Today, across England, young people are receiving their exam results. It is a moment filled with anticipation, but for many, it can also bring a wave of apprehension and anxiety as major life choices loom.

Whether choosing a post-16 pathway after GCSEs—such as staying in full-time education, starting an apprenticeship, or combining part-time training with volunteering—or taking big post-18 steps into university, clearing, higher apprenticeships, or full-time employment, these results represent a major crossroads in a young person’s life.

This transition can feel overwhelming, but whatever grades young people receive, those results do not define their future. There are always pathways forward and support available.

The National Careers Service offers free, impartial guidance on their website at nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/exam-results. You can also speak directly with a careers adviser by calling 0800 100 900 or using their online webchat service.

 

The Power of a Trusted Adult Volunteer Mentor

Behind every result received today is a personal story of effort and resilience through a high-pressure exam period. Yet, many young people face their exams without a trusted adult to lean on.

That is where a trusted adult volunteer mentor can make all the difference.

All MCR Pathways mentored leavers in Summer 2025 went on to a positive destination. For our Year 11 leavers, 94.3% progressed to further education (college or sixth form) and 5.7% moved on to an apprenticeship. For our Year 13 leavers, 80% progressed to university and 20% went into an apprenticeship or employment. Every single young person successfully progressed into education, employment, or training.

Volunteer mentors don’t act as teachers or careers advisers. Instead, they provide something equally important: a safe, neutral, and judgment-free space. Having a trusted adult volunteer mentor allows young people to awaken their ambitions and boost their confidence. In fact, in England, 96% of young people say their mentor encourages them to be the best version of themselves.

One young person shared:

“My mentoring is going well. She has helped me with my thoughts about my future and I find her very approachable. It’s interesting to talk to someone in her industry and she has helped with my confidence.”

As schools across England prepare to return next month, many more young people are waiting for the support of a trusted adult volunteer mentor.

We need volunteer mentors to step forward across Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, North London, West London, Surrey, and Hertfordshire.

Ready to make a difference?

Find out more and register to become a volunteer mentor today at mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor.