In just over two weeks, hundreds of students around Norfolk and Waveney will be collecting their A-level results.

Eastern Daily Press: A Level results day 2017 at Thorpe St Andrew School. Twins Alice and Emma Codling. Picture: ANTONY KELLYA Level results day 2017 at Thorpe St Andrew School. Twins Alice and Emma Codling. Picture: ANTONY KELLY

For many, the grades will determine their next step - whether it's university, the first step on the career ladder, higher apprenticeships or something else.

This year, A-level results will be released on Thursday, August 16 - a week earlier than GCSEs.

While it varies from school to school, sixth forms and colleges tend to open their doors early for students to come in and pick up their results.

Many of those hoping to go to university will know whether they've got the grades they need through the UCAS website, which will be updated from 8am, but students will need to go into school to get a hard copy and breakdown of their grades.

Headteachers will be able to give more information, but if they can't go to school themselves to collect results, they might be able to nominate someone else to go on their behalf.

Generally, it will need a signed letter of consent, and the school's agreement.

They may be able to have results sent via post or on the phone, but will need to double check with the school.

What if I'm disappointed with my results?

If their results aren't what they hoped for, and they haven't secured their university place, they can go through the UCAS Clearing process, which is where universities and colleges fill any places they still have on their courses.

They'll need to use its Track page to search for courses, and get in contact with the university's clearing team to make sure they still have spots and that they meet its requirements.

Their UCAS number and grades should be close to hand.

• To see how schools fared on last year's results day, click here.