WITH this year’s A-Level results day just 24 hours away, teenagers across the Bradford district are preparing themselves to find out what their future holds after two years of hard work.

Students at sixth forms and colleges across the district will be heading into school tomorrow morning to pick up their results before moving onto the next step of their lives.

For some, this will mean heading off to university and for others it will mean apprenticeships, further training or the world of work.

After almost 15 years in education, moving on to the next step can be daunting for many young people, and a range of bodies, charities and advice groups have issued messages to guide people onto the next stage of their lives.

For some students, A-Level results day does not go to plan, and they don’t receive the results they wanted or expected.

Clearing is the best way for these students to get into university on a course they want at a university they are interested in.

Staff will be on hand at universities across the country - including the University of Bradford - taking clearing calls.

Students are advised to do some research ahead of the big day so they have a clear plan in case their results are not what they hoped for.

Exams take their toll on young people’s mental health, and the worst thing to do, especially if you don’t get the results you wanted, is to bottle it up.

Students struggling with stress or other mental health problems are urged to speak to someone about it who can help them move forward.

Laura Peters, from Mental Health UK, said: “Exam results can be a stressful time.

“This means it is very important that young people put their mental health first and make sure they are taking care of themselves.

“Students can give the Exam Results Helpline a call for expert careers advice about what to do after exam results, if they are feeling unsure of their next step.”

For students heading to university, finances can be a big burden.

Credit experts Totally Money have drawn up a list of things to do to help save cash, including opening a student bank account, getting an NUS discount card, get a railcard, and draw up budgets to keep on top of finances.

Another excellent way of saving money is buying second-hand textbooks, which can be found far cheaper than in the shops.

For some students however, university is not the next step. Chloe Stevens decided it was not for her, and through Bradford-based Qube Learning found her dream job in a care home through a traineeship.

She said: “It can be intimidating starting something new and doing something different from other people, but I knew I had to make a change for me.

“After finishing college, I knew I wanted to do something other than university. For all those getting their exam results and are unsure of what lies ahead, there are options for you.

“Be brave; a traineeship is a good way to gain skill and experience in a professional environment and can help create a budding future for someone.

“It has brought happiness to my professional life and I have overcome a lot personally. I am optimistic about what is next and thank my employer and Qube Learning for seeing my potential, I don’t know where I would be now if I didn’t have people cheering me on to succeed.”