Students receiving their GCSE results on Thursday are being reassured that help is at hand – whatever the outcome.

David Williams, cabinet member for education at Herts County Council, is offering advice to pupils who will be getting their hands on results envelopes on Thursday morning.

He said: “I’d like to wish Hertfordshire’s students the very best, and hope that you are not feeling too anxious or stressed.

“I’m confident that your hard work and that of your teachers at our excellent schools across the county will have paid off and the results will again show that Hertfordshire performs above the national average.

“Whatever the outcome when those envelopes were opened, I’d like to reassure you and your parents that there are plenty of options available.

“Dedicated people will be on-hand to give you all the advice you need. Schools will have members of staff available to talk through your choices – whether you’ve exceeded your expectations, had a change of heart about what to do next or if the news isn’t what you hoped.”

Hertfordshire County Council’s Youth Connexions service has lots of advice and information for students on what to do next – visit www.youthconnexions.org for more. They will be running a Q&A on exam results on twitter @hertsjobs16to19 using the hashtag #YCResults15.

Alternatively, students are welcome to visit or make contact with personal advisers in Youth Connexions One Stop Shops and centres across the county. Full details are also on the website, where you can search for apprenticeships, further education courses and jobs.

Youth Connexions’ employment team is also offering a free job matching service – just call 0800 389 3258.