GCSE: Here are 5 ways parents can support their children’s unexpected results
- Experts warn of common mistakes parents make as results day approaches
- Leading tutoring provider offers crucial advice to support children with unexpected results
It’s GCSE results day and 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 education provider, warns that children need more support due to a growing “comparison culture” among students.
Charlotte Gater, Head of Education at Explore Learning, says: “The intense pressure surrounding GCSE exams can make disappointing results feel devastating for young people. We frequently see students with solid grades feeling disappointed simply because their peers performed better. Parents and caregivers have a vital role in challenging this toxic mindset, especially given the enormous pressure teens face to match or compete with their friends.”
Whether students are unhappy with their results or are falling victim to comparison culture with their peers, Explore Learning offers five ways to support children on results day:
- Don’t immediately focus on grades
The role you play in helping your child deal with results day anxiety is very important. Asking about specific grades right away can increase anxiety, which can make your teen feel isolated and afraid. Instead, allow your child 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.
Charlotte Gater advises parents to focus on supportive actions: “Recognise your child’s hard work, whatever the results. Help them understand that exam grades don’t define them or limit future success, and foster open dialogue about how they’re feeling. Above all, guide them to concentrate on their personal progress instead of measuring themselves against 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 is the UK’s largest independent tuition provider for school-aged learners and a recognised leader in the UK education ecosystem. 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.
