IT’S a nail-biting day for youngsters getting GCSE results but whatever the results, helpful advice is at hand at a special event on Friday.

A GCSE clearing day will be held from 9.30am until 4.30pm at Civic 2 – located behind the main building at Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend.

Advisors will be ready and waiting to guide young people towards whichever future options will best suit those who haven’t achieved the grades they hoped.No appointment is needed – just turn up and speak with one of the advisors.

Anne Jones, councillor responsible for children and learning, said: “We have run this event previously and it has proved very valuable.

“At a time of great change for young people, it offers them crucial opportunity to talk things through with a personal advisor.

“These advisors can also help take matters further by booking future appointments as necessary with further education providers or training possibilities, or employers.

“The day GCSE results arrive can be very challenging and sometimes bewildering for young people who may suddenly find their future plans are no longer straightforward.

“We want them all to know that whatever grades they have achieved, there will be a warm welcome and helpful advisors standing by for them at the clearing event.”