Business owners share advice for youngsters receiving A Level results

Head: The surprising thing about ‘A’ level results [why failing them could be the best thing that happens to you] UK’s business leaders share how their ‘failures’ became their ultimate success.

Main: Business leaders have told youngsters not to panic if they do not get the results they wanted, with many telling Newspage that not getting the right grades could be a blessing in disguise.

School leavers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland received their ‘A-level, T-level and B-Tec results today.

While a record number of students are expected to get their first choice of university there will be many who will have received disappointing results, or face the annual scrabble to find a higher education place in university through clearing.

According to UCAS 82% have been placed on their first choice, the same proportion as last year.

But if you have not got your first choice, or face having to carve out a different post-18 path, take comfort in some words of wisdom from those who have been there and done that.

Lesson one: The world IS your oyster 

Keith Budden, managing Director at Liss-based Ensurety said: “I’m a 60something who didn't get great A-level results but still managed to get a university place - albeit not at my university of choice.

I have since gone on to run a number of businesses, been chairman of our local district council for two years, met members of the Royal Family and dined with champions of industry. 

“My point in saying all this is don't think "this is sh*t"; but instead think "What does this make possible?""

"If you got the results you expected (or maybe even better results) then fantastic, well done, give yourself a well earned pat on the back, and relax.

“But if you didn't get the results you expected, it really isn't the end of the world-  although I get it might feel like that right now. 

“The world is your oyster, opportunities abound, and if the results mean you need to reset your target then do that, there is no shame in it!”

Lesson two: You may hate university anyway

Jen David, of South Croydon-based Jen David helps job hunters hone their CVs.

She said: "Don't be scared of swimming against the tide. I went to university because it was expected of me, hated every moment and dropped out after three months.  “Now I'm running my own business and finishing a master's degree at the age of 50, via a bachelor's completed whilst working full time. 

“The most well-trodden path doesn't always get you to where you want to be. There are so many flexible options available now that there are no right or wrong next steps whatever your results."

Lesson three: Rubbish A-level results may cause the ‘stars to align’ 

Rakesh Dua, CEO at DUA Accountancy & Business Consultancy did not get great A-levels results but did not want to resit them as that felt like going back not forwards. 

“I then had a chance encounter with a cousin who was an accountant and an offer from a university to do accounting, despite my results. 

“My destiny was effectively written. Funnily enough, my birthday also falls at the end of a tax year so all the stars aligned. 

“I fell into it, grew and then conquered by running my own business. Now I run an award-winning firm and am a well regarded thought leader for SME business. So while results are key and can create opportunities, perhaps destiny has other things planned. My advice is use and focus on building personal skills and an ability to communicate in this new digital AI world, as people skills go a long way. 

“And always do something you are passionate about in life and believe in."

Lesson four: Life is a journey - so don't stress about not ‘being sorted’ at 18 

Samuel Mather-Holgate, independent financial adviser at Swindon-based Mather and Murray Financial commented:
"Some of the most interesting people didn’t know what they wanted to be doing in life at the age of 40. 

“My own A-levels didn’t go as I expected, and I dropped out of a second rate uni, but went on to get a degree through distant learning, start multiple businesses and employ many people. Don’t stress, as whatever happens there are loads of options to choose from."

Lesson five: Consider a trade - you'll always have work
 

Tony Redondo, founder at Newquay-based Cosmos Currency Exchange commented: "I left school with no qualifications. I got a job at a clearing bank, where they allowed me to work full-time four days a week and attend college one day a week for two years. 

“I then went to a polytechnic three nights a week for three years to earn my professional qualification, all while working full-time five days a week. 

“I ended up working in the City of London for years, then worked abroad before setting up my currency exchange brokerage in 2020. It's never too late—it's about when you're ready to commit. 

“If I weren't numerate, I would have pursued one of the trades (like an electrician or plumber), as there's always work available. You can work for yourself, abroad, and more."
 

Lesson six: You are here - and the future is yours to grab

Jennie Prewett, founder and trustee at Bristol-based Incredible Kids commented: "Whether it’s a pass, fail, or an A*, achievement looks different for everyone, especially for young people with SEND or neurodiversity. Sometimes just getting through the exam is a bigger thing than the result itself."