Exam results are a reasonable cause for anxiety. There is a dearth of tales of students who suffer sleepless nights, upset stomach, crying fits, and levels of denial in response to impending results day. If any of this sounds like you, first, you are not alone, and second, there are things you can do to help yourself.

I always find that having a plan of action is one of the best ways to avoid undue stress because regardless of what happens, decisions still need to be made. Planning your options ahead of time with family members and teachers is one way to avoid making rash decisions out of panic and a desire to do something, anything.

So, what should you do if you get the grades you were expecting? Congratulations. Proceed as planned. Have a party (unless you were expecting grades lower than you need). Resist the temptation to post the pictures or videos from your celebration onto social media; trust me on this one. Try not to gloat, be sympathetic to the woes of those who may have not managed to do as well.

So, you have fallen short of the grades that you need. First, don’t panic. If you missed your A-level grades by a whisker your first or second choice university may still accept you. If they do not cut you some slack, clearing becomes your new best friend. Over the years I have successfully supported many students through the clearing process. If asked I would say that there are two important things to remember with clearing, act quickly and do your best to contain your emotions.

Whether your plan was to go to university, start an apprenticeship scheme, move onto A-levels at school or college, or start a job, missing your grades does not mean the end of life as you know it. Thankfully each option often has a safety net designed to provide support. You might be a little disappointed by not being able to follow through with your first-choice destination, but you should not view it as a failure. The reality is that you are simply making adjustments to your original plan.

A thought: if your grades are significantly lower than expected it may be an indication that you are pursuing a path that does not line up with your natural strengths. Some of us, through familial pressure or social influence, try to build careers in fields that do not suit us, or pursue degrees in subjects for which we do not have the aptitude. Taking time out to reconsider things, to regroup (a gap year or resitting exams), might be perfect for you. However, a cautionary word. Taking time out should not be used as an excuse to lounge around doing little to nothing; set objectives and milestones - plan it.

Finally, no matter what happens having clear ideas of what could come next will help to ease your anxiety. Whether results day is a reason for joy or it nudges you onto a different path, rest assured that it has not been deliberately scheduled to ruin what would otherwise be a perfectly lovely summer holiday. I wish you the best of luck.

- Dr Ambroz Neil is a coach and managing principal consultant Alexander Partners, alexander partners.org.uk., ambroz@alexanderpartners.org.uk