits, so whatever your results, you can get help and advice, for free, with Prospects.”

If your exam results weren’t up to what you wanted, all is not lost. Don’t hide under the duvet, though - take action now. Today. The Government insists that you stay in learning until you’re 18, but that doesn’t necessarily mean pushing pens at a classroom desk, if that’s not your thing.

You can, of course, remain in school at sixth form, or you can find a college course to study A-Levels or take a more vocational course.

You can also get on an apprenticeship or work-based learning course, which will help you get into the world of work - and earning cash - all the sooner.

Connexions can offer short courses in conjunction with partner organisations which turn the focus totally on employability skills, and often include a period of work experience. These are idea for those who don’t want to pursue academic learning but need to comply with the new government legislation.

Involve your family or guardians - it’s important that they know what you’re planning, especially if you’re in a bit of a panic over your results.

If you’re really at your wit’s end, though, and don’t feel you have anyone to talk to, then there are people you can speak to confidentially as well. If things are really getting you down, then don’t suffer in silence.

You can contact the Bradford branch of the Samaritans if you feel really down - they’ll give you some practical advice and help and talk you through what you should be doing to calm down. Check out their website here: www.samaritans.org/branches/bradford-samaritans.*For more information on learning options visit: www.prospects.co.uk