GCSE results day: an expert’s advice for Cornwall parents

You’ve watched them work towards this all year, and now the envelope, or more likely the log-in screen, is showing them something neither of you were hoping for. What you say in the next few minutes on results day matters more than almost anything else that happens today.

What to say in the first few minutes

Dr Richard Anderson, Director of Learning at online training provider High Speed Training, says the starting point is remembering that every student has taken their own route to results day. “Whatever results students are faced with, remembering that each individual has experienced their own, personal journey to get there is vital,” he said. “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.”

Richard says a child who has missed their expected grades is likely to be dealing with a mix of disappointment and panic all at once. “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.”

The questions to avoid

Some questions feel natural in the moment and do more harm than good. Richard’s advice is to steer clear of anything that sounds like an inquest. “Avoid asking questions like ‘why didn’t you revise harder?’ or focusing on subjects they underperformed in,” he said. “If they’re already disappointed in their performance, these questions will only serve to undermine their self confidence and make them feel worse.”

Their options are wider than they think

Missing a grade can feel, in the moment, like a door has closed. Richard says that reaction is usually based on a false assumption. “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.”

He points out that a university place is often more flexible than students expect. “It may be that their chosen university will still accept students who speak to them directly, whether on their preferred course or a similar course that they can later transfer from. Alternatively, there are many other routes to go down, including clearing, apprenticeships and internships to reach their goal.”

“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 into a decision

The pressure on results day is to fix everything by teatime. Richard’s advice runs the other way. “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.”

Who else can help

Parents don’t have to work out next steps alone. Richard points to the network already built around every student. “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.”

School and college careers advisors, he says, can turn a difficult morning into a plan. “Trained careers advisors can also help your child by providing a personalised plan of action based on the career path they have in mind.” More education training resources are available through High Speed Training.