How to Help Your Child on A-Level Results Day

A-Level Results Day is a milestone moment in a young person’s life. Whether your child is hoping to head off to university, begin an apprenticeship, or take another path, the emotions surrounding the day can be intense: excitement, relief, disappointment, or even confusion. As a parent, your role in offering steady, calm support is crucial.

Here’s how you can help your child navigate A-Level Results Day with confidence and resilience.

1. Be Present and Available

Even if your child says they’re fine, your presence on results day can be hugely reassuring. Whether you're with them in person when they collect results or supporting them from home, make sure you're available to talk and respond to whatever emotions arise;  good or bad.

Let them take the lead but be nearby and ready to support if needed.

2. Keep the Morning Calm

The hours before receiving results can be the most stressful. Keep the morning as calm and low-pressure as possible:

• Encourage a good breakfast.
• Avoid over-talking about results.
• Offer practical help, such as driving them to school or helping log into UCAS.

Even if you're feeling nervous, try to remain calm, your energy will set the tone.

3. Celebrate Their Effort, Not Just the Outcome

Whether the results are what they hoped for or not, acknowledge the hard work they’ve put in over the last two years. Focus on effort, growth, and resilience;  qualities that matter beyond exam grades.

Try saying things like:

• “I’m proud of how hard you worked, regardless of what the results say.”
• “You’ve grown so much throughout sixth form, and that’s worth celebrating.”

4. Understand the Options if Results Aren’t as Expected

If your child doesn’t get the grades they needed, it can feel devastating in the moment, but there are always next steps. Help them stay calm and explore their options:

• Clearing: Many students successfully find places on university courses through UCAS Clearing. Be prepared to help them research alternatives and make quick decisions.
• Resits or appeals: If they were close to a grade boundary, a remark or resit may be worth considering.
• Alternative routes: Apprenticeships, foundation degrees, gap years, or direct employment are all valid and valuable options.

Don’t panic, reassure them that this is just one step on their journey, not the end of the road.

5. Support Them in Decision-Making

Avoid rushing into big decisions. Give your child space to process but be ready to discuss options and offer a listening ear. Help them weigh up the pros and cons of each choice without imposing your own expectations.

Remember: this is their future, and they need to feel ownership over the path they take next.

6. Look After Their Wellbeing

Results Day can be emotionally draining, even when things go well. Encourage your child to:

• Take a break from screens or social media.
• Talk to friends, teachers, or a trusted adult.
• Celebrate, reflect, or rest, whatever they need most that day.

Keep an eye out for signs of anxiety or low mood in the days that follow, and don’t hesitate to seek extra support if needed.

7. Celebrate the Moment. Whatever Happens

No matter the outcome, your child has reached the end of a significant chapter in their education. Mark the occasion with a family meal, a favourite treat, or a small celebration. It’s important to recognise this transition and everything they’ve achieved.

Final Thoughts

A-Level Results Day can feel like a high-stakes event, but your support can make all the difference. Be calm, compassionate, and open-minded. Whether your child is celebrating or recalibrating, knowing you're there to guide them through it without judgement or pressure is the best reassurance they can have.