GCSE results day advice from experts: how to help teens cope, whatever grades they get

Six experts share practical ways parents can support teenagers before, during and after GCSE exam results day.

Blond teenage girl discussing papers with male friends in high school corridor

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Published: August 20, 2026 at 9:00 AM

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Results day can be an emotional rollercoaster for teenagers. With many young people feeling intense pressure to succeed, experts say the role parents play on the day can have a lasting impact.

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A recent survey by SaveMyExams found that one in three students experiences anxiety linked to pressure to excel, with one in four describing that pressure as almost unbearable.

But while there's no doubt that grades are important, education specialists say families should focus on reassurance, perspective and practical next steps - whatever the outcome.

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Talk through every possible outcome before results day

Katharine Radice, former teacher and author of The Parent's Guide to Exam Stress, says one of the most helpful things parents can do is prepare for different scenarios before envelopes are opened.

Rather than treating results day as a make-or-break moment, she encourages families to discuss what could happen if grades are higher than expected, exactly as hoped, or disappointing.

Parents should talk through possible outcomes in advance and consider what a Plan B might look like, focussing on the upsides of different options, even if they're not the first choice.

Katharine Radice, author of The Parent's Guide to Exam Stress

She also believes recognising the hard work that went into exams is just as important as celebrating the final grades.

Celebrate effort, not just results

Dr Özgür Bolat, education scientist and author of The Reward Trap, says linking rewards solely to grades can unintentionally increase pressure.

Instead, he believes parents should recognise perseverance, curiosity and progress, helping teenagers see that their value extends beyond exam performance.

Rewards can seem like an easy way to encourage students, but they may backfire if they shift attention away from curiosity, growth and internal motivation.

Dr Özgür Bolat, education scientist and author of The Reward Trap

He also suggests changing the conversation after results are received, asking children what they learned or what they would like to work towards next, rather than focusing only on the numbers.

Help children overcome the fear of failure

For many young people, disappointing grades can feel deeply personal. Dr Melisa Buie, a PhD scientist and author of Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure's Funk, says parents can help by showing that setbacks are a normal part of learning.

Rather than reacting immediately, she recommends taking time to process the results and avoid comparisons with classmates.

On the day, pause before reacting, avoid immediate comparison with friends, and take time to understand the options. This will help students respond with perspective rather than panic.

Dr Melisa Buie, author of Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure's Funk

Remember that grades do not define your child

Rachel Johnson, CEO of a large education business working with schools and author of Connected: Focusing on ‘me’ and ‘we’, says children often remember how results day made them feel long after they've forgotten the exact grades.

She believes creating a calm, supportive environment allows teenagers to process disappointment without feeling judged.

According to Johnson, feeling listened to and supported can turn a difficult day into the beginning of a positive conversation about what comes next.

If results are disappointing, focus on the opportunities ahead

Eleanor Tweddell, author of Another Door Opens: 5 Steps for Navigating Change in Life and Work, says disappointing results should not be viewed as the end of the road.

It's important to remind them that a closed door does not mean that's all there is.

Eleanor Tweddell, author of Another Door Opens: 5 Steps for Navigating Change in Life and Work

She says families should allow teenagers time to process their emotions before exploring practical options such as:

Remember university is not the only route to success

Entrepreneur Jimmy Cockerton, author of No-Risk Side Hustle, believes results day should also be an opportunity to discuss a wider range of career paths.

Having left school at 16 before going on to build several businesses, he says entrepreneurship deserves more attention alongside university and traditional employment routes.

Cockerton argues that helping young people understand the variety of opportunities available can make disappointing grades feel less overwhelming and encourage them to think more broadly about their future.

How parents can make results day less stressful

While every family's situation is different, the experts agree on several themes that can help reduce anxiety on results day:

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For many teenagers, results day feels like a major milestone. But as these experts highlight, the conversations parents have before and after those results arrive can be just as important as the grades themselves. Staying calm, listening first and keeping future options open can help young people approach the next chapter with greater confidence, whatever the outcome.

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