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A level results - Comments from successful people who didn't get the A level results they expected

ended 15. August 2024

Today, thousands of students across the country received their A level results. While many will be thrilled with their results, others will be disappointed and disheartened by not getting the grades they expected, especially if it means that they don’t meet the entry requirements for their chosen university. 

We'd like to hear from people who didn't get the A Level results they were expecting and still went onto have successful careers. Tell us your stories.

4 responses from the Newspage community

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Scott Taylor-Barr
Principal Adviser at Barnsdale Financial Management
I failed two of my three A-levels. I knew they wouldn’t be stellar, but I never expected to fail so badly. It felt like my dreams of going to university were completely torpedoed. So, I went back to college for a year to retake the two exams I’d bombed. But there was no Hollywood ending—I didn’t do much better the second time around, and my university plans were over before they began.

Fast forward 30-odd years, and it turns out everything worked out just fine. Today, I run my own mortgage and protection advisory business, sit on the board of our industry trade body, and am frequently asked to comment on industry matters and help develop products for lenders and insurers.

One thing I've learned over the years is that life often leads you to where you're meant to be, even if it doesn’t feel that way at the time. So if things haven’t gone according to plan, take a moment, cry if you need to, and then make a new plan. Trust that it will all be OK in the end.
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Dr Suhail Hussain
Private GP at Dr Suhail Hussain
At every stage of life, the challenges you face can feel like the biggest hurdle yet, and A-levels are no exception. The pressure is immense—whether it's about securing a university place, meeting the expectations of parents and teachers, or keeping up with your peers. But remember, you've faced similar pressures before, with GCSEs, the 11+, and there will be more to come, like starting your first job, getting married, or buying your first home.

If your A-level results aren't what you hoped for, don't despair. There are plenty of other options available—exploring alternative universities or courses, going through clearing, taking a gap year to gain valuable work experience, or even retaking your exams if necessary. It's important to remember that your exams don't define you. Many highly successful people didn't get the results they initially aimed for. I, too, had to retake my physics A-level and even one of my medical school finals, yet here I am, a successful doctor 25 years later
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Editor
Michelle Lawson
Director at Lawson Financial
First and foremost, don't panic! Reach out for support from those around you. College lecturers and UCAS university clearing services are excellent resources for helping you find a path forward and make a well-informed decision about your next steps. Remember, these challenges are just stepping stones on your journey, and life's unexpected turns build resilience.

Your goal is to earn a degree, and while you may not end up at your first-choice university, there are plenty of other institutions that can accommodate you. In the end, you'll still achieve the same degree. Don't worry—it always works out in the end.
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Jane Dyer
Workplace Wellbeing Consultant at Tudor Rose Services Ltd (TA - Tudor Rose Workplace Wellbeing Consultancy)
Congratulations on doing your best—well done!

This is just the beginning of a bright future ahead. Whether your next step involves education, training, or entering the workforce, there are countless paths and opportunities available for you to achieve your educational, career, and life goals.

Believe in your potential to succeed in whatever comes next.

You are all incredible individuals receiving your exam results today. For context, I had no A-levels and only one O-level, which I earned at 17. After that, I pursued vocational qualifications equivalent to A-levels in business. As a mature student, I went on to earn a BA (Hons) degree, worked full-time in the public sector, raised a family, and eventually became a business owner. And by the way, I attended a special secondary school where we didn’t receive academic education to exam level, and I have a physical disability.

Remember to talk with someone you trust, and take advantage of the support and advice available to you from fam