A worrying time for students getting their exam results
Exam results day can feel like the single most nerve-wracking day of a young person’s life. But this year, it’s likely that children are more worried about exams than
usual, as they receive their results in the middle of a global pandemic.
So, with some young people having just found out their ALevel grades, and others about to receive their GCSE’s or SATS, I think it’s important to talk about how we can be supporting children during this tricky time.
It’s not uncommon for young people to be anxious about exam results, especially this year, where many children have been telling Childline that they don’t feel in control of their exam results.
Many are saying they feel robbed of the opportunity to sit exams properly.
Others have told us that they are concerned that coursework and predicted grades would not be good enough, with some adding that they regret not taking their mocks seriously, and are worried that it will affect their results.
One young person said: “I just feel like I ruined my whole future for myself.
" I just feel trapped and really guilty, I never wanted things to end up this way.”
Results day can be a celebration, but sometimes, young people don’t get the grades they were expecting.
This can really knock a young people’s confidence, especially if they had tried to plan their future, their education or job around the results going well.
If you think your child is worried about their results, it’s useful to have a conversation with them.
Sometimes, just talking things over and considering their options can help reassure them that there are different paths they can take to get where they want to be.
Whatever grades they receive, it’s good to help your child understand that although exam results are important, they’re not everything.
Try to assure them that their results don’t reflect them as a person, and that you’ll support them no matter their grades.
Children and young people can always contact Childline for support around exam results, and for advice on what they can do moving forward, on 0800 1111, or by visiting childline.org.uk.