It's A-level results day - an exciting but worrying time for many of the county's sixth form and college students.

Leaving school is an incredible step into a person's future, but what are your options if you didn't get the grades you wanted, or don't want to go to university?

Here's everything you need to know about clearing, apprenticeships and entering the world of work.

1 Clearing

With more than 64,000 students finding university places through clearing last year, you're not alone if you have to go through the process.

Recruitment and marketing manager for the University of Kent, Michelle Rowe, has advised students not to panic - there's lots of help on offer.

She said: "Students who don't get the grades they need should get in touch with their chosen university, or log in to UCAS Track to see if they have been placed."

If you definitely won't be accepted into your first-choice, Michelle recommends making an application through clearing as soon as you can.

Notify student finance about the change, and let your new university know if you need accommodation.

There will be 40 people manning the phones at the University of Kent tomorrow, with plenty of places available.

Michelle said: "Don’t panic, gather your thoughts and get in touch straight away.

"We can talk you through your options, and there is a team of experienced staff who can help."

2 Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a great way to learn practical skills while completing an academic qualification.

Kent County Council's Made in Kent campaign was launched in March 2017 to raise awareness of the government's new apprenticeship levy.

It has since helped promote the benefits of apprenticeships, working alongside Kent's schools and training providers.

If you have questions about becoming an apprentice, www.kent.gov.uk is a great place to start, with tips on beginning your career and what you can expect.

Roger Gough, KCC's cabinet member for children, young people and education, said: "Apprenticeships are a great way of learning valuable skills while earning a wage and often lead to employment with the company where the training has taken place.

"Kent County Council offers apprenticeships at a variety of levels, in adult care work, business administration, customer service and operational delivery, as well as offering apprenticeship training opportunities to existing staff.

"The council also brings employers and potential apprentices together through its award-winning MADE IN KENT campaign.

"Young people may also wish to consider the Degree Apprenticeship programmes being developed by employers and the county’s three universities – the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Greenwich.

"Students attend university part-time while also being employed by a local company.

"After four or five years the apprentice will have a degree and vital workplace experience without the high debt often associated with the traditional university route.

"Every young person must do what is right for them, and their future, and we would encourage them to explore every opportunity available to them before making such an important decision."

Visit apprenticekent.com to find out more.

3 Gap Year

If you didn't get the grades you were after, and you really have no idea what to do next, why not take a gap year?

The time can be used as a great way to earn money, travel and decide which path you'd like to pursue in the future.

Depending on how your present your time abroad, it can actually be an asset to you CV when applying for jobs later in life.

You can show employers how you organised your trip and solved any problems, plus the practical skills you learnt from the experience.

4 Going straight to work

An increasing number of young people are also choosing to skip higher education altogether and go straight into the world of work.

It's a great way to get real-life experience and earn money, no matter what you achieved in your A-levels.

While you may start work on a realatively small salary, there's loads of well-paying jobs that don't require you to have a degree.

Chefs, mechanics, executive assistants and pilots can all earn above the national average, with no university education needed.

5 Re-takes

If you haven't found anything suitable through clearing, and a full-time job or apprenticeship isn't for you, it is possible to retake your A-levels.

While you might not be able to resit the exams at your own secondary school, a number of centres provide the option for external students - such as Rochester Independent College

You may have to pay a fee, and you can only retake the exams once - but almost all universities accept A-level resits.

The University of Kent also offers an access to higher education diploma, delivered at its Medway campus - for more information, click here