GCSE results day is coming later this month, and in many homes the nerves have already arrived. Your teen might be pretending not to care. You might be pretending not to worry.
Whatever the envelope says, the way you respond on the day will stay with your teen much longer than the grades themselves. Here is how to be ready.
Before the Day: Know the Options
The best way to stay calm is to know the plan B before you need it. Talk quietly with your teen in advance about:
- the grades their sixth form, college or apprenticeship needs
- what happens if they fall short, such as contacting the provider about other courses
- whether they want you there when they collect results, or prefer to go with friends
Check the school’s arrangements for collecting results and the times staff will be available for advice.
On the Day: Lead With Love
Your first words matter most. Before any talk of grades, try:
- “I’m so proud of how hard you worked.”
- “Whatever’s in there, we’ll sort it out together.”
If the results are good, celebrate. If they are disappointing, let your teen feel it. Avoid jumping straight to solutions or comparisons. A hug and a quiet drive home can be the best support of all.
If the Results Are Lower Than Hoped
There are almost always routes forward:
- Speak to the provider. Colleges and sixth forms often have flexibility, especially if your teen is close to the grades.
- Ask about reviews. If a grade seems very different from what was expected, ask the school about a review of marking. There are deadlines, so ask quickly.
- Look at alternatives. Apprenticeships, vocational courses and other colleges may be a better fit than the original plan.
English and Maths: What Happens Next
In England, young people who do not get at least a grade 4 in GCSE English or maths usually have to keep studying those subjects as part of their post 16 course. Depending on the grade, that may mean a GCSE resit or a Functional Skills qualification.
Functional Skills Level 2 is widely recognised by employers, colleges and apprenticeship providers, and many young people find its practical, real life approach easier to succeed with. FunctifyLearning offers online Functional Skills English and maths courses for learners aged 14 and over, with flexible study around college or work.
Look After Yourself Too
It is natural to feel disappointed or anxious on your teen’s behalf. Share those feelings with a partner or friend, not with your teen in the heat of the moment. They need you to be their steady ground.
What You Cannot Control
You cannot control the grades, the grade boundaries or the decisions of a college admissions team. You can control how loved and supported your teen feels when they open that envelope.
A set of exam results is one chapter, not the whole story. Plenty of people with disappointing GCSEs go on to build careers and lives they love. Your teen’s future is still wide open.
Read next: Back to School on a Budget and New School Year Routines That Actually Last Past October.
More support for your child’s next step:
For teens aged 14 and over:
- FunctifyLearning: online Functional Skills English and maths, Level 2
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