Results day: advice for parents
Results day can bring excitement, disappointment, uncertainty – and sometimes all three.
Whatever results your child receives, you don’t need to have all the answers. One of the most useful things you can do is give them time to take in their results, listen to how they feel and help them work out what – if anything – needs to happen next.
Even if their results aren’t what they hoped for, don’t assume their original plan is no longer possible. And if they got the results they needed, it’s OK if they’re having second thoughts.
Start with your child
Before jumping into solutions, find out how your child is feeling and what they need from you.
You could ask:
- “How are you feeling about your results?”
- “Would you like to talk now or have some time first?”
- “What would be most helpful from me?”
- “Are you still happy with what you were planning to do next?”
Try to listen before offering solutions, and avoid comparing their results with their friends’ or relatives’.
A set of results may affect the route your child takes, but it doesn’t have to determine where they eventually end up.
Results days in 2026
- A-level and T-level results day: Thursday 13 August 2026
- GCSE results day: Thursday 20 August 2026
Results dates for other qualifications may vary. Check with your child’s school or college.
What do you need to do?
If their plan can still go ahead
There may be very little you need to do. Check whether their school, college, university, training provider or employer has given them any instructions or deadlines. If they’re still happy with their choice, results day doesn’t need to become a reason to rethink everything.
If their results affect the plan
Don’t assume the place or route has disappeared. Ask your child to contact the relevant school, college, university or training provider first. Entry requirements can vary, and they may still offer a place, suggest another course or explain what other options are available.
If they’ve changed their mind or are unsure
Help them work out what has changed rather than rushing into a new decision. Are they unsure about the subject or course? Where they’ll study? The way they’ll learn? Or has something changed about their interests or plans?
You don’t need to choose for them. Your role can simply be to ask the right questions and explore options together.
If your child has received GCSE results
If their results affect their planned next step, encourage them to contact their intended sixth form, college or training provider before assuming they can no longer take up their place.
The provider may still accept them or suggest another suitable course.
If they do need to consider something different, they could explore:
- a different course or qualification level
- another sixth form or further education college
- a different qualification, like a T-level or apprenticeship
- resitting one or more subjects
If your child did not achieve grade 4 or above in GCSE English or maths, they will usually need to continue studying these subjects. Their school or college can explain how this will work.
If your child has received A-level, T-level or other Level 3 results
What happens next depends on what your child was planning to do after their qualification. University is one option, but it isn’t the only one.
If they’re planning to go to university
If their place is confirmed, they should follow the instructions from their university or college.
If they didn’t get the grades required by their offer, don’t assume they’ve lost their place. Ask them to check their UCAS account first. The university may still have accepted them, offered an alternative course or be waiting to make a decision.
If the position is still unclear, they should contact the university directly.
If they need another option, they could look at their insurance choice or explore available courses through Clearing.
If they’re planning an apprenticeship or employment
If your child already has an apprenticeship or employment offer, encourage them to check whether their results affect it and contact the employer or training provider if anything is unclear.
If they haven’t yet secured their next step, they can continue looking for apprenticeship and employment opportunities after results day.
If they’ve changed their mind or are unsure what comes next
Changing direction isn’t a failure. Depending on their interests, skills and ambitions, they could consider options including:
- an apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship
- a Higher Technical Qualification
- further education or specialist training
- employment with training
- a structured gap year
Help them compare what matters to them: what interests them, how they want to learn, the experience they’ll gain and what each option could lead to.
What if your child thinks a grade is wrong?
Speak to their school or college as soon as possible. They can explain how the result was calculated and whether a review or appeal may be appropriate.
An appeal doesn’t guarantee that a grade will increase, so your child may want to continue exploring other options while the outcome is being considered.
Frequently asked questions
My child didn’t get the GCSE grades they needed. What should we do first?
Don’t assume they’ve lost their planned place. Ask them to contact their chosen school, college or training provider first. They may still accept them, suggest a different course or help them understand their alternatives.
My child got the results they needed but has changed their mind. What should I do?
Start by finding out what has changed. Help them understand their alternatives, check any relevant deadlines and find out what would happen if they gave up an existing place or offer.
My child missed the grades for their university offer. Have they lost their place?
Not necessarily. Ask them to check their UCAS account first. Their university may still have accepted them, offered an alternative course or still be considering their application.
What is university clearing?
Clearing helps universities and colleges fill course places that remain available. It can be used by eligible applicants who do not hold an offer, did not meet their offer conditions or decide to decline an existing place.
Can my child apply for an apprenticeship after results day?
Yes. Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised throughout the year and entry requirements vary between roles.
Should my child resit an exam?
A resit may be worth considering if a particular grade is important for the course or career your child wants. Before deciding, help them understand whether there are other routes to the same destination and speak to their school, college or careers adviser.
Does my child have to remain in education after GCSEs?
In England, young people must remain in education or training until they are 18. This could mean full-time education, an apprenticeship, or work or volunteering combined with part-time education or training.
Where can we get independent advice?
Your child can speak to their school or college careers adviser or contact the National Careers Service.
Talking Futures is delivered by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.
Last updated: August 2026.