GCSE Results can be a time of great jubilation, or bitter disappointment. Results Day is on Thursday 22nd August this year, and as a parent you can use the summer to prepare for the worst so your child can get the best outcome. 

It is important to remember that while you and your child will be disappointed, GCSE Results do not define your child or their future. There are plenty of options available that ensure they can fulfil their potential. Follow these steps to plan a way forward that works for you and your child.

Understand what has happened and how it affects your plans

A big part of planning your next steps depends on what has happened and how it impacts your child’s plans. If you think the results are wrong, a remark is recommended. If the results are correct but only slightly below expectations, many colleges or sixth forms may still accept your child. If the results mean you can not proceed with your plans, you can either look to resit, or look at alternative options for your child’s education and future career.

Taking the time to understand what has happened can also help the family process their emotions. Dr Lucy Russell, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of They Are The Future gave this advice:

“To start, allow all emotions. Anger, resentment, anxiety, or sadness. These are all acceptable and okay. You may feel like this for a few days or a few weeks but at some point, these feelings will start to pass.

Your exam results don't define you. This is not the end of the road for your career plans either.

You don't need to have all the answers as to what comes next. Over the next few weeks and months, options will unfold for you and you will be able to make the best decisions for your future, even if this involves a slightly different (or longer) path than you had originally planned.”

Appeal the grade

If you think there has been a mistake with your child’s grade or marking, you can appeal the result. You should speak to your school and they will request a review from the exam board. 

Speak to your incoming school or college

Your next school or college may still accept your child, especially if the result is just below expectations. Get in touch with the new school as soon as you can to discuss the grades and a plan moving forward. 

Resit the exams

If your child wants to pursue their original plans, they have the option to resit the exams. If they didn’t achieve the grades they needed, such as in Maths or English, they may be required to resit exams to continue their studies.

Maths and English resits happen as early as November - just a few months after your child received their results. Other exams take place the following year. 

You and your child can choose to resit using your school, which is free. Alternatively, you can resit privately if your child has a break of over a year before resitting or has left education, which usually costs between £40 and £50. 

We recommend getting extra support to prepare your child for their resits, such as finding a tutor that specialises in that subject and aligns with your child’s learning preferences.

Hopefully this guide provides you and your family with some peace of mind about the next steps to take after some disappointing GCSE Results. We know it can be a stressful time but remember you have lots of options to ensure your child pursues the right future for them. TutorHive are here to help you prepare for the next stages of your child’s learning journey.