YOUNG people from the North-East are more worried about achieving their predicted A-level exam results than anywhere else in the country.

While around half of teenagers preparing to pick up their results tomorrow are worried about not getting their predicted results, in the North-East the figure rises to more than eight out of 10 students.

The research, which was carried out on behalf of Northumbria University, Newcastle, last month looked at students’ perceptions of the options available to them after receiving their exam results.

Many A-level students also say they are not fully aware of the choices available, with 14 per cent saying they were not aware of the clearing process, 43 per cent saying they had heard of it but did not know what it was and 24 per cent not knowing about the process of changing course or university if they get better than expected results.

More than half of the teenagers surveyed from the region said they would be “devastated” if they did not get into their university of choice.

Helen Bower, from Northumbria University, said: “The clearing process has changed significantly in recent years and the option to ‘trade up’ using adjustment now gives students the opportunity to reconsider their original choice if they have done better than expected in their exams.

“We recognise there is a lot for students to take in during their final year at school or college and that A Level results day can be very stressful. The key is not to panic. It’s important that whatever they decide, it’s the right option for them.”

Meanwhile, the NSPCC has reported a sharp increase in the number of 16 to 18-year-olds seeking counselling sessions from its Childline service, with more than 1,000 sessions delivered to young people concerned about exam results.

The figure has risen by 21 per cent over the last two years, with more than a quarter of the sessions which took place last year happening in August.

Peter Wanless NSPCC chief executive said: “We’d encourage young people not to be disheartened if they don’t get the results they hoped for. It’s important they remember that they have options.”