HELP is at hand for anxious students across North Lincolnshire when they open their GCSE and A-level results.

On Thursday, the fate of hundreds of A-level students will be decided as they discover if their exam results are good enough to go on to further education or employment.

GCSE pupils will have to wait until Tuesday, August 24, to discover whether months of swotting has helped them secure a top grade.

Career advisors and experienced teachers at John Leggott College in West Common Lane, Scunthorpe, are preparing to help students who have done better than expected or have concerns about the grades they achieve.

But whatever the results, help will be on hand.

Assistant principal of John Leggott College, Julia Pollock, said: "We will have a huge team of staff available to talk to students on and after results days and we would advise all of our students to take full advantage of that service. We are expecting the majority of students to receive the results they require to access university, further education or employment, but where this is not the case the college will work with individuals to find a suitable progression route.

"Despite the huge pressure on places at some top universities this year, we are confident we can work with students to ensure they get a place that suits them. The college has an excellent reputation among universities, employers and training providers, who are aware of the high calibre of students progressing from John Leggott College and this helps to maximise the opportunities for our students."

The Scunthorpe Samaritans are offering 24-hour emotional support and practical tips to concerned students.

Spokesman Patrick Hall said: "Young people are under greater pressure than ever to achieve.

"Good exam grades are considered by many as vitally important in defining the course of their life.

"The pressure is immense and it can seem as though everything hangs in the balance, bringing some students to breaking point."

For more information, visit www.samaritans.org or call the Scunthorpe branch on 01724 860000 or 08457 909090.