top of page

A-Level Results Day: What Parents Need to Know


parent helping teenage daughter study

A-Level results day is a day of mixed emotions for both students and parents. It's a time of great anticipation, but also of potential disappointment. If your child doesn't get the grades they were hoping for, it's important to be supportive and understanding.


Here is a comprehensive guide on what you can do to help your child on A-Level results day:


Before A-Level results day

  • Talk to your child about their expectations. Find out what grades they are hoping for, and what their plans are if they don't get those grades. This will help them to feel more in control and less stressed on the day itself.

  • Help them to create a plan B. If your child doesn't get the grades they were hoping for, they will need to have a plan B. This could involve applying to university through Clearing, taking a gap year, or looking at different course options.

  • Reassure them that they are not alone. Many students don't get the grades they were hoping for on A-Level results day. Reassure your child that they are not alone, and that there are still plenty of options available to them.

  • Offer your support. Let your child know that you are there for them, no matter what. This will give them the confidence they need to cope with any disappointment.

On A-Level results day

  • Be there for them. When your child opens their results envelope, be there to offer them support and love. Don't judge them or make them feel worse about their results. Simply hug them and tell them that you love them and that you are proud of them no matter what.

  • Listen to them. Let your child talk about how they're feeling. Don't try to fix their problems or tell them what to do. Just listen and be supportive.

  • Help them to process their results. It's important for your child to understand why they didn't get the grades they were hoping for. Help them to identify any areas where they need to improve, and talk to them about their options for the future. You can also help them to research different course options and universities.

  • Reassure them that it's not the end of the world. A-Level results are just one part of your child's life. There are many other paths they can take to achieve their goals. With your support, they can still achieve anything they set their minds to.

After results day

  • Help them to make a decision. Once your child has had some time to process their results, help them to make a decision about what they want to do next. This could involve applying to university through Clearing, taking a gap year, or looking at different course options. You can help them to create a list of pros and cons for each option, and to make a decision that is right for them.

  • Continue to offer your support. It may take some time for your child to adjust to their new situation. Continue to offer them your support and encouragement.

  • Remember that your child is not alone. There are many other students who have been in the same situation. There are also a number of resources available to help parents and students cope with disappointing A-Level results.


Here are some additional resources:

  • The National Careers Service: The National Careers Service offers free and impartial advice on careers and education. They have a dedicated helpline for parents, as well as a wealth of information and resources on their website.

  • The Sutton Trust: The Sutton Trust is a charity that works to increase social mobility through education. They have a range of resources for parents, including information on university admissions, gap years, and apprenticeships.

  • The University and College Admissions Service (UCAS): UCAS is the organisation that manages applications to university in the UK. They have a website with information on the application process, as well as a helpline for parents.

  • The Clearing Hub: The Clearing Hub is a website that helps students find university places through Clearing. They have a range of resources for parents, including advice on how to support their child through Clearing.

  • The Gap Year Association: The Gap Year Association is a charity that supports students who are taking a gap year. They have a website with information on how to plan a gap year, as well as a forum for parents to connect with each other. Gap Year Association website

  • The Young Minds website: Young Minds is a mental health charity for children and young people. They have a website with information on how to support a child who is struggling with their mental health, as well as a helpline for parents.


In conclusion, A-Level results day can be a stressful time for both students and parents. However, it is important to remember that A-Level results are just one part of a child's life. There are many other paths they can take to achieve their goals. With the right support, your child can still achieve anything they set their minds to.


Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • Be there for your child and offer your support. Let them know that you love them and that you are proud of them, no matter what.

  • Help them to understand why they didn't get the grades they were hoping for. This will help them to identify any areas where they need to improve.

  • Reassure them that it's not the end of the world. There are many other paths they can take to achieve their goals.

  • Offer them practical help, such as researching different course options or applying for Clearing.

  • Remember that your child is not alone. There are many other students who have been in the same situation. There are also a number of resources available to help parents and students cope with disappointing A-Level results.


Got a question? Chat to our virtual study mentor



26 views

Comments


bottom of page