News Story
Aug 2025 / Blog
As GCSE results day approaches, many parents find themselves navigating a mix of emotions, not just vicariously through their teens, but experiencing them firsthand. Results day can bring excitement and relief but also anxiety and a sense of uncertainty about what’s next for your young person.
Whether your child gets the grades they hoped for or not, there are things you can do to support them at such a pivotal moment in their educational journey.
At ACT, we’ve worked with thousands of young people as they navigate through this time and, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have all the answers. We’ve put together a few practical ways parents can help.
Keep talk positive and open
GCSE results seem like the be-all and end-all at the time, but they don’t define your child – and that’s something you may need to be reminded of as well as your child. GCSEs are just one milestone on a much bigger journey.
Whether the results are better or worse than expected, keeping calm and positive is important.
Focus on your child’s strengths, interests, and the opportunities ahead, rather than dwelling on disappointments. Let them know that you’re proud of their effort and that you’ll support them no matter what.
Explore options together
Many young people aren’t aware that sixth form or college aren’t the only options. It’s important that they know all the different pathways available to them and the opportunities that will play to their strengths. One option is Jobs Growth Wales+, a Welsh Government training and development programme for 16–19-year-olds. JGW+ can help hone numeracy, literacy, and employability skills while also helping young people progress in their chosen field.
For teens who want a bit more freedom from and a more practical, career-focused route, Jobs Growth Wales+ can be a great option – even if they haven’t chosen a particular career pathway yet. JGW+ can help boost confidence and life skills, as well as offer support for wellbeing and mentorship.
Tap into some insider knowledge
While exploration of different options is positive and insightful, it can also be nerve-wracking and, likely, quite overwhelming. If your teen is experiencing information overload, encourage them to speak with a careers adviser or to attend open days at training providers or colleges.
No one knows a programme as well as the staff that live and breathe it every day, as such they are a great source of information. If your child feels uncomfortable asking questions, attend a meeting or open day with them and compile a list of questions beforehand that you can chip in and ask if they’re feeling shy.
Sometimes simply talking through a lot of information can make things less overwhelming. Ask your teen if they would like to go over their options with you, and put together a list of the pros and cons of each option.
Avoid comparisons and promote individuality
As with many aspects of modern-day life, the pressure of comparison looms large during GCSE results day. Your teen will likely compare themselves to others – to their friends, their peers or even to random people on the news or social media.
If their results are vastly different to others it is natural that they will feel left out, especially if their results mean that they can’t follow the same path as their mates, or that their plans to ‘stick together’ after GCSEs have been disrupted.
Understandably, there is a strong sense of comfort and security from friends and this change can cause added stress and emotional upheaval. Remind your teen that it’s okay to explore different options. Stepping out of their comfort zones can unlock new, undiscovered pathways and their friends will still be there for them even if they are pursuing different options.
They’re independent but you shouldn’t disengage
Regardless of outcome, GCSE results day is a pivotal turning point when your child will start making more and more independent choices about their future. Encourage that independence but stay engaged and informed. Help them with applications, offer to visit training providers and colleges with them, and keep checking in emotionally. If they seem ungrateful for your input don’t be offended, this is a stressful time for them and emotions are high. Even if they don’t show it, your support and encouragement are appreciated.
