Is your child getting their exam results this year? Here’s how you can support them during this big moment!
Results Day is a big time in any young person’s life. Whether it’s GCSEs, A Levels or any other qualification, it’s a big transition point. Once your child receives their results, they’ll be faced with the question: what next?
Whether they know the answer to this question already or not, here are 6 things you can do to support your child on Results Day.
1. Take the time to listen
Sometimes just having someone to listen to your thoughts and worries is enough to make you feel better. Sharing can take a bit of weight off of your shoulders and help you process what you’re feeling. Maybe this is what would help, or maybe they would even like some advice on their next steps and future. They’ll let you know what they need, but you might need to start the conversation for them.
If your child shares their worries surrounding Results Day, remember to remind them that they aren’t alone. They’ll have their family, their friends, and support services on hand to support them through what may be a stressful time.
2. Think: what are their options?
While your child will likely want to know what grades their peers got (which is absolutely fine), if getting their grades doesn’t go quite as expected it can make things worse to dwell on how they compare to others.
You can try encouraging your child to focus on their own grades and next steps to keep the process moving forward. Looking at what could happen next based on the results they received and having some kind of plan (whether it’s set in stone or or not) is a good place to start. Some routes like university require almost immediate action, so their choices will influence how much time they have to think it over.
3. Don’t compare performance
Young people are likely to be comparing themselves to others anyway, so if their parent/carer is comparing them to their siblings/family members too, it can make them think their negative thoughts are a true reflection. You might not be able to help it, especially if you’re also disappointed about their results, but it can be as simple as keeping them in your head, and staying supportive.
It’s the same for other students getting their results too. A lot of parents can’t wait to show off their child’s grades – it’s normal to want to share your pride and it’s totally ok. Just remember to keep in mind that not all young people will get the results they wanted this year and that being considerate of others is one of the best things you can do.
4. Don’t pile on the pressure
We’ve discussed above that having an action plan is a good way to take positive steps forward. You and your child can do this before results day to prepare, or after you know what their grades are. But if your child is finding it stressful to talk about the topic (deciding what your future looks like is a big decision!), consider taking a step back.
Not allowing time to process a stressful day and steaming ahead with big decisions relating to that stressful topic won’t help you get anything done. You could allow your child to think through their options, and let them know that whatever next step they choose, you’ll be there to help them take the necessary actions.
5. Remember: you don’t have to do it alone either
There’s always a plan b! If grades are lower than expected, your child can re-sit them, appeal to the exam board or go into clearing for uni. If university or further schooling like sixth form/college doesn’t feel like the right option, there are apprenticeships, vocational education and other alternatives.
Your child might come to you for help, but you might not (and don’t have to) have all the answers. There are many support services out designed to help during results day.
- You can contact the university/college for guidance on their entry requirements
- Schools should have a careers advisor who is trained to talk through your child’s options
- Call the exam results helpline
- Contact your careers service: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales.
6. Keep things positive – and in perspective
Make sure they’re proud of the work they put in. Getting the grades they wanted (or even better) is a time for celebration! And low grades aren’t something to beat themselves up about – and it doesn’t mean they’ve failed. It can mean academic study and exams aren’t the way they learn best, or that the subject isn’t their strongest and their true passions lie elsewhere.
Doing something fun like watching a movie or ordering their favourite food, whatever happened on the day, can provide a moment to relax and celebrate the hard work they put in.
