Despite good results at A level today it could still be a sad day for many students.
A severe shortage of university places means some of Wales' young people could find themselves with good results, but nowhere to go.
The squeeze on university places by the Westminster Government means that thousands of youngsters won't be going any further in their education - even though they have the grades to do so.
We already know that several Welsh universities are 'full' and those wishing to study in Wales may find that they can't and the number of spare places across the UK is very small.
This would be bad enough when the economy is booming and jobs are plentiful, but it's heartbreaking when these are not viable options either.
More young people will be forced NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) against their will and their passage into full adulthood will start off on a sour note.
These are the real issues that face politicians and policy makers, educationalists and pundits alike.
The tired, pyrrhic old debate about “dumbing down” and grade inflation will sound very hollow to those who've worked hard and yet can’t progress.
It also signals yet again that we need to have a sensible debate about the future of A levels.
Rambling rubbish about 'gold standards' is of no relevance any more.
The A levels were introduced as a sifting mechanism when no more than 10% of the population went to university, they have creaked under the weight of a system which sees over four times that number enter the hallowed halls of academe. And this year they can't even guarantee that.
It's about time we developed a framework for the 21st century rather than the 19th No other developed country has a curriculum as narrow as ours at post-16.
Today's youngsters need breadth and a wide vision. As England goes hurtling back into the myths of yester year it's now time for the Welsh Bacc to come into its own.
Dr Philip Dixon is Welsh director of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers Cymru.