Eight Ways That Parents Can Be Helpful on GCSE Results Day

1. 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Before the results are even received, ensure your home is a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Let your child know that their worth isn't solely tied to their grades.

2. 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Help your child understand that results can vary and that they shouldn't be too hard on themselves if results aren't as good as they wanted.

3. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗺

If the results aren't what your child expected, stay calm and composed. Your reaction can significantly impact how they process the situation.

4. 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧

Give your child a chance to talk about their results, their feelings, and any concerns they might have. Be an attentive listener without immediately jumping into solutions.

5. 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

If your child achieves the grades they were aiming for, celebrate their success and hard work. Acknowledge their efforts and show pride in their accomplishments.

6. 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞

Remind your child that GCSEs are just one part of their educational journey. There are many opportunities ahead for growth and success.

7. 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜e

Use this experience as an opportunity to teach your child about resilience, adaptability, and the value of learning from setbacks.

8. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

If your child is upset, anxious, or disappointed about their results, validate their emotions. Let them know it's okay to feel how they're feeling.

So, remember the most important thing is to be there for your child, whatever the results may be. Your support and understanding can make a massive difference in how they navigate this important moment in their life.

This day is about them, not you.

And their results will not define them.

Amit Kalley is co-founder of For Working Parents, an organisation designed help the workplace become more inclusive for parents. By offering a keynote storytelling session based on his own experience raising a daughter with three holes in heart, one-to-one and group coaching, and providing workshops and webinars around parenting, Amit uses his experience and skills to create a workplace that’s more human and where parents get the support they need. A former Deputy Headteacher, Amit is an ICF trained coach and also supports parents individually to become more effective communicators with their children.