On the 17th of August, millions of students across the country will be opening their A-level exam results. Just a week later on the 24th of August, millions more will also be waiting to receive their GCSE results as well.
A-level and GCSE results can be a tumultuous time for teens full of excitement, anxiety and uncertainty. However, 2023 is shaping up to be a testing time for many students. Exam regulator Ofqual has reintroduced tougher grading regimes after marking standards were relaxed due to the impact on learning caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The return to tougher marking criteria could lead to one of the biggest year-on-year falls in high grades in recent years, with the potential for thousands of students to miss out on the crucial grades needed for their university offers. Analysis by the Centre for Education and Employment Research at the University of Buckingham, suggests that as many as 100,000 fewer top A-level grades could be awarded this year compared to 2021.
It’s not just exam results that are a cause of concern for students. Competition for university places this year is expected to be incredibly competitive. A recent UCAS report shows that the number of UK 18-year-olds applying to an undergraduate course this year is the second highest on record. The report also shows that the total number of international applicants has increased by 2.4% from last year. Up from 134,870 in 2022 to 138,050 this year.
Tougher grading criteria and high competition for university places has caused heightened stress in students, making this year's students the “most anxious exam cohort ever” according to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).
With thousands of students nervously awaiting results, and a lot riding on them, it can be difficult for parents to know how to help their kids through such an anxious time. What can parents do to provide support before and after results day?
Joanna Leite (Deputy Head, Pastoral) is familiar with the challenges - not only for students waiting for their results - but also for parents in knowing the best way to support them.
“The exam season can be a stressful and challenging time for students. As a parent myself of a child awaiting GCSE results, it can be difficult to know how to give your child what they need both before and after exam results are released.
Finding the right way to offer support can often feel like a balancing act. The key thing to consider is finding ways to help them deal with their feelings in a positive way and avoiding adding to the pressure they’re experiencing.
Prioritising mental, emotional and physical health, finding effective outlets for stress and creating a plan of action for any potential outcome can go a long way to helping students feel supported and prepared, no matter what their results are.”
Joanna has shared some key tips that parents can use to help support students awaiting their results:
Before Results Are Released
Provide emotional support: A lot of emphasis and expectations are placed on exam results. Reassure your child that their worth is not solely determined by their exam results and that, while they may feel overwhelmed or disappointed now, those feelings will not last forever. Create a space where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings and concerns. Encourage them to talk about their worries, give them a chance to feel their emotions and give them the support that they need as an individual.
Avoid adding pressure: While it's completely natural to want the best for your child, reinforcing expectations can place undue pressure on them during a very anxious time. Encouragement should come from a place of support rather than a place of demand. During this crucial time, try to be a supporter instead of a coach or manager.
Manage expectations: Some students may feel very confident about their results, others less so. No matter what, helping them to set realistic expectations can help to take the pressure off. Managing expectations can help them feel vindicated when they succeed, but also better able to deal with and overcome any potential disappointment.
Maintain normalcy: Waiting for results can often feel like everyone is on tenterhooks, which can be an anxious and exhausting experience for everyone involved. Try to keep to a routine as much as possible so everything feels as close to normal as possible.
Plan for all outcomes and situations: While many students may be set on a certain path, having a plan for any outcome can alleviate stress and help students feel prepared no matter the outcome. If they achieve the desired results, celebrate and discuss their plans. If the results aren't as expected, have a plan for possible alternatives. This can include going through clearing, re-sitting exams, taking a gap year, or exploring different educational or career paths.
Promote Well-being: Waiting for results can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and stress, which can have an impact on a child's physical, mental and emotional well-being. Encourage healthy habits such as regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet. Plan events in the lead-up to results to help them take their minds off the day.
After Results Are Released
Celebrate their efforts: Regardless of the outcome, reassure your child about the hard work and effort they put in during exams. Celebrate their dedication and perseverance.
Avoid comparisons with others: Comparing your child's results to others is an easy trap for your child - and parents - to fall into. It’s important to remember that every student's learning journey is different, so comparing against others is never going to be a fair or productive process. Instead, invest energy in finding a way forward. Get the ball rolling on alternative plans or explore other options.
Be empathetic and patient: After receiving their results, some teens might experience mood swings. For teens to achieve their results, this can be feelings of excitement, anxiety and for some even a sense of imposter syndrome. Students who don’t get their desired grades may feel despondent and be hard on themselves. Whatever the outcome, be patient and allow them to process their emotions at their own pace. Be sensitive and try to avoid dismissive statements. Validating their feelings can make them feel understood and supported.
Plan ahead: While landing a university place can be a great feeling, the process to get there can feel a bit overwhelming - especially if they’re moving away from home. Figuring out a clear plan of action, from writing out a shopping list to dealing with documents can help alleviate anxiety and help them feel more prepared.
Pursue alternative plans: It’s important to remind teens that not achieving their desired result or first choice is not the end of the world - even if it feels that way. There are always options available. Going through clearing, resitting exams, apprenticeships, doing a foundation year or taking a gap year are all excellent alternatives. Go over their options and when they feel ready begin the process. Moving forward can help them feel more grounded and eventually even excited for what's ahead.
Respect their space: While your support is important, teens sometimes need personal space to be able to freely experience how they’re feeling. While it's important to make sure they are not cutting off contact entirely, seeking space is a perfectly normal reaction. Respect their needs and provide encouragement where needed.
Signs Of Results Day Stress To Look Out For
It’s important to remember that stress is a natural response to feelings of pressure and uncertainty. There are two types of stress both ‘good’ and ‘bad’.
Good stress (eustress) is the type of stress we experience when we experience a stressor that we often regularly deal with and can overcome. Positive examples of eustress can include the stress we feel while travelling or the feeling we get taking on a new project.
Bad stress (distress) can develop when our ability to process stressors isn’t working as well as it should be. It can also come after we experience long periods of stress that we can’t overcome. This type of stress can have a significant impact on our health and well-being.
Being able to identify the kind of stress we experience and how to process and overcome it effectively is important for our physical, mental and emotional well-being which can affect our health and behaviour. Here are some signs that parents/guardians can look for to help spot the signs of exam stress.
These include:
An upset stomach
Headaches
Disturbed sleep
Loss of appetite
Being irritable
Low mood
Lack of communication
If your child experiences any of these issues, talk to them to try and get to the bottom of how they’re feeling. In some cases, the issue could be something that can be addressed either by talking it out or putting some actionable plans in place. However, if their level of stress and anxiety elevates to a point where they may need medical help, consult your local GP to make sure there are no underlying issues and to suggest a course of action or treatment that can be beneficial.