Thousands of young people across Dorset are being urged not to stress if their results aren't what they expected. 

While many will be awarded their predicted grades and gain places at university, others will be disappointed and will be uncertain as to what to do next.

University admissions body UCAS has stressed it is vital to be prepared for all eventualities and to make the most of the opportunities available.

"Hopefully you'll get the exam grades you need, but if you just miss out, the university or college might accept you anyway" said a spokesman.

"You might get a place on either your firm or insurance choice, depending how well your exams go, you might be offered an alternative course or you might not get a place."

UCAS has suggested that those who don't gain a place can search through its Clearing service to see what courses still have vacancies.

The spokesman added: "Results day can be stressful, so make sure you know how it works and what to expect. Have your Track sign in details handy and update your contact details if you need to.

"Make sure you're available on results day, because we can't speak to anyone else about your application details unless you give them nominated access to speak on your behalf."

Advice has also been issued to parents who may be concerned about the long-awaited results day.

Mums and dads have been urged to talk things through with their children, encourage them to keep busy and to help them to eat and sleep well.

They have also been warned against passing their disappointment on to their child if they don't do as well as expected and to celebrate their efforts.

Students are expected to begin collecting their results from schools and colleges across the area from around 8am tomorrow.

Clearing at Bournemouth University is available on 01202 966777 and at the Arts University Bournemouth on 01202 363228.

'Dont be disheartened if you didnt get the results you wanted'

Childline delivered 1,133 counselling sessions to young people concerned about exam results in 2016/17 – a rise of 21 per cent over the last two years.

Of these, more than a quarter (28 per cent) took place in August when GCSE and AS/A-Level results are released.

Figures released also show a sharp rise in the number of Childline counselling sessions delivered to 16-18 year olds related to exam results worries in 2016/17 - up 68 per cent over the last two years.

Many young people told counsellors they were disappointed with themselves and worried their grades might affect them getting into the university or college of their choice, while others were concerned about their parent’s reaction to their results.

Anxiety and low mood were also mentioned when discussing exam results, with some saying they were struggling to cope with the pressure to do well and achieve top grades.

One girl who contacted Childline said: “I am so worried about my exam results that I feel sick. I studied all day and overnight for them. If I don’t get all A’s I’ll feel like I’ve let everyone down and my parents will be disappointed. I want to make them proud.”

A teenage boy said: “I failed one of my exams and I’m so upset. I passed all of the rest but my parents are still really disappointed and have made me feel stupid and like a failure. I don’t know what to do now. I know I should be pleased with myself but I don’t. I’ve always had low self-esteem and this hasn’t helped.”

Peter Wanless NSPCC chief executive said: “Waiting for exam results can be an anxious time for young people and can leave some struggling to cope.

"Pressure to achieve good grades and worries about securing further education places and jobs can be too much for some teenagers to deal with on their own.

“We’d encourage young people not to be disheartened if they don’t get the results they hoped for.

"It’s important they remember that they have options and that talking to a friend or trusted adult can really help them see this clearly.

"Childline is also here 24/7 to listen to any young person worried about their results and needing confidential support and advice.”

Dame Esther Rantzen, founder and president of Childline said: “Young people need to remember that getting good exam grades is not a make or break moment and, whatever your results, there are options and opportunities to make a great future for yourself.

"This is proved by all the successful people who have made their way in life despite being nowhere near the top of their class.

“The important thing during exam results season is to stick together as a family and be as supportive and encouraging to the person waiting to receive their grades and then planning their next steps.

"And if they are reluctant to open up about how they are feeling or what they want to do then Childline is always ready to provide help and advice.”       

Childline has the following advice for young people:

  Don’t panic if you don't get the results you were hoping for.

  You may have to make some tough decisions but remember you always have options and you can get help.

  Everyone is different so try not to compare your results to your friends or classmates.

  If you're disappointed with your results it can help to talk to a teacher or someone you trust about how you’re feeling.

A series of videos dedicated to helping young people through exams and life after school are available on Childline’s YouTube channel.

Children and young people can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice, 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk