Ask experts on A-level results day

By Kelly Eve

Last updated 05:39, Friday, 08 August 2008

THE wait is almost over for thousands of Cumbrian sixth-formers who sat their A-levels earlier this summer.

Results photo

Results are published next Thursday and to coincide with results day, a leading expert at the University of Cumbria has agreed to take part in a Cumbrian Newspapers webchat on the big day to offer advice and information to students who are considering what to do next.

Between 11am and noon, the university’s head of student recruitment Ian Roberts will be on hand to answer any questions and queries.

Students may want to know what they can do if they haven’t got the grades they expected and now have to go through the clearing process. Or, they may wish to know more about fees or university life in Cumbria.

To get in touch, log on to www.newsandstar.co.uk from 11am next Thursday or submit your question to ibrogden@cngroup.co.uk.

The webchat is just one of the advice avenues the university is opening up.

Current students have also been drafted in to man the university’s clearing helpline – 08080 024024 – to offer nervous callers up-to-date advice.

The helpline will be running from 8am until 7pm next Thursday and Friday.

Ian said: “One of the new things we’re introducing this year is that we’ve got some of our students who have gone through clearing themselves taking calls on our special helpline.

“They will be able to talk about their own knowledge and experience of the process and also talk about the university, its campuses and courses and general life to those inquiring about what to do next. They’ll also be able to talk about what it is like to live in the area, talk about accommodation and about fees.

“They will help take the initial calls in our Lancaster campus before being able to transfer the callers through to the local departments around the region.”

The University of Cumbria’s campuses in Carlisle, Ambleside, Lancaster and at Newton Rigg, near Penrith, are also holding open days on Saturday, August 16. Places can be pre-booked by calling the clearing hotline.

Meanwhile a national exam helpline – 0808 100 8000 – will be continuing next week.

It has been running this week since the publication of Scotland’s higher and standard exam results on Tuesday.

For many, it was the first time they were able to get their results sent to them on a text message or via email.

Local colleges are also gearing up for the exam results season.

Carlisle College is holding an open day on August 22, the day after the GCSE results come out, to showcase its post-16 options.

The student services department at Lakes College West Cumbria is open throughout the summer.

Next Thursday, academic staff at the Lillyhall college will be available to speak to students interested in joining any of its six foundation degrees in nuclear decommissioning, childcare, sport (physical activity and health), ICT, management and business.

Carlisle College can be contacted on 01228 822703 and Lakes College West Cumbria on 01946 839300.