York schools and colleges celebrate A Level and vocational results as support services reiterated

Council highlights achievements and local routes for students who need support

The City of York Council has extended congratulations to students across the city who received their A Level, T Level and post‑16 vocational qualification results on 13 August 2026, while reminding young people and families of the local support available if results do not match expectations.

In a statement issued on the day the results were published, the council’s executive member for children, young people and education acknowledged both the effort behind the grades and the pressure many students face at this stage.

"Congratulations to all the young people receiving their A Level, T Level and vocational qualification results today. Your results are proof that young people have the drive to achieve great things and will do this City proud.”

The council emphasised the role of parents, carers, teachers and support staff in helping pupils reach this milestone and underlined that additional help is available for those who did not achieve the grades they wanted.

Where students can turn for immediate help

• First contact: your school or college — staff are in the best position to offer bespoke advice about appeals, resits and next steps.
• Careers Advisers employed by schools — available locally to discuss options such as university, apprenticeships or employment.
• Admissions teams at York College and Askham Bryan College — for information about courses, clearing and enrolment.
• National Careers Service — for wider employment and training guidance (helpline: 0800 100 900).
• York Apprenticeship Hub — a council‑led service with local apprenticeship information (see www.york.gov.uk/yorkapprenticeships and the Facebook page @ York Apprenticeships).
• Specialist Learning and Employment Advisers — support for young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) or other barriers to accessing education, employment or training.

The council also encouraged students considering alternatives to full‑time higher education — including apprenticeships, part‑time study or employment — to seek tailored guidance from the services above. For those worried that personal circumstances may make progressing difficult, the council said specialist support is available to help navigate next steps.

Local context and implications

York has a diverse post‑16 education landscape, with state and independent schools, two further education colleges and a growing apprenticeship sector. City leaders have increasingly focused on broadening routes into higher education, technical qualifications and skilled employment to match local labour market needs.

For families, the immediate implications of this results day are practical: decisions about university offers, clearing, course changes and employment start dates must be made quickly. The availability of clear, local advice aims to reduce pressure and prevent students from making rushed choices that could close off future opportunities.

City of York Council’s reminder about the network of support also reflects wider concerns about social and economic barriers many young people face. Ensuring smooth access to careers advice and alternative pathways is a policy priority for local education leaders seeking to maintain progression routes for all students, including those with additional needs.

Practical contacts at a glance

The council urged students not to panic if outcomes are not as expected and to use the next few days to explore the options available locally. School and college admissions teams, careers advisers and specialist council services are being positioned to provide the immediate guidance many will need at this transitional moment.