How parents in Cornwall can support children on GCSE results day

With GCSE results day taking place tomorrow, Thursday 21st August, many families across Cornwall will be bracing themselves for an emotional morning. While there will be plenty of celebrations, some students may face panic, confusion, and disappointment if their results are not what they hoped for.

Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at the online training provider High Speed Training, has shared expert advice for parents on how best to support their children through the pressures of results day.

Celebrate achievements first

Dr Anderson said:
"Whatever results students are faced with, remembering that each individual has experienced their own, personal journey to get there is vital. Remind them of the obstacles they've overcome to get to this point – it's a credit to their work ethic in such challenging times.

"For students who haven't done as well as expected, they're going to be feeling a whole mixture of emotions, including disappointment and panic. It's important to remind them that they did their best, which is only something to be proud of – these results won't be the sole determinant of their future success.

"Avoid asking questions like 'why didn't you revise harder?' or focusing on subjects they underperformed in. If they're already disappointed in their performance, these questions will only serve to undermine their self confidence and make them feel worse."

Should you ask for a re-mark?

Dr Anderson explained that students must achieve a minimum of a grade 4 in maths and English literature or language to avoid retakes at A level.

He said:
"Students are required to get a minimum of a 4 in maths and either English literature or language to avoid having to retake them at A level. So the first step for students who have scored a 3 in these subjects is to ask for a re-mark. It's not a certainty that re-marking their paper will increase their grade, but it's definitely a step that's worth taking.

"There is a charge for getting the exams re-marked, but in many cases this is something that the school will cover. It should also be said that if the grade is less than a 3, there's very little chance of it increasing to a 4, so in this case it's not worth asking for a re-mark."

Talking to colleges and sixth forms

For Cornwall students hoping to move on to college or sixth form, Dr Anderson stressed the importance of contacting the institution directly.

He said:
"Another priority after receiving disappointing results is to contact your child's preferred college or sixth form to ask about possible options.

"Many colleges will do what they can to accept your child, even if they underperformed in their GCSEs, so it's vital that you speak to them about what options your child has. It's possible that they will offer your child a place on their chosen course, with conditions relating to performance or retaking key GCSEs. They may also offer them a place on a similar course.

"If the college will not accept your child due to their results, then it's time to consider other options."

Considering career paths

Dr Anderson also pointed out that GCSE results do not close the door on future ambitions.

He said:
"Many students will be under the impression that not receiving their desired results means they can't pursue the career path they had in mind – it's important to reassess and rationalise these thoughts.

"It's possible that your child can still get into their chosen career path by going straight into employment, or by taking qualifications that aren't A-levels, so it's important that you evaluate whether college is a necessity or a bonus when it comes to entering their career of choice.

"There isn't one linear process that every student needs to follow. By reminding yourself and your child of this, you open up a much wider variety of possibilities for them to explore."

Don't rush decisions

Finally, Dr Anderson advised parents in Cornwall to take time before making any big decisions.

He said:
"In the unfortunate case that your child doesn't receive the results they need, take time to let feelings and emotions die down so that you're both able to see the bigger picture. There's no immediate rush to make a decision, regardless of the outcome you've been faced with.

"Your child's educational support system will already provide a network of people available to consult with on what the next step should be – these people are trained and knowledgeable in this specific field so it's really important to utilise them.

"Trained careers advisors can also help your child by providing a personalised plan of action based on the career path they have in mind."