Stresses, Surprises, and Uncertainty....
In the UK this year, A-level and AS level results day is Thursday, August 15th, and GCSE results are released on Thursday, August 22nd.
Previous generations of students will remember the nerves and excitement of sitting exams in large school halls with all their friends. They will recall the excited buzz of finishing an exam, meeting friends and family afterwards to celebrate and discuss how well they thought they had done. They might remember the encouraging conversations with teachers and the emotional support they received from school staff. Then comes exam results day—usually a hot August day—gathering with friends in the sunshine, anxiously opening results envelopes together, sharing joys and disappointments, celebrating successes, and consoling losses.
However, each year brings its own unique set of challenges and emotions. For many students, results day is a time of heightened stress and uncertainty, and it's important for parents to be there to support them in a way that truly helps.
One of the most crucial ways you can support your child is by accepting their feelings as they express them. If your child tells you they’re worried, it’s important not to dismiss their concerns with phrases like "Don't worry," "It's not that bad," or "Everything will be fine." These well-meaning responses can sometimes make a young person feel unheard or misunderstood. Instead, let them know that it's okay to feel however they feel. Acknowledge their emotions and offer them the space to express their worries freely. Once they feel understood and validated, they’ll be more likely to open up and work with you to find a way forward when they’re ready.
Here are some examples of what some students might be feeling around results day:
Megan didn't do very well in her mock exams, but this prompted her to work harder and focus on getting good grades in her final exams. Although she worked hard, she’s now worried that her effort might not pay off. Megan feels disappointed and fears that it’s pointless to put effort into anything again.
Jesse felt relieved not to have had the same kind of pressures as others during exam time. However, they feel guilty for passing through the system without facing the challenges they expected. Jesse’s younger sister teases them, saying they didn’t earn “real grades.” This makes Jesse feel like they haven’t really achieved anything.
Kai felt let down by their mock results and pushed themselves to revise harder. While their final results are better, some are still not as high as they had hoped. Kai feels uncertain about what they can do next and is hesitant to share their results with others.
Bidisha was a model student and had high hopes for her A-level exams, aiming for a place at a top university. Receiving results that didn’t meet her expectations has left her feeling angry, frustrated, and grieving for the opportunities she feels she’s lost.
Felix never felt strongly about exams, but he is sad that he didn’t get to say goodbye to his friends and the learning support assistant who helped him through school. Results day feels hollow for him, and he spends the evening with friends, trying to forget about it.
These are just a few of the many emotional experiences students may have on results day. Each of these responses is valid, and it’s important to recognise that every young person’s journey is different. By acknowledging their feelings and offering support, you can help them navigate this challenging time.
If your child is feeling overwhelmed, remind them that this is just one step in their journey. There are always multiple paths to success, and sometimes a setback can lead to a new opportunity or direction. Encourage them to talk about their feelings—whether with you, a trusted friend, a family member, or a teacher. If they feel they need more support, seeking help from a professional counsellor might be the next best step. Be sure to choose someone accredited by the BACP or UKCP (like us!), and check their membership registration, qualification certificates, and DBS records.
Top Tips for Coping with Results Day
It’s okay to feel anxious about receiving your results. Remember, you’re not alone—your friends are likely feeling nervous too, even if they don’t show it. Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling.
Consider your next steps. Your results might lead to further education, a job, or a new experience. It’s helpful to have a plan B to give you more control. Remember, if Plan A doesn’t work out, there are 25 other letters in the alphabet!
Don’t feel pressured to share your results if you’re not comfortable. Your results are personal, and it’s okay to keep them private. Consider taking a break from social media if you feel it might add to the pressure.
Judge your success by your own standards. Effort is more admirable than attainment. Be proud of your improvements, and if you’ve done your best, that’s all that matters.
Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms. Drinking, smoking, or other self-harming behaviours won’t make problems disappear—they might even make things worse. Reach out for help if you’re struggling.
Be kind to yourself. Talk to yourself as you would to a best friend. Celebrate your small achievements and focus on what you’ve done well.
Remember, there will be future opportunities. If you feel cheated out of an experience, know that there will be other chances to prove yourself. These grades are just one part of a much larger picture.
Your grades do not define you or your future. This is just one chapter in the story of your life.
Celebrate your achievements—big or small. Whether your grades are what you hoped for or not, you’ve completed a significant milestone. Find ways to celebrate that feel right for you.
Remember that setbacks are part of growth. Some of the most successful people have faced failures along the way. It’s their determination to overcome these challenges that led to their success.
