Behind the scenes: A-level results day

Discover the roles our staff play behind the scenes during A-level results day

A-level results day is a major milestone for students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as they find out whether they’ve secured the grades needed to join Imperial. It is also a significant moment for our staff.  

“This is a crucial moment for our student recruitment cycle. It is the culmination of months of planning — from curating our prospectus and organising open days to reviewing applications, holding interviews and making offers. It is inspiring to see colleagues working together across multiple teams to make sure the day runs smoothly. The success of results day is built on the dedication and hard work that happens behind the scenes throughout the year.” Lizzie Burrows, Chief Marketing and Recruitment Officer.

We spoke to some of the staff who were involved behind the scenes this year.    

Read more about Imperial’s latest cohort of students beginning their studies in September. 

Simon Gerrard, Principal Teaching Fellow, Department of Chemistry 

As Undergraduate Admissions Tutor, in the days leading up to A-Level results day, I reassessed all applications from students who didn’t quite meet their offer. It is very much a team effort from our departmental admissions team (thank you in particular to Francesca Toccaceli!). Together, we look at everything: grades, interview feedback, motivations and individual circumstances.  

On the day itself, it was a mix of monitoring, decision-making, and lots of conversations. I answered emails and phone calls from students who had not received a place, explained outcomes, and offered reassurance. It is challenging because you are dealing with real people and their lives and ambitions. I like to help students understand their options – whether that’s retaking exams and reapplying next year, appealing grades, or just discussing other opportunities.   

It is a stressful day for students – every applicant is a person with their own individual circumstances, and I try to be a human voice behind the process. It is important that we are fair, inclusive, transparent, and supportive throughout.  

I’ve been involved in admissions at Imperial since 2018 and the best part is recognising and welcoming new students who I spoke to on open days or via email or phone. It is lovely to then go on to teach many of them on my modules too or support them in the labs. 

Demi Corr, Scholarships and Studentships Administrative Officer, Marketing, Outreach, Recruitment and Admissions

I usually work in scholarships, but I was asked to lead the team making offers for Imperial’s new contextual admissions reconsideration pool on results day. My previous experience working in university admissions and my role reviewing scholarship applications meant I knew what we were looking for in applications. 

The reconsideration pool gives students from widening participation backgrounds a second chance if they met our minimum offer after being previously rejected.  

The form was only open from 9.00-13.00, so we were busy reviewing applications, checking eligibility and making quick decisions. It was intense but incredibly rewarding and I enjoyed working with colleagues from different teams .  

Compared to my usual role, the day was fast-paced and full-on, but it was great to feel part of something that could really make a difference for students.  

James Tilley, Operations and Projects Manager, Marketing, Outreach, Recruitment and Admissions

This year, with the responsibility and privilege of leading on Imperial’s relationship with the Imperial Maths School, the run up to results day has been more intense, nerve-wracking and exciting than when I received my own results many, many years ago. 

Imperial Maths School, which opened in September 2023, has reached an incredible milestone with its inaugural cohort taking their A-levels earlier this year and now securing the school’s first set of results.  

On the day itself, I was in contact with the headteacher of the school, David Lee, to secure the top-level results data which I then circulated to all relevant and interested colleagues within Imperial. Throughout the day, I was in touch with colleagues in Communications and Public Affairs to help draft and coordinate the associated news stories and other activity across internal and external channels.  

Five students have secured a place to study at Imperial.  

Philippa Skett, Social Media Manager, Communications Division

A-level results day is always a big day in our social media calendar! It involves lots of preparation, planning, scrolling, snacking and, of course, celebrating. 

We start planning content for A-level results day in early July. Content is lined up to go out across all channels – with a focus on Instagram and TikTok, the platforms of preference for our new cohort. We therefore start planning, filming and editing our video pretty much once term finishes. We plan congratulatory videos as well as a great merch giveaway that boosts engagement and throws a bit of excitement into the mix. 

On the day, the social media team like to book a room, hunker down, and focus solely on the campaign.  

We repost celebratory videos and posts from proud teachers, parents, and family members, and we keep a watchful eye on our DMs in case people have questions or worries.  

It’s one of my favourite days where we have no meetings, no other commitments, just a chance to work together as a team and be a small part of this exciting event.  

It’s weird to think that 15(!) years ago, I was one of those students getting their results and confirming their spot for Imperial – but I love that in my job, I still get to enjoy the day and celebrate.