Results Day Survival Guide
Results day tips for parents and carers: supporting your young person through A-Level and GCSE results days
Results day, whether A-levels on 13th August or GCSEs on 20th August, is one of the most emotionally charged days of the year for young people and parents alike. The best preparation isn’t about predicting the outcome, it’s about knowing how to respond calmly and supportively, whatever the email or envelope says.
Why results day feels so stressful
For many young people, results day feels like it defines their whole future in just one single moment. But the reality is, a set of grades can tell you how a young person performed in an exam, but they cannot measure that young person’s potential, creativity, or future success. The pressure they feel is often amplified by comparing grades with friends on social media or in person the same day. Understanding why the day feels so big is the first step to helping your young person keep it in perspective. Arm yourself with knowledge first so you are clear what the grade boundaries are and what they mean for your young person’s chosen next steps. Read on for our results day tips for parents and carers.
Looking after your own nerves
On a flight, the flight attendant will tell you to pop on your own oxygen mask first and then help others next. As a parent, we are taught to put our children before ourselves, but sometimes, we need to manage and keep a check on our own emotions before we say something or do something which could have a long-lasting impact.
On results day, it’s easy to focus entirely on your young person and forget your own worries, so after you have done your research to understand the grade system, sixth form and university requirements, speak to your own support network. By processing your emotions and possible outcomes before the day, you will be able to put perspective on the meaning of the results. Having a planned approach in place whatever the results, will support your first response to be calm and supportive, rather than driven by your own fear or disappointment.
Results day tips for parents and carers – What to say, whatever the outcome
It isn’t all about the day itself. You may notice in the weeks before results, your young person shows changes in mood and behaviour. This may be a sign that they are carrying a lot of thoughts and worries about their results and what comes next. Check in with your young person before results day to reassure them, and encourage them to keep busy.
For results day itself, ask them whether they want to go to collect the results in-person or just receive them by email at home (if these are both options), but let them lead. Be available if they need you to collect results or celebrate after, but allow them to come to you on their terms.
Good news deserves celebrations, but recognising and praising the effort your young person put in before and during their exams goes a long way. If the results weren’t what your young person hoped for, resist jumping straight to solutions. A simple “I’m proud of you, and we’ll figure this out together” says more than any advice in those first moments when they are processing what they are seeing. Some young people will want to talk immediately; others may need silence, space or time with their friends. There is no ‘right way to react’-follow their lead.
There are many useful guides available to parents on how to support your child emotionally and practically. For A-level and BTEC students, UCAS has a really useful downloadable guide for parents and there are many GCSE articles out there such as this guide for parents from PMT Education.
If things don’t go to plan…
Clearing, resits, apprenticeships and alternative courses all remain genuine options for both post GCSEs and A-Levels. Not achieving the results they had hoped for may in fact open the door to many new and previously, not considered options for them, which may be exciting, but also very daunting.
Encourage your young person to take an hour or two to process things before making any big decisions. Schools, colleges and universities will have teachers in school or available online or on the phone during results day to support students and parents/carers on the choices available to them.
Whatever the outcome, remember to encourage your young person and be positive, as this will reflect well on their emotions and fears about what lies ahead.
Our founder, Dr Louise Randall, adds her thoughts and her personal experience in this interesting article
What not to say…
Even loving, well-intentioned remarks can land wrong when emotions are running high. On results day, language that focuses on comparison, blame or fixing things can make a young person feel judged rather than supported, even when that’s not the intention. This is especially true on GCSE and A-level results days, when a young person’s sense of identity can feel dictated by a single set of grades. Choosing calm, open language instead helps them feel safe to share how they’re really feeling, whatever their results.
Try to avoid:
- But you worked so hard, so how did this happen?
- What did everyone else get?
- You should have revised more
Instead try:
- How are you feeling?
- Do you want a hug, some space or someone to talk to?
- I’m proud of you
- We don’t have to figure everything out right now
- We’ll look at your options together when you’re ready
None of these comments are trying to fix the outcome, which is exactly the point. What a young person needs most in that first moment isn’t advice or analysis, but reassurance that your support doesn’t depend on their grades. Small, calm phrases like these build trust over time, and can be the difference between your young person shutting down or opening up about how they’re feeling. A well-thought response now also creates space for bigger conversations about clearing, resits or next steps once the initial shock has settled.
Your support doesn’t just stop at results day itself
The days after results day matter just as much as the day itself. A low-key check-in, a walk, going to their favourite restaurant, or just being around without pressure to talk, often means so much more than sitting your young person down for a big chat or just brushing results day under the carpet.
How GRIT can support your family through
Results day can sometimes bring to the surface worries that go beyond grades. This can include confidence, identity, anxiety or wellbeing. If you notice your young person is struggling, you don’t have to wait until things reach crisis point to seek support. GRIT is here to talk things through.
To access support for your young person, please get in touch
Frequently asked questions
When is A-level and GCSE results day 2026?
A-level results day is Thursday 13th August 2026, and GCSE results day is Thursday 20th August 2026.
What should I say to my young person if their results weren’t what they hoped for?
Lead with reassurance, not solutions. Give them space to process before discussing clearing, resits or other options.
Where can I get support if results day brings up bigger worries?
GRIT supports young people and families across Hertfordshire with relationship-first, early-intervention care, get in touch any time.