Good luck if you’re picking up your GCSE results this Thursday and, remember, there’s plenty of options out there

Councillor David Williams, who oversees education, wished students good luck for Thursday. He said: “I’d like to wish Hertfordshire’s students the very best, and hope that you are not feeling too anxious or stressed.

“I’m confident that your hard work and that of your teachers at our excellent schools across the county will have paid off and the results will again show that Hertfordshire performs above the national average.

“Whatever the outcome when those envelopes were opened, I’d like to reassure you and your parents that there are plenty of options available. Dedicated people will be on-hand to give you all the advice you need. Schools will have members of staff available to talk through your choices - whether you’ve exceeded your expectations, had a change of heart about what to do next or if the news isn’t what you hoped.”

Hertfordshire County Council’s Youth Connexions service has lots of advice and information for students on what to do next - visit www.youthconnexions.org They will be running a Q&A on exam results on twitter @hertsjobs16to19 using the hashtag #YCResults15

Alternatively, students are welcome to visit or make contact with personal advisers in Youth Connexions One Stop Shops and centres across the county. Full details are on the website.

It is also possible to search for apprenticeships, further education courses and jobs on this site, and there is a Youth Connexions employment team that offers a free job matching service on 0800 389 3258.

David added: “Whatever you decide, I hope you have an enjoyable summer and wish you all the best for the future.”