It's one of the biggest days in the school calendar, and if you're feeling nervous about your GCSE results, watching a TikTok or reading a post that contains misinformation about the big day could add to your worries.
So is there any truth behind things you've seen and read on your socials about results day?
When is GCSE results day 2024?
GCSE results day is always on the Thursday before the August bank holiday weekend. This year GCSE results day is on 22 August. You'll be able to collect your results from 8am.
1. You can get free food on GCSE results day - TRUE
You may have heard rumours that some popular food outlets and restaurants are giving away free food on GCSE results day. Thankfully these rumours are true. Not all restaurants are giving away free food, so do your research before heading out for your meal.
Remember, there will be terms and conditions, such as minimum spend, and some free food offers will be limited. You'll also need to bring proof of your GCSE results and some student ID into the restaurant. If something you see online looks too good to be true, then it usually is, but this free food is 100% to be believed – winner winner, chicken dinner!
2. You won't get your GCSE results if you're on holiday – FALSE
This one is false and an example of misinformation. If you have a holiday booked and are away on results day, or if there's any other reason you can't collect your results such as illness or being unable to travel to school, you can arrange in advance for your results to be sent to you via e-mail or post. To find out more about what your options are if you can't collect your results, check out this page from our friends at Bitesize Study Support.
3. Your GCSE results don't define you - TRUE
This is true. There are loads of people who still go on to succeed after getting grades that weren’t what they expected. Remember, if you didn't get the grades you wanted, there are still plenty of options available to you.
Dr Radha says your self-worth and value are not related to what grades you get – it’s about who you are. "If you got the grades you wanted then celebrate yourself, if you didn’t get the grades you wanted…celebrate yourself anyway!".
Not sure if the news you’re seeing on social media is true or false? Can you always tell if the things you see online are real or fake? Learn how to get the other side of the story with our quizzes, videos and explainers.
