Results days – whether at GCSE, T Level or A Level – can be some of the most emotionally charged moments in a young person’s life. For parents and carers, they come with their own kind of pressure: how to best support, reassure, and advise in a way that’s helpful, informed, and calm. This summer, thousands of families across the country will be navigating the uncertainty and opportunity that comes with exam results – and I'll be one of them when my youngest daughter collects her GCSE results on 21st August. While the outcome may be known in a single envelope or email, the process of deciding what to do next takes thought and support. Here are six practical tips to help guide young people through this critical time and ensure they feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
1. Stay calm and positive – whatever the outcome
Whether your child gets the results they hoped for or not, celebrate success, but also recognise effort and resilience. If results are not as expected, reassure them that no single grade defines their future. What matters most is what happens next. You’re there to help them think clearly and constructively about their options.
2. Know that multiple pathways are valid and valuable
Today’s education and career landscape offers more routes than ever before. T Levels, apprenticeships, university degrees and other vocational pathways all offer high-quality routes to skilled employment. The most important thing is that young people find a path that matches their strengths and aspirations. Use this guide to help explore options: Promoting All Pathways
3. Get familiar with next steps before results day
Preparation helps take the heat out of results day. Encourage your child to explore the different choices available in advance. Have conversations about what they might do if things don’t go as expected. The Talking Futures resources are a great way to structure these conversations and get a shared understanding of goals and options:
Talking Futures – Key Information
4. Encourage a positive mindset
If results aren’t what they expected, young people may feel stuck. This is where practical support makes all the difference. Encourage them to talk to their teachers and careers advisers, explore resit options, look into clearing (for university applicants), or consider alternative apprenticeships, T-Levels and other qualifications and routes. Use this handy map to see the range of pathways out there.
5. Connect with expert advice and local opportunities
Following two years of extensive research and consultation, the Gatsby Benchmarks have been updated to ensure they continue to define world-class career guidance for young people. Every school and college needs to align with the new updates. Benchmark 8 in particular focuses on providing personal guidance from Careers Advisers. Encourage your child to speak with their school or college careers adviser. These conversations can provide clarity, options, and confidence. If you're not sure where to go locally, the National Careers Service is a great source of advice and insight.
6. Be there for the long game
Making the right choice after results day is important – but it’s not final. Career journeys are rarely linear. Encourage your child to stay curious and adaptable, to keep developing their skills, and to take opportunities when they arise. The best thing you can offer is ongoing support – a steady hand, a listening ear, and reassurance that it’s okay not to have all the answers straight away.
This results season, let’s help young people feel supported, informed, and hopeful – however the numbers land. Because what they do next can open doors they haven’t even considered yet.
Written by
John Yarham, Interim CEO, The Careers & Enterprise Company