A Parent’s Guide to Results Day: Part Two
Parentkind staff with children who recently took exams, or for one younger member of the team, who went through the process within the last few years, met up to discuss dos and don’ts, best practice, and areas where they feel they need more support. Their experience has been gathered for these blogs that offer parents moral support, guidance, and maybe a route through what can be an ordeal.
Results day: Next steps
If your child has met or exceeded expectations, or if you’re certain that they have worked hard and tried their best, it’s important to recognise their efforts and celebrate their achievements.
“We’ve seen our child grow and develop into a young adult, but it’s still an adjustment when suddenly all of the communication is to the child directly and none is to the parent.”
Continue to guide your child
In many respects, a parent’s work is never done. Especially if they have picked up their A‑level or equivalent grades, your child is now, or soon will be, legally an adult. But some young people feel ready to take on the world sooner than others. Being aware of your child’s emotional development is important as you support them towards independence and into adulthood.
“For all the rhetoric of being told you’re 17 or 18 and now an adult, I didn’t feel like one at the time.”
“Some children are ready to leave home at 18. Others are terrified by the idea. Sometimes within the same family. My children couldn’t have been more different.”
Appeal against a grade
You and your child can contact your school or college to challenge a GCSE, AS level or A‑level grade if you have good reason to believe that the result is not accurate. They can assess whether the appeal grounds are valid. If they are, the school can then request that the exam board reviews the marking of your exam entry. Be aware that you may have to pay a fee if you ask for a review and your grade is not changed as a result. See more on appealing a grade.
“You’re in that funny kind of place where your children are 18 and technically adults, but they still need a lot of support as they’re probably not out in the world yet. You need to help them bridge that gap.”
Speak up for your child if they need help
Don’t be afraid to speak to the uni admissions team in advance of results if you need to.
Resitting exams
If students believe they can achieve better grades with further preparation, they may consider resitting. There may be a fee to pay, and this should be clarified before your child enrols.
- GCSEs. English and maths can be retaken in the Autumn, usually in November with results following in January. For all other subjects, the exams need to be taken the following year during the usual exam period. There may be other options that are better-suited to the young person’s situation, such as rethinking their further education subjects or route to qualifications. Most schools and colleges will allow students to study GCSEs alongside their A‑Levels for other subjects, so they can progress in the usual way. However, this has to be balanced against the commitment to have an increase in the amount of study time needed whilst taking A‑levels.
- A‑levels. Students can take Year 13 again. This can involve additional studying, tutoring, or attending revision courses to improve their results for the next academic year.
Know where to turn for help
Resources such as the National Careers Service exam results helpline can offer a lifeline to both children and their parents. Operators can help with everything from resits, retakes, skills and apprenticeships to finding a job, gap years and funding. Have a pen and paper handy for jotting down options.
“My worry is not the results themselves, but what we do afterwards.”
Understand the University clearing system
If your child doesn’t have an offer from a college or university or has changed their mind about what they want to study, there will be some institutions that still have places available for particular courses. Students can also use the system if they would like to apply for a different course because their grades are better than predicted, after they have declined their original place. Clearing is already open and remains so until 17th October. UCAS has a guide for parents and a podcast for young people.
“If they are keen to go to university and they know what they want to study, then clearing could be a good way forward for them.”
The gap year option
Some students choose to take a gap year if they don’t get into their preferred university. During this time, they might work, travel, volunteer, or gain new experiences. A gap year can provide an opportunity to reapply to universities the following year with improved grades, a broader skill set, and a clearer sense of direction.
Be aware of the pathways
University clearing, resitting a year, taking a gap year, looking for an apprenticeship or looking for employment are all good options. Some may be a more obvious better fit for your child than others, depending upon their qualifications, interests and skills.
Apprenticeships
There are various ways to find apprenticeship vacancies:
- Government website: Young people can use Find an Apprenticeship to search for available apprenticeship vacancies. Once registered, they can search for apprenticeship vacancies and apply directly through the website.
- Company Websites: Many companies post their apprenticeship vacancies on their official websites.
- Apprenticeship Training Providers: Some apprenticeships are delivered through training providers. Check their websites for apprenticeship opportunities.
- Job Boards: Online job boards and career websites may also list apprenticeship vacancies.
Be ready for the next phase
Even if your child achieves the expected grades and follows their Plan A, their life and your life may well be in for a period of considerable adjustment, especially if they are leaving home.
“If your child’s aiming to go to university, there should be more advice for parents on how much it’s likely to cost them if they’re in a position to support them financially.”
Resources
