Hundreds of thousands of nervous students will be collecting their results today, but hundreds already know if they have been successful after a small number of universities sent out applications and rejections a day early.

Regardless, students across the country will receive official confirmation of when they visit their sixth-form or college or receive their results online.

Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research at Buckingham University, has predicted that overall results will be similar to last year.

In 2015, 93.1 per cent of entries passed their exams, while 25.9 per cent received an A* or A.

Each year many receive the grades they need to go to university or accept an apprenticeship, but others don’t meet the requirements to take up the offered place.

So, what should you do in either circumstance?

Once you have arrived at your school with your UCAS ID and UCAS clearing number open your results and check UCAS’ online tracking to see the progression of your application.

This is available from 8am and is where you can reply to offers.

I got the grades I need.

Fantastic! You should receive a confirmation letter in UCAS track within five days to about a week about your place. Read the confirmation letter as there may been additional information that you need to provide, such as proof of your qualifications.

I didn’t get the grades I need.

Don't worry! Successful people like Channel 4 newsreader Jon Snow, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, comedian Srah Millican and billionaire Alan Sugar didn't get the grades they needed, and they all succeeded in their chosen fields.

Not getting the results you wanted may feel awful, but remember you still have options. If you do want to go to university, you can see what courses have vacancies through the clearing service.

If you are still unsure you can decide to take a gap year, or find work while you decide whether to re-apply next year.

Speak to someone about having your exam re-marked, contact your university and make sure they know about any changes that happen.

I got much better grades than I thought I would.

Well done! You can take up your offered place or you can have a look to see what courses are available through the UCAS adjustment service.

Remember, whatever your results are you still have a number of options available to you. Guides to support you can be found at thestudentroom.co.uk

GCSE results will be available to collect one week later on Thursday, August 25.

We'll be bringing you results and reaction from schools throughout the day.