By Parentkind
Results day can be an emotional rollercoaster, bringing nerves, joy, disappointment and uncertainty. It is normal for parents to feel powerless as they support their child through one of life’s milestones.
There are ways you can help. Let’s guide you through nine practical ways to support your child on results day.
1. Be calm and available
Not knowing can be difficult. Whether they show it or not, your child is likely nervous and even a little overwhelmed.
Being a model of calm, even if you don’t feel it, will give them confidence. Being present without building the moment up with too much questioning is also good.
Show them you believe there’s always a way forward, no matter what.
2. Let them lead
Some children will want you there, while others will want to go by themselves. Some will want to make a big deal out of whatever is in the envelope, while others will open it quietly.
Let them decide how to collect the results and how they choose to share their news.
3. Plan your reaction
Good news is easy. Hug them, smile, throw a party. Do the thing that makes them feel special.
Difficult news, not so easy. Surprise and worry can appear on our faces without us meaning them to. Maintaining calm pragmatism is best, it genuinely isn’t the end of the world.
4. Avoid comparison
Every child’s journey is unique, and that’s what makes them wonderful. Talk about what they have achieved and don’t bring others’ results into the conversation – on results day especially, and beyond.
5. If results are better than expected…
Your child aced it. They even surprised themselves and now have new options to explore. They can apply for different courses and select a more ambitious path.
If they have performed well in their GCSEs, encourage them to speak with their school’s career advisor to explore the available options.
If they’ve achieved impressive A-level results, they can contact UCAS and go through Clearing or Adjustment. The UCAS helpline is 0371 468 0 468. You can also speak to the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900.
6. If results are lower than expected for GCSEs…
Don’t panic. There are things you can suggest to your child.
First, they can appeal the grades if they believe there has been an error.
Second, some post-16 courses and apprenticeships allow you to start the course of your choice while resitting key GCSEs if you decide to do so. So you should contact the school or college to discuss all the available options. Alternatively, there’s the National Careers Service: 0800 100 900, which can provide them with accurate advice on what to do next.
Third, another year, resits, and getting back on track. It takes some people longer – and that’s ok. Most people will have nine careers in their lifetime, as the world continues to change. A year makes no difference.
7. If results are lower than expected – A-levels
For an A-Level student who hasn’t met their offer, it’s time to contact UCAS if you would like to go to University. Navigating the Clearing process is easier than you think. Your child only needs to pick up the phone like the millions of others do on A-level results day.
You could also discuss the breadth of further education opportunities including apprenticeships. There are now hundreds of high quality apprenticeships available across a wide range of roles. Apprentices earn while learning, gaining valuable on-the-job experience whilst receiving training at university or college. You can find out more here.
8. Explore all education and career routes
Regardless of your child's results, it's worth discussing the breadth of further education opportunities including apprenticeships. There are now hundreds of high quality apprenticeships available across a wide range of roles. Apprentices earn while learning, gaining valuable on-the-job experience whilst receiving training at university or college. You can find out more here.
9. Listen carefully
All our work with parents comes down to the same conclusion: they 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 your child is upset, let them know it’s okay to feel that way. Emotions are natural, and this is just one chapter of their story.
A final thought…
Whatever happens today, your belief in them matters more than any grade ever could.
Parentkind is the UK’s largest parent charity: www.parentkind.org.uk