For many families, A-Level Results Day is one of the most anticipated yet nerve-wracking dates in the academic calendar.
I remember when I opened my A-Level results, that strange mix of anxiety, hope, and the sense that my whole future might hinge on what was written inside that envelope. It’s a moment that feels both daunting and full of opportunity.
While your child is the one opening that all-important envelope or checking their phone, you’re likely feeling your own mix of pride, anxiety, and hope.
It’s natural to want everything to go perfectly. But the truth is, whether your child’s grades match their predictions, exceed them, or fall short, there is always a way forward. Your support on this day can make a huge difference to how they cope and plan their next steps.
Here’s how you can help them approach the day with calm, clarity, and confidence.
1. Give them space to process their emotions
When your child first opens their results, emotions can be intense: joy, relief, disappointment, or uncertainty. Let them feel what they feel, without rushing to “fix” things immediately.
You might:
- Suggest a short walk or drinks break somewhere quiet.
- Listen without interrupting, whether they want to celebrate or vent.
- Avoid pressuring them to be positive right away, sometimes a little time is needed before they can think clearly.
Your role is to be a steady presence. Once their initial reaction settles, they’ll be better able to consider their options.
2. Help them understand their position and next steps
When the emotions calm, it’s time to look at the practicalities:
- Check UCAS Track: Even if they’ve narrowly missed an offer, the university might still accept them.
- Look for direct messages from universities: Some may offer alternative courses or foundation years.
- If they’ve met or exceeded their offer: Celebrate! They may also have the option to look at UCAS Adjustment (if still available).
- If they’ve just missed out: Encourage them to call their first and second choices politely and positively.
- If no place is secured: Support them through Clearing, making sure they have their grades, UCAS ID, and questions ready.
3. Navigate clearing together
Clearing can seem intimidating, but it’s actually a chance to discover which courses your child might not have considered. Here’s how to approach it:
- Help them research courses quickly but thoroughly.
- Encourage phone calls to admissions teams rather than just emailing.
- Sit with them to jot down key points from each conversation.
- Remind them to ask about course content, accommodation, and financial support.
4. Keep things in perspective
It’s easy for teenagers to feel as though one set of results defines their future. Remind them that many successful careers began with setbacks. Resilience, adaptability, and initiative are often just as important as grades.
Think about Richard Branson, who struggled with school qualifications and went on to build a global business empire, or J.K. Rowling, who faced multiple rejections before publishing one of the best-selling book series in history. These aren’t just inspirational soundbites, they’re reminders that a single set of results does not define someone.
Remind them of this, it might help add balm to a stressful day.
5. Support their emotional wellbeing
Disappointment is natural, but comparison can make it worse. Encourage your child to:
- Limit time on social media.
- Talk openly with you or another trusted adult.
- Reflect on strengths and achievements beyond exam results.
Your reassurance that they are more than their grades will stay with them long after Results Day.
6. Plan the days after results
Once the initial emotions settle, create a short-term action plan with them:
- If they have a confirmed place: Arrange accommodation, student finance, and any pre-course requirements.
- If they’re in Clearing or considering resits: Help set deadlines for making decisions, gathering paperwork, and contacting institutions.
- If they’re taking a gap year: Research opportunities, set financial goals, and help map out experiences that will boost their skills.
7. Remind them, that they are more than a grade
Your child’s results reflect performance in a specific moment; they don’t capture creativity, kindness, resilience, or long-term potential. Keep reinforcing the message that this is just one chapter in their story, not the whole book.
Many people who didn’t get their “dream grades” go on to have fulfilling careers and lives. The key is to keep moving forward, make informed choices, and stay open to opportunities.
A-Level Results Day may be intense, but it’s just one milestone on a much bigger journey in your child’s future. Whether the day brings joy, surprise, or disappointment, approach it with calm, clarity, and curiosity about what comes next.