On Thursday, thousands of 16-year-olds in Norfolk and Waveney will pick up their all-important GCSE results.

For many, it will decide whether they go on to take A-levels or study at college, and will come after years of schooling and months of revision in various subjects.

When is it?

Students can collect grades on the morning of Thursday, August 24.

Eastern Daily Press: Students from Sir John Leman high school collect GCSE results. Grace McGregor sharing her results with teacher Rebecca Mayers. PHOTO: Nick ButcherStudents from Sir John Leman high school collect GCSE results. Grace McGregor sharing her results with teacher Rebecca Mayers. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Results are sent to schools in advance, so you'll need to go into school to pick them up and see a breakdown of grades.

Check the time with your headteacher - most schools open early, and many list times on their website.

What if I can't pick them up?

If you can't get down on the day and it's unavoidable, you can nominate someone else to go to school on your behalf.

It must be agreed with the school beforehand, and you must write and sign a letter of consent.

What if I'm disappointed with my grades?

If you didn't get what you needed, or you're disappointed with a particular subject, you can resit an exam.

If you're moving on to sixth form, you can generally resit English and maths at the start of year 12 without having to delay your start date.

Remarks are another option, particularly if you were a few marks short of a grade boundary.

You may have to pay a fee to retake an exam or have your paper reviewed. The cost depends on the exam board in question.

The results are different. What do they mean?

This year English and maths will be graded on a numerical scale - from one to nine - rather than the traditional letters.

In essence, a nine is an A* and a 1 is a G.

The move is designed to separate some of the top grades.

For more on the changes, ready our handy guide here.

• We'll be covering results day live on Thursday. If you'd like to share your pictures or story, get in touch on lauren.cope@archant.co.uk