GCSE Results Day 2026: What If College Isn't Your Only Option?

Learner Guide · Results Day 2026

GCSE Results Day is Thursday 20 August 2026. That envelope can feel huge. But your next step does not have to be "college or nothing."

If you want to earn while you learn, work with real clients, and start a career in hair, beauty, or holistic therapy, an apprenticeship could be the smarter move.

This guide gives you a clear plan for Results Day, including what to do if your grades are not what you expected — plus how Cedars Training Academy can help you get started.

Results day, then — what's next.

20 Thursday 20 August 2026Results are released nationally on this date. Collection times vary by school — check your school's instructions for when and how you collect yours.

Why An Apprenticeship Can Feel Better Than Waiting

With an apprenticeship, you:

• Get a real job
• Get paid while you train
• Gain a recognised qualification
• Build salon or spa experience from day one
• Start earning confidence with clients sooner

You do not need to put life on pause for years before "proper work" begins.

To start an apprenticeship in England, you generally need to be:

• 16 or over
• Not in full-time education

Source: Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

On the tools from day one — real clients, real training.

Apprenticeship Vs College: Quick Comparison

College / Sixth Form

• Usually no pay
• Limited or placement-based experience
• How hands-on it is depends on the course
• Progression: yes, through further study
• Best if you prefer classroom study

Apprenticeship

• Yes — you get paid
• Real workplace experience from day one
• Very hands-on
• Progress later, often to Level 3 and beyond
• Best if you prefer learning by doing

Neither route is "better" for everyone. The right choice is the one that fits how you learn.

Your Results Day Action Plan

Before results day

• Decide which area interests you: hair, beauty, nails, holistic, or salon customer service
• Write a simple CV (even one page is fine)
• Note 3 reasons you want this career
• Contact Cedars or search vacancies early

On results day

• Collect your results
• Speak to a teacher or careers adviser if unsure
• Do not make a panic decision in the first 10 minutes
• Keep apprenticeship options open even if college is offered

After results day

• Apply for vacancies
• Book a Cedars apprenticeship consultation
• Prepare for employer interviews

What If Your Grades Aren't What You Wanted?

This is more common than people admit, and it does not end your options.

If grades are lower

• Ask school staff about next steps the same day
• Look at Level 2 apprenticeships
• Focus on attitude, reliability, and enthusiasm — employers care about this
• Contact Cedars to check what entry requirements apply

If grades are better

• You can still choose an apprenticeship
• Stronger grades can support progression later
• You may move from Level 2 into advanced routes over time

For many Level 2 apprenticeships at Cedars, no previous industry experience is needed — just commitment and willingness to learn.

From salon chairs to treatment rooms — real skills, real workplaces.

What You Could Train In At Cedars

Cedars Training Academy helps learners start careers in hair, beauty, and holistic therapy. Current apprenticeship pathways include:

Level 2 · 8 monthsBeauty Therapist

Foundational beauty therapy skills — facials, treatments, and client care in a real salon or spa.

Beauty Therapist L2 ↗

Level 3 · 8 monthsAdvanced Beauty Therapist

Progress into advanced treatments and specialist techniques as a qualified therapist.

Advanced Beauty Therapist L3 ↗

Level 2 · 9 monthsHairdressing Professional

Cutting, colouring, and styling fundamentals, working with real clients from day one.

Hairdressing Professional L2 ↗

Level 3 · 8 monthsAdvanced & Creative Hair Professional

Creative colour, cutting, and session styling for learners ready to specialise.

Advanced & Creative Hair L3 ↗

Level 3 · 8 monthsWellbeing & Holistic Therapist

Massage, aromatherapy, and holistic treatments for a career in wellness and spa therapy.

Holistic Therapist L3 ↗

Level 2 · Business routeCustomer Service Practitioner

Front-of-house and client service skills that support any salon, spa, or clinic team.

Customer Service Practitioner L2 ↗

Level 3 · Business routeCustomer Service Specialist

Advanced client service and problem-solving for learners progressing beyond Level 2.

Customer Service Specialist L3 ↗

That means you could be training in a real workplace and building client skills much sooner than you might expect.

Full programme details: Explore all courses at Cedars

Will You Get Paid?

£8.00 Yes — apprentices are employed and paid.Apprentices must receive at least the apprentice National Minimum Wage. From 1 April 2026, the apprentice rate is £8.00 per hour if you are under 19, or 19+ in your first year. After the first year, apprentices aged 19+ move to the age-related minimum wage. There is no course fee for the apprentice — training is government-funded.

Source: GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates

How To Apply In 5 Steps

1. Choose your interest: hair, beauty, holistic, or customer service
2. Search vacancies on Find an apprenticeship
3. Contact Cedars via the apprenticeship enquiry form and select "learner"
4. Get ready with your results, CV, and reasons for applying
5. Interview with an employer; be honest, positive, and ready to learn

After you submit the Cedars form, an Apprenticeship Adviser will contact you to discuss your goals and next steps.

What Employers Look For

You do not need to be perfect. You do need to show:

• Reliability and good timekeeping
• A friendly, professional attitude
• Interest in clients and customer care
• Willingness to practise and improve
• Openness to feedback

If you can show those, you are already ahead of many applicants.

Starting with a conversation is often easier than searching on your own.

Why Learners Choose Cedars

• Ofsted-rated Good
• Specialist hair, beauty, and holistic training
• Industry-experienced tutors
• Small class sizes
• Support from enquiry through to End-Point Assessment

September 2026 intake — enquiries now open. Places are limited each intake, so getting in touch early helps secure your preferred programme and start date. Read more on About Cedars or browse the FAQs.

Still Undecided After Results Day?

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to earn while I train?
• Do I prefer practical learning over full-time classroom study?
• Can I see myself working with clients in a salon or spa?

If you answered yes to most of these, an apprenticeship is worth exploring seriously.

Next Step

Book a free apprenticeship consultation

Do not wait until every place is gone. Bring your results (or expected grades), tell us what you enjoy, and we'll help you see whether a Cedars apprenticeship is the right next step.

0330 236 9118  |  hello@cedarstrainingacademy.co.uk

Book a free consultation Browse courses

Hairdressing L2 Advanced Hair L3 Beauty Therapist L2 Advanced Beauty L3 Holistic Therapist L3 Customer Service L2 Customer Service L3 About Cedars

Cedars Training Academy is helping school leavers turn Results Day into a real career start.