Results day can be an emotional rollercoaster, bringing nerves, joy, disappointment and uncertainty. It is normal for parents and carers to feel powerless as they support their child through one of life’s milestones.
Here are some practical ways to support a young person before and during exams results day.
After checking out the practical ways you can support your child, you may find the following links helpful:
Parents advice and resources | Skills for Careers
Results Day Resources – Amazing Apprenticeships
A-Level Results Day Toolkit | Inspira
GCSE Result Day Toolkit | Inspira
Exam Results Day – A Parents’ Guide – BBC Parents’ Toolkit – BBC Bitesize
Be calm and available
Your child will be nervous so being a model of calmness will give them confidence and try to be there both physically and emotionally, regardless of the results.
As exam results day approaches, try to stay calm it can help to have an open conversation with your child about how they’re feeling and what their plans might be for different outcomes.
Encouraging them to think ahead and explore their options can make the day feel more manageable. Let them know that whatever their results, there are always positive next steps and support available.
Let them lead
Allow your child to decide how to collect and share the results.
Plan your reaction
Have a plan on how to react to the results news, whether it is a hug, a party or a moment of silence.
Avoid Comparison
Talk about achievements without bringing in other people’s results.
Encourage open conversation and listen carefully
Talk about hopes and fears and acknowledge feelings of worry, failure or disappointment.
All Parents and Carers are determined to do the best for their young people. You will likely want to fix them. You may want to take control. Now is the time to listen and work out what your child wants to do next, then help them find their way. If they are upset, let them know it is ok to feel that way. Emotions are natural and this is just one chapter of their story.
Acknowledge their effort
Validate their hard work and effort, regardless of the results.
If results are better than expected
Fantastic, great news! This now gives more options to explore and select a more ambitious path. Performed well in GCSE’s – encourage them to speak to their school or college careers adviser to explore all options. For impressive A-Level results, they can contact UCAS direct and go through Clearing or Adjustment. The UCAS helpline is 0371 4680468 (the undergraduate helpline).
If results are lower than expected for GCSEs
Don’t panic, there are options. Firstly, they can appeal the grades if they feel there has been an error (speak to school/college). Secondly, some Post 16 courses and apprenticeships allow you to start while resitting key GCSE’s (Maths, English Language) so contact the school/college to discuss and explore all options.
If results are lower than expected for A-Levels
For an A-Level student who has not met their offer for University you need to contact UCAS (0371 4680468) if you would like to go to University. Navigating the clearing process is easier than you think and your child will not be the only one in this position. There are also Further Education and apprenticeship options so contact the local colleges and training providers to find out more but do it straight away, don’t delay.
Explore all education and careers routes
Prior to your child sitting exams, it is worth discussing all options and ensuring there is a Plan A and a Plan B (just in case results are not as hoped for, this then avoids panic on results day). They may be considering a full time education route i.e. College or University but also worth exploring apprenticeship options, they are available across a wide range of roles – earning while learning, gaining valuable on-the-job experience whilst receiving training at university or college.