THURSDAY is D-day for students across Bolton who will be picking up their A-level results.

For some it will be a day of celebration and they can look ahead to university life or taking the first step on the ladder to a successful career, for others it will really will be decision day as they contemplate their next step if they didn't make the grade or are still thinking about their future course of action.

Paul Starkey, director of student recruitment and admissions at the University of Bolton, said: "Main thing to remember is not to panic, there will be lots of people in exactly the same position as you.

"If you’ve not the got the results you’ve expected then yes, please call your university first and discuss options.

"Make sure you have your UCAS ID number, a pen and paper and make a note of who you spoke to and when. Ask the university to confirm how they will follow-up your call."

Like many other universities Bolton has places available on a broad range of courses and a support team ready to give advice.

"Here at Bolton there is almost always something we can do to help you whether you are applying for the first time, want to consider an alternative subject or course, or didn’t get the grades and want to talk through your options.

"The best thing to do is to give us a call on our freephone number 0808 281 1111 and speak directly to one of our lecturers about the area you are interested in.

"You can also come along to one of our open days on Friday 17th or Saturday 18th August and speak to them face to face. You can make an application and if you’ve got your qualifications with you on the day can even get an offer on the same day," said Mr Starkey.

He added: "If you are only now considering university then it’s not too late.

"Many of our applicants like to keep their options open during the year and apply at this time of year. While most of our courses have been more popular than ever this year, with our expanding facilities and investment most still have places whether you are interested in engineering, computing, health, arts, business or psychology ­— check our clearing pages on our website for the full list of courses with places.

"Even our most popular nursing course has a very limited number of places available in September but we are now recruiting for January and May 2019 intakes so get in touch and find out what we can do for you."

Nationally tens of thousands of courses are said to be still available with virtually all universities have places available on degree courses.

The University of Bolton fills around 25 per cent of its 2000 undergraduate places at this time of year.

But said Mr Starkey: "Clearing by its very definition moves quickly and places do fill fast so it’s important to get in touch as soon as you can but don’t rush into making such an important life decision and don’t let any university pressurise you.

"We will be taking applications for most courses up to the end of September so even if you think it’s too late give us a call and chances are we can help."

He added: "We are very proud to be a university that opens up opportunities in higher education to people from all backgrounds, even those who perhaps haven’t got formal qualifications but have work experience or those that have studied some time ago. You’ll find a friendly and supportive atmosphere at Bolton and you’ll be amongst people from all walks of life.

"Most importantly remember we are here to help you so don’t be afraid to give us a call, drop a line on social media or pop in to see us."

Alistair Jarvis, chief executive of Universities UK, said: "Clearing is increasingly popular and an excellent way to find a course that is right for you. More than 10 per cent of university places are now secured through clearing and there will be thousands of places available again this year.

"Universities recognise the high quality of applicants now in clearing. Most universities will make places available. It’s open to everyone and most subjects are available, including some highly competitive courses."

The Exam Results Helpline by the National Careers Service is an official service especially set up for those who have received their results and want to talk through their options. Whether a young person’s results were better than they expected ­— or not what they hoped for ­— the helpline’s careers advisers can chat through their situation and work with them to develop a plan.

The Exam Results Helpline is a free service and will be open 8am – 10pm, 7 days a week. It can be reached on 0800 100 900.

The National Careers Services has released six tips on surviving exam results day

Have a plan for results day

From how you’re getting your results ­— online or at school? To who you’ll be with when you get your results ­— friends, parents or both? Decide on a game plan for the day and stick to it. Just because everyone else is opening their results at school, it doesn’t mean you have to. Put yourself first and do what works for you.

Know career paths aren’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’

Whether you think you want to work in advertising, or you want to work for a big car manufacturer ­— look up your dream job and understand all the different ways you could get there. Ahead of getting your results, know all your options.

Understand university isn’t the only route

Nowadays through an apprenticeship you can become a lawyer or an engineer and get a degree. So don’t assume that university is the best and only path for you. There are currently thousands of apprenticeship vacancies listed online ­— you never know ­— your dream employer may be looking for an apprentice to start asap!

Get your head around how Clearing works

If you’re awaiting A-levels exam results and planning to go to university, it’s important that you get your head around the Clearing process ­— even if you’re feeling confident you’ll get the results you want. 64,300 students obtained places through Clearing last summer in subjects from law to English, so make sure you’re clued up and prepared for Clearing just in case.

Seek advice from the experts

Families, friends and teachers can often be quite emotionally invested in your exam results, so it’s smart to seek out an expert’s opinion on your next steps. The Exam Results Helpline careers advisers will chat through your situation and work with you to develop a plan. The Exam Results Helpline is a free service and will be open 8am – 10pm 7 days a week. It can be reached on 0800 100 900

Don’t panic, everything will be okay

Whether you get the results you expect ­— or you don’t ­— everything will work out in the long run. The best thing you can do is stay calm and focus your energy into figuring out your next steps. Remember, every year millions of students get through exam week and are sitting happy in successful jobs today.

Key links for information during exam results time:

To find out more about jobs and the types of: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/home

To find out more about apprenticeships go to: https://www.getingofar.gov.uk/

Browse current apprenticeship vacancies by visiting: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch