Results Day Support

Here a leading tutor provider offers five ways parents can support their children’s exam results.

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As both A Level and GCSE results day looms, experts are urging parents and guardians to be mindful of their actions and reactions, which can significantly impact their teen's self-esteem and future outlook. 

With 79% of secondary school leaders reporting an increase in fear of academic failure among students, the need for supportive parental behaviour has never been more critical. Explore Learning, a leading tutoring provider, warns that children need more support due to a growing "comparison culture" among students. 

Katherine Pavling, Head of GCSE at Explore Learning, says: "With all the pressure children feel in the run-up to GCSE exams, it can feel like the end of the world if your child doesn’t get the results they hoped for. We often see students achieve good grades but still feel disappointed because a friend did better. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in combating this unhealthy mindset, as there is a huge pressure on teens to match or outperform their peers.”

Whether students are unhappy with their results or are falling victim to comparison culture with their peers, Explore Learning advises parents of five ways to support their child on results day: 

Don't immediately focus on grades 

The role guardians play in helping their children deal with results day anxiety is very important. Asking about specific grades right away can increase anxiety, which can make young people feel lonely and afraid. Instead, allow your teen to share their results in their own time. When they do open their results, focus first on their emotional state and well-being rather than the grades themselves. This approach shows that you value them as a person, not just for their academic achievements.

Avoid comparison of results with siblings or friends 

Comparing results reinforces unhealthy competition and can damage self-esteem. Each student's journey is unique, and comparing results ignores individual circumstances, strengths, and challenges. Instead, encourage your teen to reflect on their own progress and personal growth throughout their studies.

Don't rush to problem-solve 

If results aren't what was hoped for, resist the urge to start planning next steps immediately. Give your teen time to process their emotions. They may need space to come to terms with disappointment before they're ready to consider alternatives. When they are ready, approach the conversation as a collaborative effort rather than taking charge.

Keep a positive mindset 

It may not come as a surprise that the key ingredient in supporting your child on results day is having a positive mindset. Try to focus on their efforts and potential for future growth. Remember that your teen is likely already feeling disappointed if they didn't achieve the results they wanted. Your role is to provide support and encouragement, helping them to see this as a learning experience rather than a failure.

Celebrate their efforts

Most young people will experience a disappointing grade or exam result. However, it’s still important to celebrate their efforts and the hard work they have put into their exams. Remember, a lower score on an exam doesn’t have to mean that they've failed. At the end of the day, what truly matters is how much they were able to learn from the entire journey. Strike a balance between acknowledging the importance of the results and reminding them that these grades don't define their worth or limit their future opportunities. Finally, discuss how these results fit into their broader life goals and aspirations.

Kathering Pavling advises parents to focus on supportive actions: "Acknowledge your child's efforts, regardless of the outcome. Remind your child that they aren’t defined by their exam results and this doesn’t mean they can’t succeed in the future. Create a safe space for open communication about their feelings. Most importantly, encourage them to focus on their individual journey rather than comparing themselves to others."

How caregivers react on results day can shape their child's motivation and confidence in the future. By avoiding these common mistakes, parents and caregivers can help foster a healthier attitude towards individual achievement and create more resilient, confident young adults.

Explore Learning offers personalised tuition to help students build confidence and achieve their potential. Their professional tutors can provide targeted assistance for those considering resits or needing to strengthen specific skills. 

Parents and students seeking more information about Explore Learning's services can visit  https://www.explorelearning.co.uk/gcse-maths-tuition/ or contact their local centre for a free trial session