Away for A level results day?

scojos · Jul 28, 2015

We have the opportunity to go next summer with our best friends, but both lads will be away on results day. Has anyone experienced this and how did it work out for you... As an ex teacher im not sure it's the greatest idea but the boys aren't fussed and maybe I'm over thinking things.... Anyone got any advice?

Minniesgal · Jul 28, 2015

We did this in 2013. Meant we had a few early morning phone calls to get results, to get the Uni place confirmed and a room in halls. Wasn't a big deal we were glad we went.

dixonsontour · Jul 28, 2015

What are their plans for afterwards? If they are going straight to Uni it may not be a good idea. Just thinking if they miss the grades (or do lots better) and need to go into clearing or sort accommodation out. Our 6th form also had staff onsite to advise re options. I'm 40 but day I got my A level results is one of my stand out days for me. If they are having a gap year it may not matter as much.

scojos · Jul 28, 2015

My son is deff going straight to uni. Not sure about other child but think that's his plan. I also at 42 remember the panic (I dropped a grade but still got into my first choice) which is why I'm a little apprehensive about it. I don't think he ll do better but needs AAB to do his course which is high but within his capability... This will be our last family holiday as I know once he's in uni he won't want to holiday with us ( he says different if a trip to wdw is on offer pmsl... I'm in two minds whats to do ESP as my ds15 gets his gcse results two days after we get home (jet lag anyone??)

joolz1910 · Jul 28, 2015

scojos said:
My son is deff going straight to uni. Not sure about other child but think that's his plan. I also at 42 remember the panic (I dropped a grade but still got into my first choice) which is why I'm a little apprehensive about it. I don't think he ll do better but needs AAB to do his course which is high but within his capability... This will be our last family holiday as I know once he's in uni he won't want to holiday with us ( he says different if a trip to wdw is on offer pmsl... I'm in two minds whats to do ESP as my ds15 gets his gcse results two days after we get home (jet lag anyone??)

Fewer kids go in for results nowadays as it's all online. I am 44 and remember having to queue to be told mine in person by the Head! We have staff on hand at school on results days for those who panic/need advice but you could manage it all online.

scojos · Jul 28, 2015

Tbf juls is was going to PM u on fb, but after I was bullied last night thought is keep my head down pmsl.... Going to see what the support is like when he gets his a2 results in a few weeks... Tho I have been doing some research and may need a third mortgage! We have done ddp last three visits and kids want to do a few favourites while we re there... The cost of eating on site is phenomenal!!

wayneg · Jul 28, 2015

5 years ago we were away for Matt's GCSE results, that one was an easy choice to be away but for A-levels 3 years ago he 100% wanted to be here, IIRC he needed AAB and was expected to get them, ended up with A*AA so no problems but no way would he have gone away for that day.

Which Uni is he wanting?

scojos · Jul 28, 2015

At the moment Sheffield or Nottingham but er ing towards n ham, friends son Aston uni. I think there's a possibility of changing villa dates which she's looking at but its me that's fretting not him... Hubby has never been to uni so doesn't get the stress that could potentially be involved, he thinks I'm putting ds down as I'm worried he ll get the grades he needs... I just know it's not always plain sailing....

LoodlesNoodles · Jul 28, 2015

My bff didn't get the grades she needed for her conditinal offer and had to go through clearing a few years back (7 years approx) and i know had she not been in the country at the time would have been really difficult to sort out for about a week after as theres lots of phone calls involved.
A2 levels results aren't even comparible unless he doesn't get the grades to continue. But there are teachers on hand to discuss and arrange meetings with.

scojos · Jul 28, 2015

This is my concern... I was a teacher for a long time and have seen many times the scramble for places from the other side... But when it's your kid it's different! Just found out BFFs son is doing a nvq so won't need to be there for results day

... Have literally this minute just asked his opinions and he's not bothered as it s all to be done by phone makes no difference if he s here or not!

scoobydooby · Jul 28, 2015

I would stay local for his results (one day out of all of your lives) and without question more convenient if he needs clearing. My DS gets his GCSE results this year so I moved the entire holiday forward to the cost of £1.2k so we could land the day the results come out. Then I panicked further in case of flight delays and moves our flight home a day earlier. I know we can do it on line or on the phone but we can never get him that once only day back with his friends. I've kept the OKW booking for the original dates. I thought it would be nice to have the room that last day as our flight isn't until 8.30pm. So long and I accept personal perspective ramble. But my advice is change your dates.

cheryl.UK · Jul 28, 2015

As a person once in charge of VI form I can tell you this is the very worst time to be away. If even one of them is one grade short, they need to go though clearing BUT more important is getting on the phone with the right attitude and talking to admissions officers of the different courses of different units. That might mean 30 phone calls from 2am in the morning Florida time to 11am. For kids who get their grades its a breeze but for others they can spend all day on the phone. I've had kids get into one of the top 20 unis just through being on the phone with the right attitude but wrong grades.

cheryl.UK · Jul 28, 2015

Just another thought, that last disney family holiday is yet to come for us... next year she's 23....

scojos · Jul 28, 2015

Thanks guys looks like changing the dates is going to be an option so will fly home before the date... I'm hoping obviously he get the grades but think we need a back up plan. What will be will be... I ll. Keep you informed x

scojos · Jul 28, 2015

cheryl.UK said:
Just another thought, that last disney family holiday is yet to come for us... next year she's 23....

Don't say that I'm hoping it ll get cheaper when he goes to uni!!! :scared:

wayneg · Jul 29, 2015

cheryl.UK said:
Just another thought, that last disney family holiday is yet to come for us... next year she's 23....

scoobydooby said:
Don't say that I'm hoping it ll get cheaper when he goes to uni!!!

Exactly our thoughts when DS started Uni, yeah cheaper holidays. Nope, 3 years later age 21 and finished his degree he is still coming with us, again next week.
He has said next year he is doing his Masters degree he doesn't think he should go away, he wasn't convincing. I even said we could book our flights and get a last minute one for him if need be, he said that would be great.

Back to the results, its one day I/we wouldn't be away for, great if all goes to plan but not great if it doesn't I would have wanted to be here to sort it.

NatalieMT · Jul 29, 2015

In 2007 I personally was away for results day, my Dad collected my results for me but I wasn't needing them for anything as I went out of education for 4/5 years, before going to Uni as a 'mature' student. We have avoided being away for all other results days e.g. for younger sister, would tend to just go later in August after results were released.

It felt less tense to go away after anyone in the family had collected results rather than before because you've had time to sort anything out and process it. My results in 2007 weren't the best, due to ill health at the time, but it still put a slight downer on things.

scojos · Jul 29, 2015

It felt less tense to go away after anyone in the family had collected results rather than before because you've had time to sort anything out and process it. My results in 2007 weren't the best, due to ill health at the time, but it still put a slight downer on things.[/QUOTE]

As my younger son gets his GCSE results the week after going after results isn't an option so will have to be before and get results for both when we get home... Xx

dixonsontour · Jul 29, 2015

Think that is the right decision.

I dropped a grade too but my first choice took me. DH had fab all A results but no offers (his 6th form tutor predicted fails due to a personality clash) So he went through clearing and had to sort accommodation. I suspect if he had reapplied a year later with his grades he would have chosen another uni but we met in our first term and the rest is history.

If my mum offered me a free trip to Disney now I'd go with her. From what I can see on the forums adult kids still come to Florida, then partners then grandkids!!

janiebubble · Jul 30, 2015

I coordinate A level results in a sixth form college. I'd strongly advise you be in the country. Yes everything is available online and if all goes well you don't need to do anything. But if grade aren't as expected, or he changes his mind about course or institution (which has been known to happen) then you need to be on the phone. Actually I should have said he needs to be on the phone, universities don't want to talk to mum, dad or teacher! He will also miss out in that last one big celebration with his sixth form mates on results right. I'd try and stay in the country. (Oh and that last disney family holiday? I was 38 when I last went with my mum and dad!)

Away for A level results day?

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