Preparing for GCSE results day - how can I help my child?

Dec 27, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Jul 22

Waiting for GCSE results can be a nerve-wracking time for your teen, and a stressful time for you too. In this article we explain what happens on GCSE results day, what your teen’s options are, and what they can do if they haven’t done as well as they’d hoped.

Preparing for GCSE results day - how can I help my child?

When is GCSE results day?

GCSE results day falls in late August, usually on the fourth Thursday of the month (a week after A-level results day) in England and Wales. Check the exact date for the current year.

How are results collected?

Results are available from school as early as 8.00am (collection time varies by school). Depending on the school, there may be different secure options to collect results, such as by phone or via a parent portal. Check with the school so you know what’s available.

What is the grading system?

In 2017, the previous A* to G system was replaced with a numerical system, ranging from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest). Although the new scale isn’t directly equivalent to the old system (A* to E), there are some comparable points.

The top three grades, 9, 8 and 7, are broadly equivalent to A* and A from the old system. This is designed to give more differentiation at the top end and reward exceptional performance.

There are now two pass marks: 4 is a standard pass and 5 is a strong pass. Grade 4 is the minimum level students must achieve in English and maths without needing to retake them post-16.

Who should I speak to if I need help on the day?

Exam results day can be an anxious time for you and your teen. Make sure you know who to contact at your child’s school or college for advice and support if results don’t go as planned.

The Exam Results Helpline is also available, offering free support from trained careers advisers, usually from 9am on the day of results: 0800 100 900.

Who should I speak to if I need help on the day?

What if my child doesn’t do as well as hoped?

GCSE results day is a good point to reflect and think over future options with your child. If they haven’t done as well as they’d hoped, be reassuring and supportive, and try not to get angry, disappointed or frustrated, especially if it’s a case of 'I told you so'. There are usually alternatives, and a positive approach offers a faster route to happy solutions.

Low grades don’t mean they can’t study their chosen subject at sixth form. There may be an option to retake the GCSE, or to start the sixth form subject without a retake.

However, in some cases GCSE results are a strong indicator of future performance, and it may not be wise to pursue a subject for which they don’t have a natural aptitude; choosing an alternative might be better. Speak to their teachers and get advice about next steps.

Possible options if they don’t do well at GCSE:

Speak with their chosen place of study. Will they accept them even though they haven’t met minimum standards? It’s worth asking; they may say yes so long as your child commits to some additional work.
Retake failed subjects.
Do similar sixth form studies somewhere different, without having to retake.
Do an internship, traineeship or volunteer placement to gain and prove the skills needed to continue further studies.
Start an apprenticeship.

What if my child doesn’t do as well as hoped?

Dealing with stress and anxiety

In the lead-up to results day, you can help manage your teen’s stress and nerves with these tips:

Keep calm, let them know you love them, and be available to talk when they’re ready.
Try to distract them by planning activities that keep them busy and help them relax. A movie night, helping prepare dinner, or a walk or trip to the local shops are good starting points.
Create a calm environment at home by playing music that encourages the body to relax.
Teach your teen some breathing techniques. Breathing in through the nose for five seconds and out through the mouth for five seconds can help restore balance and make them feel calmer.

Everyone experiences stress from time to time, and short bouts aren’t harmful. However, there can be times when stress and anxiety reach exceptional levels and professional support is required. There’s a range of options available, including:

Teachers at school, both in an academic capacity to help understand subjects better, as tutors to help create better ways of working outside school, and pastoral experts who can help with emotional issues.
Some schools have an independent counsellor your child can talk to in confidence (so they won’t relay the information to the school).
Peer support networks. Speaking to someone of a similar age, or slightly older and more recently through a similar experience, can feel easier and very reassuring.
Charities, most of which now offer both online and telephone support. This anonymity (not being face to face) can make talking over problems and worries easier.