Advice for students on results day 2024
Good luck to all the parents who will be supporting teenagers receiving GCSE results today. Last week, students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland received their A-Level qualifications (15 August) and this Thursday (22 August) students are receiving GCSE, BTec Tech Awards and other level 2 qualifications.
This time of year is nerve-wracking for all teenagers and adult learners, as well as the parents, carers or friends that are willing them to succeed from the sidelines. However, for some, this can be a particularly challenging period, as pressure mounts and decisions over the future loom, leading to feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.
If you’re worried about what results day might bring, or concerned a loved one is struggling to cope, help is available. Whether it’s to build resilience and stay mentally healthy when things are feeling challenging, talking to someone about how you’re feeling, or to find out how best to support your child, we’ve shared some useful resources and practical advice that will help you navigate exam results season.
Top tips for taming results day nerves.
Remember: it’s not the end of the world.
You’ll probably hear this tired cliché a lot this week. But it really is true. No one is defined by their exam results.
“Without failure we cannot grow, and without failure there is no success,” so even if you don’t see the results you wanted, this bump in the road won’t derail your route to success and may even turn out to be an opportunity in disguise.
Take your mind off results.
Allow yourself to become distracted by immersing yourself in something you love. Watch your favourite movie, play video games or do some exercise. Whatever it takes to clear your mind, allow yourself the space and time to do it.
Speak to your friends and family.
Feeling stressed about exams results can be a heavy load to carry. Reach out to those around you and discuss your concerns, you’ll likely find that you are not alone in experiencing these feelings.
Stay Positive.
Parents and carers should avoid adding pressure. Keep things positive and supportive, while being on hand to discuss any natural feeling of nerves and stress. It’s also key to recognise that success can come in many different ways. Try to see results from your child’s perspective and share the experience, whether highs or lows, with them.
For students, practicing self-care in the run-up to and after results day can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. From keeping a healthy sleep routine to doing a hobby that you enjoy, it’s vital you prioritise your own mental health during results week.
Speak to your school.
Grades are often decided by the finest of margins, which might mean that an appeal or re-mark might help you hit a higher boundary if you just missed out. Many students also take re-sits to get the grades they need. Speak to staff members from your school to go over your options and get advice tailored to your situation.
Assess your options.
“No matter what grades you get on results day, it’s still possible to have the future you want.” Disappointing results don’t mean you have to ditch your dreams. Explore alternative pathways to get where you want to be, including work experience, apprenticeships, or courses with lower entry requirements.
Thousands of A-Level students can still achieve their aspirations of attending university through clearing or speaking to their chosen institution directly. Some handy sites to help you figure out your future include National Careers Service, UCAS, Not Going to Uni and AllAboutSchoolLeavers.
Don’t devalue yourself.
“Exams require you not to do your best, but do your best in that moment.” It can often seem unfair that years of hard work are judged on a stressful two hour exam. While some thrive under pressure, many of us feel overwhelmed and the stress of the event impacts our performance. Don’t let a bad result define you. Think of areas in which you shine, whether its in the classroom, working on projects or delivering presentations and learn to accept that exams aren’t the be-all and end-all.
Don't compare yourself to others.
Try not to worry about how your results compare to your classmates. Their success is not your failure. We’re all different people with different skills, attributes and circumstances so it’s unfair to expect the same outcomes. And remember, you don’t have to share your results if you don’t want to.
Reward yourself.
Whatever the outcome of your results day, remember to reflect on your time at school or college and all the hard work you put in. You deserve to relax and reward this effort. Whether that’s meeting up with friends or treating yourself to something you love.
Where to go for further advice and support
Young Minds
Pressure to do well in exams can become overwhelming and it can affect your mental health. Young Minds have put together lots of advice if it’s all getting a bit too much.
To find out more, visit
Place2Be
As adults, it can be difficult to know how best to support children and young people during exam season. Place2Be have created some tip sheets full of practical advice to help young people and families manage stress during exam season.
To find out more, visit
Apps and other digital services
There are tons of services young people can access from their phone or computer for immediate support. From anonymous peer support apps to wellbeing guidance, check out Kooth, Silvercloud, Qwell, ChatHealth and Tellmi.
Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust Services
GMMH’s 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Helpline
Our free 24/7 mental health crisis helpline for all ages is here to help our service users, carers, and people living in the areas we serve. If you are worried or anxious about your mental health or feeling as though you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent support and help, please don't hesitate to call us on 0800 953 0285
The mental health crisis helpline is also there for you if you are concerned about a loved one, neighbour, friend or family member. It is open all day and night, 365 days per year and it is free of charge.
The School Link Team aims to prevent mental health difficulties developing for children and young people. Our school link practitioners support schools and educational staff in Wigan to develop knowledge, skills and confidence in identifying and supporting mental health needs.
For young people our service can be accessed through their school, who can support by making a referral into the CAMHS School link Team.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
CAMHS is an NHS service that assesses and treats young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. Our support covers depression, problems with food, self-harm, abuse, violence or anger, bipolar, schizophrenia and anxiety, to name a few.
To learn more about the services we provide in your area, please see the links below: Child and Adolescent Mental Health | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT (gmmh.nhs.uk)
We offer evidenced based psychological interventions to support people experiencing common mental health problems including anxiety, depression and stress.
For more information about the support available in your area, please click on the links below.
Talking Therapies | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT (gmmh.nhs.uk)
Talking Therapies Employment Adviser Service
The Employment Adviser Service is dedicated to empowering individuals receiving therapy from Talking Therapies to make informed decisions about their employment journey. With services available in Manchester, Wigan, Salford and Bolton.
