Students anxiously waiting for exam results urged to seek support from Talkzone
In the first year of traditional GCSE, AS and A level exams since 2019, students in Lancashire who are waiting for their results are being reminded that help, support and advice is easily available.
This year, students will benefit from a range of adaptations to maximise fairness following the disruption to learning caused by the pandemic. Despite this, we understand that some students will still be anxious while waiting for their results.
At Talkzone, students can speak with trained advisers in confidence and chat through their exam results and anything else that might be concerning them.
As well as being on offer to students, Talkzone is also available to young people between the age of 12 to 19 years and up to 25 years for those with a disability. The service can be accessed by telephone, email, text and webtalk. It is available from 2pm to 10pm every day, including weekends and Bank Holidays.
County Councillor Jayne Rear, cabinet member for education and skills at Lancashire County Council, said: “Because of the disruption to formal exams caused by the pandemic, students’ results have been determined by their teacher's assessments over the past couple of years.
“That approach was understandably very stressful for them. Now that we have reverted to the more traditional approach to exams, students will also need information, support and advice.
“For some students, this will be their first experience of formal assessment and waiting for results can cause considerable anxiety. I urge them to give Talkzone a try.
CC Rear added: “Through Talkzone, young people can speak with trained advisers in confidence and chat through anything concerning them, as well as their exam results. Staff are able to talk about anything from feeling low, relationships, finding work or training, to leaving home."
Since it was set up 29 years ago, Talkzone advisers have responded to thousands of enquiries from young people on a huge range of issues.
Daisy Welsh, who manages the Talkzone service, added: "Talkzone is available 365 days a year to offer information and support to any young person regarding any concerns they may have.
“Now that we have returned to more traditional exams, I imagine some students will be very concerned about their grades. My colleagues and I are on-hand to offer advice and support.
“We can help students to identify options and support for young people who may not have a place sorted out, or for those whose results have been better or worse than expected.
"Whether the issue is large or small, Talkzone is available to help, so please don't be afraid to call, text or contact us online."
Options are available for young people who haven't achieved the GCSE results they needed or are unsure about their next step.
In addition to contacting Talkzone, young people are urged to contact the college or further education provider that they had planned to attend and discuss the options and courses that are still available to them. Any support that they need can also be discussed.
Young people can call Talkzone on 0800 511 111, text on 07786 511 111 or email talkzone@lancashire.gov.uk
Alternatively, get in touch through our access webtalk services or via Facebook.