Congratulations to everyone receiving exam results this summer – whether they brought relief, excitement or surprise, this is a moment worth recognising.
Whether you’re a student considering your next move, a parent offering support, or a teacher helping to guide decisions, exam results season often brings plenty of thoughts of the future.
Tens of thousands of young people must now prepare for what comes next – and the Royal Society of Chemistry has an abundance of resources and support available to help along the way.
What happens next?
Whatever your results, there’s no single path forward – and the Royal Society of Chemistry is here to help you navigate your options.
From practical guidance to real-life career stories, our resources are designed to support you as you take your next step into further study, training or the world of work.
Below, you’ll find tailored information for each nation and qualification type, with specific advice, support services and links to help you progress.
If you are thinking about your next step in science, head to A Future in Chemistry. There, you will find guidance on everything from further study and student finance to career options and gap year advice.
You can also explore our Employers Map to discover organisations near you that offer work experience, apprenticeships or full-time roles in the chemical sciences.
If you need further access to support and guidance, you can use the National Parents and Students Leaving Certificate Helpline (1800 265 165).
What’s changed this year?
In response to the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Examinations Commission has begun a phased return to pre-pandemic grading standards.
Adjustments this year aimed to bring the overall set of results on the aggregate to roughly midway between 2020 and 2021 levels.
You can access resources for ideas of what to do next on our A Future in Chemistry page.
You can find information on a range of study options, such as A levels, T Levels and apprenticeships if you want to stay in education. The hub also has information on student finance and gap year advice.
There are also real-life job case studies if you want to enter the world of work – view the GCSE job inspiration here – and you can also find local employers of chemists in your area using our Employers Map. There are other avenues available if you need further support.
In England, the National Careers Service have lots of useful links on their website, including a hotline connecting you to careers advisors and information on further education and training options.
For careers advice in Wales, Careers Wales provide information on further education, apprenticeships and getting a job. They also run a hotline which offers careers advice.
Meanwhile, NI Direct offer an online chat option for those in need of careers advice in Northern Ireland. Through their website, you can also access lots of useful information on your options after Year 12.
Our A Future in Chemistry page is full of inspiration on a range of career and study options for higher education. The hub also has information on student finance and gap year advice.
You can read real-life case studies listed by qualification – view the A-Level job inspiration here – and find local businesses in your area using our Employers Map.
There are still plenty of paths into a rewarding scientific career even if you didn’t get what you hoped for.
Meanwhile, UCAS’ who to contact page is there to support your next steps.
If you’re in England, the National Careers Service also runs a careers advice service for those looking for guidance on their next steps.
The WJEC offers those in Wales further information on their post-results services including making an appeal.
Students in Northern Ireland can access specific advice and information on understanding your results, resits and review services on the CCEA website.
If chemistry is part of your future plans, our A Future in Chemistry hub is a great place to start.
It brings together advice on study routes, career choices and real-world opportunities in the chemical sciences, whether you have come through your Nationals or Highers.
Use the Employers Map to see which organisations near you offer apprenticeships, work experience or full-time roles.
If your results weren’t quite what you hoped for, don’t worry – there are still many ways to pursue a fulfilling career in science. The SQA provides a candidate advice line and other support to help you work out what to do next.
What else does the RSC have to offer?
ChemisTRY shaping your future with free undergraduate student membership from the Royal Society of Chemistry!
You have an exciting future ahead of you. Let us help you get there, with free Student membership. For undergraduate degree students in the UK and Ireland , use code CATALYST100 at the checkout, or for apprenticeships, use code APP100.
As an RSC Student member, you’ll receive:
- Discounts on a huge range of things, including textbooks, shopping and holidays
- Grants and funding for your studies
- Career support and professional development advice, like CV checks
- Networking opportunities across the chemical sciences (including event discounts!)
- Plus, much more!
Once you’ve signed up, you can access everything in one place – just login to the members area and you’re ready to go.