Results days Results days for A and AS levels and GCSE this year were the same as originally planned: 13 August and 20 August respectively. This will enable progression to higher and further education to take place in the normal way. It will also allow students time to decide whether they wish to sit exams in the autumn, and to prepare for those exams if necessary. The GCSE results that students received on 20 August were final – that is, they were based on the higher of the centre assessment grade or calculated grades. Revised A and AS level grades went to schools and colleges on 19 August, replacing the calculated grades that were issued on 13 August. Results days for qualifications other than A and AS level and GCSEs are set by individual awarding organisations. Results for many vocational and technical qualifications used for progression to further or higher education have been available on the same days as A level and GCSE results. However, as set out in the section – Vocational and Technical Qualifications 2020 – some results have been delayed. These are being issued as quickly as possible. Students who are taking such qualifications should check the planned results day with their school or college. Universities, colleges and sixth forms and grade acceptance The grades awarded this summer will be formal grades, with the same status as grades awarded in any other year. They will therefore be accepted by all institutions. We are working closely with the further and higher education sectors to ensure that everything is done to support students and ensure they can progress to further or higher education. We have taken a number of steps to increase capacity in Higher Education, so that universities are able to honour offers to students who meet their conditions this coming year wherever possible. Or if maximum capacity is reached, to offer an alternative course or a deferred place at the same university. Students participating in the autumn series of exams In most cases, students will use the grades they receive in the summer to move onto their next step. Students who do not feel their final grade reflects their ability, or who were not able to receive a grade in the summer, will have the opportunity to sit an exam in the autumn term. AS and A level exams will take place in October and GCSE exams in November. Students wishing to enter for autumn exams should do so via the school or college where they were due to sit their exams in the summer. The exception is students who did not achieve a grade 4 or above in English language or maths GCSE. These students will take those exams at their post September institution. The deadline for entering A and AS levels is 4 September. Where a student withdraws after that date because, for example, they have secured a place in higher education, we do not expect the exam boards to charge the school or college fees. Schools and colleges should refer to exam board deadlines for withdrawing entries. The deadline for entering GCSEs is 18 September (except English and maths, for which the deadline is 4 October). Any student wanting to understand the implications for university admission of taking these autumn exams should speak to the university from which they have an offer.