TEENAGERS will be anxiously awaiting their A level results which are due to be published on Thursday.

Many will be celebrating getting their first university choice, but for others who may not have got the results they expected there are still plenty of options.

The key is not to panic, according to Haslingden High School and Sixth Form headteacher Mark Jackson.

He said: "Whatever results you have got, come into school and speak to members of staff.

"They will explain the options to you and remember there will be options.

"The key is not to panic."

Julie Bulcock, admissions and resource manager at the University Centre at Blackburn College, said: "According to data from the University and College’s Admissions Service (UCAS), just under 65,000 students found a university place through clearing last year, so you certainly won’t be on your own if you do apply through clearing.

“The main thing is not to worry if you do not get the grades you are expecting – people will always be able to help.

“My advice for students entering clearing is to be prepared.

"If you don't feel confident that you'll get the grades you need, it is a good idea to start preparing alternative ideas or options now, just in case.

“On the day if you are phoning to secure a place on a degree course it helps to be prepared too – phone the university or college from a quiet room, have pens, paper, your A-Level and GCSE grades to hand and your UCAS number ready."

Meanwhile the National Careers Service, which is available all year round to provide advice, will be hosting a live Q&A with an advisor on Twitter @NationalCareers from 11am to 1pm and on Facebook from 7pm to 9pm both the day before and the day after results day.

Research published this week showed the proportion of young people who are likely to go into higher education when they are old enough has fallen to the lowest level in 2009.

Just under three quarters (74 per cent) of young people think they are either very likely or fairly likely to go into higher education down from 81 per cent in 2013 and 77 per cent in 2016.

To speak to a National Careers Service adviser call 0800 100900 or phone the exam results helpline on 0808 100 8000 from August 17 to August 31.