A-level exam results day is on Thurs 15th August, same for T Level results, across the country. Exam results day is always a bit stressful so we have asked the professionals for tips...
As a parent, exam results day can be an anxious time, so young people and their families are aware of how best to prepare for the day, regardless of what may be in store. We know that exam season impacts the whole family here is everything you need to know about A levels, and what to expect on A level results day, plus brushing up on how to appeal A level results and when clearing opens will always be helpful - knowledge is power and preparation is key.
With many young people believing that their plans post-16 hinge on their results, it’s understandable that expectations are high, and nerves may be at play. However, don’t let that distract you and your child from approaching results day with a positive mindset.
Fiona Yassin, family psychotherapist and founder and clinical director of The Wave Clinic agrees. She tells us; "Teenagers may feel a lot of pressure to do well or to meet certain targets. Whilst stress is a normal response, some young people may feel it becomes overwhelming or uncontrollable."
We speak to careers advisor Tyler Anderson-Graham who shares his five tips to keep in mind on exam results day and in the lead-up to it:
Five tips to support your teenager on A-level results day
- Make a plan for the day
- Maximise online support
- Seek advice from the experts
- Make the most of the time before results
- Stay calm
1. Make a plan for the day
Find out your child’s school, college, or sixth form’s policy on collecting their results. Then discuss with your child what they want to do, and who they want to be with when they get their results. Avoid putting any unnecessary pressure on your child by letting them decide on their game plan and allowing them to stick to it - this can help to make the day feel less daunting.
Fiona suggests making plans for a 'stressful' day, let's not pretend it won't be. She tells us; "Some teenagers may find it helpful to make a plan for the day that they receive their results. They might like to go with another person, such as a friend or family member. At the same time, there is no need to share their results with other people if they don’t want to.
"Planning for a stressful experience can help a young person imagine what it will be like and decrease negative feelings. They might like to focus on what they want to do and try to avoid doing what they think others think they should."
2. Maximise online support
The internet allows direct access to key experts and speakers more than ever before. To help your child explore their options further, encourage them to take advantage of virtual advice including live Q&As such as the one taking place on the National Careers Service Instagram account on 21st August, to inform and inspire any choices they might make.
3. Seek advice from the experts
As you’ll be aware, family and friends can often be emotionally invested in a young person's future, so it’s a good idea to encourage your child to seek out neutral advice on the choices available to them.
Young people can get advice on exam results and careers from the National Careers Service by speaking to a careers adviser online or by web chat. The helpline is available on 0800 100 900 Monday-Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturdays 10am-5pm, beginning Thursday 17th August until Friday 1st September.
4. Make the most of the time before results
This is the perfect opportunity for your child to research their dream career, work on their CV, or even try some virtual work experience.
It is important to remember that there is often more than one route into most careers. Take some time to look at the pathway that might work best for your child or visit the National Careers Service website, which offers advice on the various choices at 16 and 18, as well as advice around writing a CV and prepping for interviews.
5. Stay calm
There’s something wonderful in our brain makeup called mirror neurons. Mirror neurons get us to copy and imitate actions or emotions. One of the great things to remember in all parenting, not just on results day, is if you model and show consistent, clear and calm behaviours, your child will copy and imitate these actions too.
Whether your child gets the results they expect or not, keep in mind that they have options. As a parent, the best thing you can do is to stay calm. Focus your energy on helping your child to make the most of the support that’s out there for them as they figure out their next steps and make the most of the support that’s there for them.
Fiona adds: “While results day can be stressful for any young person, some things may make it worse. Young people may feel added pressure if: they compare themselves to others, their parents expect them to meet certain grades or if the results determine their place at university or whether an employer accepts them for a job.
"Exam results day may also be intensified for students who struggle with other difficulties, such as family issues or relationships, or live with mental or physical health concerns that make daily life more difficult to manage. Whatever a young person is experiencing, it’s important to listen to their concerns and offer support and care."
‘Get the Jump’ is part of the Department for Education’s Skills for Life campaign and helps young people aged 14-19 explore their education and training choices, including T Levels, apprenticeships, and Higher Technical Qualifications. Visit Get the Jump to find out more.
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Read our features on when is A-level exam results day and when is GCSE results day, to make sure you're prepared for exam results season. Plus four tips to help teens cope with exam results disappointment.
