Thousands of nervous students and their families are awaiting their grades today as this year’s A level, AS level and vocational qualification results are published.

The Career Development Institute, the professional body for career development, has issued advice for students which includes not panicking if your grades aren't what you hoped for.

They suggest you take the time to explore the options available to you. These range from going to university, doing an apprenticeship, taking a year to re-sit exams, completing a vocational course, gaining some work experience or even travelling. You should consider why you chose the route you did, where you hoped it would take you and then look at all the options you have to achieve the same goal.

Family and teachers may be able to help you work through those options, and if you need more help then you can contact the Careers Adviser in your school or college. Careers Advisers are trained to offer impartial, expert advice and have knowledge of a wide range of jobs and the different routes to get started or progress in them. David Morgan, Chief Executive of the Career Development Institute said:

“Your career will be as individual as you are, depending on what you want from your working life, how you like to learn, the environment that will bring the best out of you and what your situation is.

"These factors also change over time as you learn and grow and as your personal circumstances change. That’s why it’s so helpful to access independent, informed advice from a qualified careers professional, particularly at critical moments such as today when your next step may be unclear.”

For any students looking for impartial advice, the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline is available on 0800 100 900.