Whether you're receiving your GCSE or A-Level results, it's important to remember that these results are just one part of your journey and do not define your future.
There are many different pathways into rewarding careers, education and training. While some students will be celebrating the grades they hoped for, others may be considering alternative options. Whatever your results, there are opportunities available to help you take your next steps with confidence.
If you're feeling disappointed, uncertain or overwhelmed about your results, remember that support is available and there is no rush to make major decisions immediately. Taking time to consider your options and seek advice can help you make the choice that is right for you.
Young people are encouraged to speak to trusted adults, friends, teachers, college staff, careers advisers or wellbeing professionals if they are finding the results period difficult.
Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs)
Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) work with participating schools and colleges to support emotional wellbeing and mental health. MHSTs can provide support for common difficulties such as exam stress, anxiety, low mood and emotional wellbeing concerns, as well as advice and guidance for young people, parents, carers and education staff.
ELFT MHSTs also deliver a range of preventative and psychoeducational support, including exam stress workshops, emotional wellbeing sessions and consultation with education staff.
Local MHST Information
Helpful Resources for Young People
Preparing for Results Day
YoungMinds has developed guidance to help young people prepare for results day, including managing anxiety beforehand, planning the day itself and coping strategies if emotions feel overwhelming. [youngminds.org.uk]
Resource: YoungMinds: Tips to Help You Prepare for Results Day
Coping With Exam Results Stress
YoungMinds has also produced guidance specifically focused on the emotional impact of receiving results, including dealing with disappointment, considering alternative options and taking time before making important decisions. [youngminds.org.uk]
Resource: YoungMinds: Exam Results Stress Advice for Young People
Building Resilience Around Results
Anna Freud has published practical reflections and wellbeing advice from young people who have experienced exam and results-related stress, focusing on self-care, self-talk and resilience during challenging periods. [annafreud.org]
Resource: Anna Freud: Lessons for Wellbeing from A-Level Exams, on Results Day
Helpful Resources for Parents and Carers
Results day can be an anxious time for families as well as young people. Parents and carers can play a valuable role by listening without judgement, acknowledging emotions, avoiding immediate pressure to make decisions and helping young people explore the options available to them.
Anna Freud has developed resources to help parents and carers support young people before and after results day, including practical strategies for managing uncertainty and maintaining wellbeing. [thelink.sl...ugh.gov.uk]
Resource: Anna Freud: Supporting Wellbeing Before and After Results Day
Additional guidance for families includes advice on discussing disappointing results, supporting resilience and navigating next steps. [hub.gminte...are.org.uk]
Resource: Supporting Your Child Through Results Day
Support for Schools and Colleges
Schools and colleges supporting students through exam season may find the Anna Freud and Mentally Healthy Schools guidance helpful. The resource includes information on recognising exam-related distress, supporting conversations with students and understanding when additional support may be required. [mentallyhe...ols.org.uk]
Resource: Exam and Assessment Stress Guidance
Urgent Mental Health Support
If a young person's mental health deteriorates significantly or there are concerns about their immediate safety:
- Contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option where available.
- Contact local urgent mental health services.
- Call 999 or attend A&E if there is an immediate risk to life or safety.