THERE’S just a week to go until A level results are released and support organisations are gearing up for an influx of students looking for advice.

Thousands of young people across Dorset and the New Forest will receive their long-awaited exam results on Thursday August 16.

While many will get the results they need for jobs, apprenticeships or university places, others will be disappointed and will be forced to reconsider their next move.

The Exam Results Hotline will be up and running until August 30 and can be contacted on 0800 100 900 from 8am until 10pm daily.

It will offer free, specialised information,help and guidance to students and their families.

Ahead of the big day, UCAS, has produced a guide to state the facts and dispel myths about results and clearing.

It warns students that the UCAS track will not update at midnight or 6am but at 8am, the same as every other year.

Although it will tell you whether you have a place at one of your chosen universities, it will not include specific results. They will be distributed by schools and colleges.

Clearing vacancies change all the time and students can apply for any courses they want to.

Even if you originally applied for marine biology, you can apply for maths or food science if you have not secured a place,

Students have also been warned that they are only eligible for clearing if they have no offers and reassured that clearing is not just for people with low exam results and that there are good courses available.

See bournemouthecho.co.uk for results and pictures from local schools on August 16 and the Daily Echo on Friday August 17 for a round-up of the day’s events.