Hazel Shearing
Education correspondent

This morning another record number of students are expected to find out they have secured a place at their first choice of university.

The cost of going to university has been in the spotlight this year, with mounting pressure on the government to reform student loan repayments, and there has been a renewed focus on technical education under Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

The chief executive of Universities UK, which represents more than 140 vice-chancellors, has urged students to not "let politicians make your decision for you".

Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, says she's concerned that "people talking [university] down" could "put off" potential students from the least-advantaged backgrounds.

She urged students to "make the right decision for you", adding: "Don't let politicians make your decision for you."

Here's a quick guide to the different qualifications people are receiving today:

• A-levels: Traditional academic route where you study classroom-based subjects like English, Maths, History or the sciences. You typically take three A-levels and there's over 40 subjects to choose from
• BTecs: Practical qualification in a vocational subject like construction or health and social care with exams, coursework and sometimes placements - gradually being phased out and replaced with other vocational routes
• T-levels: Technical qualification focused on understanding one industry, such as accounting or marketing - a mix of classroom study and hands-on experience

• Apprenticeship: Paid work where you learn on the job while also working towards a qualification

Image source, Getty Images

• 08:00: Results are released - but check what time your school or college opens if you plan to collect them in person
• 08:15: Applied to university? The Ucas hub will update around this time, confirming whether you've met your offer

• If you miss your grades, don't panic. Other university places are available through clearing, with phone lines opening from 8:00

• 09:30: We'll get a picture of the national results, along with information from the Department for Education on T-levels
• 13:00: Once you've secured a place through clearing, you can add it to the online Ucas portal

Freya Scott-Turner
Live reporter

Image source, Getty Images

For thousands of students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the anxious wait is nearly over.

In just under two hours, you will be ripping open envelopes, refreshing your emails or heading into schools and colleges to get those long-awaited A-level, T-level, BTec and Level 3 course results.

For some of you, this might be the stepping stone to an apprenticeship or a place at university, others might be entering the world of work or taking a year out.

It's completely normal to be feeling nervous, but we'll be bringing you some tips and tricks to help you along the way.

We've got journalists in schools around the country who will be speaking to students about their results and hopes for the future.

And if things don't quite go your way today, we'll also be bringing you expert advice about what your options are (and there are many).

Class of 2026, good luck!