Results day can be a nerve wracking time for both students and their parents/carers. The pressure to achieve certain grades can feel overwhelming for your child during exam season. It’s key to remember that no matter what grades your child receives on results day, they will always have options, and you can help them prepare for whatever is in store for them.
Here you can find some key information about results day, including:
- When is results day 2024?
- What happens on results day?
- What to do if their exam grades aren’t what they expected?
- Results day resources for students
- How to support your child on results day
When is Results Day 2025?
Exam results are released on different days in the UK as they are dependent on the qualification your child is expecting and the exam board used. These are the dates for 2024 UK results days:
- SQA results day is 5th August 2025
- T Level results day is 14th August 2025
- A Level results day is 14th August 2025
- BTEC National results day is 14th August 2025
- BTEC First/Tech results day is 22nd August 2024
- GCSE results day is 21st August 2025
- IGCSE results day is 13th or 22nd of August 2024, depending on the exam board.
What happens on results day?
Students will usually go to their school or college to collect their exam results, although they should always check with their education provider to see how results day will run. They may be able to get their results mailed to them, and if they are homeschooled then they may receive their results online.
We recommend that your child should open their exam results while at the school/college. This will give them the chance to ask questions or speak to a staff member if they need to, such as a teacher or school careers advisor. Whether they get the grades they hoped for or not, they may want more information about their next steps.
What to do if your child’s exam grades aren’t what they expected
While your child may know what they want to do once they have their exam results, it’s always a good idea to have a ‘plan B’ in case their grades aren’t what they expected to receive. Talk to your child in advance about who they can discuss their options with.
If your child hopes to go to college or sixth form but hasn’t received the results they need, we recommend that they speak to their key contact at their chosen college/sixth form to discuss their options. They may still be able to enrol on their chosen course or they may need to explore alternative options.
If your child hopes to go to university but has not received the expected grades, they may be able to get a place on their chosen course or a similar one through clearing. UCAS has more information about the clearing process, including contact details and information for parents/carers/.
If your child has not received grade 4 (C) or above for English and Maths at Level 2 (GCSE), they will need to retake these exams as they are a common entry requirement for further study. Your child should speak to a trusted tutor at school to discuss their options for this in more detail.
If your child feels their exam grades are wrong, they have the right to appeal. BBC Bitesize has more information about the grade appeal process depending on where they live in the UK.
Results day resources for students
Here are some helpful resources you and your child can use for more information on 2024 results day and their options:
The results day hub has more information about preparing for results day, your options, and how to find support.
If your child would like to speak to someone about their exam results, they can speak to a trained careers advisor about their options. Each UK country has their own careers service here to support you:
- England: National Careers Service on 0800 100 900
- Wales: Careers Wales on 0800 548 0844
- Scotland: Skills Development Scotland on 0808 100 1000
- Northern Ireland: Careers Service Northern Ireland on 0300 200 7820
Some of these careers services also provide email details and web chat services. However, calling on results day may be more timely.
How can I support my child with their exam results?
Whatever results your child receives, being there to support them will make a big difference. Here are 3 top tips for providing support on results day:
1. Stay calm
Getting exam results and exploring next steps is a big transition point for your child. Understandably, it can be an emotional time and they might feel anxious about receiving their exam grades.
As a parent/carer, it’s important to remain calm and open, encouraging them to talk through how they feel. If your child is feeling upset or unsure of their options after receiving their exam results, encourage them to talk to a trusted teacher or contact the results day helpline for more information. It’s essential to remain non-judgemental and avoid comparing – every child’s journey is different.
2. Keep things in perspective
Results day can feel like the ‘be all and end all’ for some young people and it’s important that they understand that their results don’t define them or their potential. Whilst their grades will play a part in their next steps, they don’t determine their entire future and they will always have options. Encourage your child to look at the bigger picture and focus on their strengths.
3. Celebrate!
No matter what results your child receives, this marks the end of a chapter for them, and the beginning of a new one. Celebrating their hard work together is a great way to recognise the occasion.
You can find more results day tips for parents/careers on BBC Bitesize and the governments Education Hub.
