A HELPLINE has been launched by the council to help provide support to students receiving their GCSE grades.

The helpline was arranged by Barnsley Council's service, I Know I Can, with collaboration from local schools.

It will be staffed by experts from the Targeted Information, Advice and Guidance Service (TIAG), who will be able to advise on educational and vocational options.

Coun Margaret Bruff, cabinet spokesperson for children's services, said: "The coronavirus pandemic has made this a strange year for our Year 11 students with the cancellation of their GCSE exams.

“We want pupils who aren’t going to school to collect their results to still have the opportunity to speak to a careers advisor should they wish to do so.

"Some students may be worried about their applications to further education while others may be unsure about their next steps but our TIAG staff will be ready and able to help at the other end of the phone.

"I would like to wish all of our students the best of luck for results day. I am sure they will do themselves proud once again."

The helpline will be open from 10am – 7pm today (August 20) until August 26.

To access the helpline, phone 01226 775400.