Don't panic - just keep on learning.

That's the advice for students who don't achieve the grades they had hoped for when A level results are released tomorrow.

The results season officially begins tomorrow when anxious sixth formers and college students from across the district receive the results which could decide their future.

And the Careers Bradford helpline on 01274 8289429, run at this time of year for more than a decade, has already received calls from pessimistic students convinced that they have not as done well as expected.

Careers Bradford's information manager, Sheila Bisset, says her advice is not to worry.

"The main thing to get across is that there are opportunities to progress for everybody no matter what level they are at. If students don't get the grades they wanted they should not worry - there will be something there for them."

She said the most important thing was for people to continue to learn. This might be through staying on at school, going to college, university or on-the-job training schemes such as modern apprenticeships.

People aged 16 and 17 without GCSEs or an NVQ level two will be advised that they have a legal right to continue in learning through a day release scheme if they continue in employment.

Young people from poorer backgrounds are being given a financial incentive to stay on in school or go to college. The district is piloting a Government scheme where last year's year 11 pupils, whose parents earn less than £25,000 a year, could get between £5 and £30 a week if they continue in full-time education. There will also be £50 rewards each term for attendance or performance and an achievement bonus of £50.

The hotline will allow A level students who don't get the required grades to get details of courses still available through the university clearing system.

Careers Bradford will have advisers present at the majority of the district's secondary schools on both GCSE and A level results days with a brief to work with students at risk of dropping out of education.

"Continuing education is important because it will improve their job prospects, improve their rewards and they will gain in later life and open the door to further progression," said Ms Bisset.

The hotline runs between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday until September 8 on (01274) 829429. Advice is also available at drop-in sessions being held at Careers Bradford, Midland House, Cheapside, Bradford on weekdays between 10am-noon and 2pm-4pm.

e-mail: william.stewart@bradford.newsquest.co.uk