We are sending our best wishes to Medway’s students, who will be receiving their results throughout the next week.
Cllr Tracy Coombs, Portfolio Holder for Education, said: “This is truly a pivotal moment in our young people’s lives, as they pick up their exam results and take the next step in their journeys. I want to wish you luck and hope you can take your preferred next step – whether that be further education, full-time work or an apprenticeship.
“Whilst this will be an exciting time for many, there will inevitably be anxiety and disappointment as well. Please be assured that if you do not get the results you were hoping for, there is plenty of support available, but also services and guidance that you can access to help you with your next steps. Whilst we do recommend that you speak to your school in the first instance, our Information Advice and Guidance team can also advise you on your options.
“It is also important that we recognise the support systems behind our young people – thank you to the wonderful teachers, school staff, parents and carers who have supported, nurtured and guided our students, helping them to realise their goals.”
Advice and support
If you are unsure of your next steps following your exams, or are disappointed with your results, we recommend you speak to your school in the first instance. However, there is plenty of other guidance and advice available to help support you.
Higher Education
If you are looking to continue your academic journey, the UCAS website has plenty of information regarding potential options.
For those wanting to stay in Medway, options for higher education include:
Kent Choices also have a GCSE Clearing tool available to current year 11 students, helping them find and apply to available courses across Kent and Medway.
Career guidance
Our Information, Advice and Guidance Service (IAG) supports young people in Medway aged 16 to 17 years-old who are not in education, employment or training.
Their range of support includes:
- Career Advice
- Job search and application help
- Curriculum vitae (CV) and interview skills
- Finding and applying for apprenticeships
- Applying for college or sixth form
- Finding a training course
The IAG team will also be hosting a drop-in session for GCSE students from 9am to 3pm on Thursday, 20 August at the Marketing Suite, Waterfront Bus Station, Chatham.
The National Careers Service also provide career guidance for those who are unsure of their next steps. You can find out more on the National Careers Service website or by getting in touch with a careers advisor by calling 0800 100 900.
Apprenticeships
If you are more interested in starting an apprenticeship, you can visit the GOV.UK website to search and apply for roles.
The Medway Council Apprenticeship Academy allows you to combine practical training in a job, with nationally recognised qualifications, starting at Intermediate Level 2 and progressing to Higher Levels 6 and 7 (degree and master's level). Between March 2025 and February 2026, 60 employees completed apprenticeships, with 73 per cent gaining permanent employment.
Medway Adult Education also offer apprenticeship programmes, ranging from Levels 2 to 3.
Further support
Students can also seek support from the Medway Therapeutic Alliance (MTA).
MTA offers a range of support, including advice and self-help, group sessions and short-term therapy. This includes Kooth, a free, safe and anonymous mental health service for young people.
Our A Better Medway service also offers advice to parents and carers to help support young people’s mental health.