A-Level Results can be a time of great jubilation, or bitter disappointment, especially with the pressure many students face of attending university. Results Day is on Thursday 15th 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, A-Level 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 the results are slightly less than expected, your child may still be able to attend their first or second choice of university or another good institution. If you think the results are wrong, a remark is recommended. 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.”

Get on to UCAS

Your chosen university may still accept your child or offer them a space on a different course, especially if the result is just below expectations. Checking your child’s UCAS Track will give you clarity about what steps to take next.

If the university has rescinded the offer, you are unlikely to reverse that decision. Having a look at Clearing will give you an idea of which universities your child can attend if they want to go this year, and how you can secure the spot. Be sure to ask the universities how long they will hold the spot for you, so you and your child know how long you have to make a decision.

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. 

Resit the exams

If your child wants to pursue their original plans and head to university later, they have the option to resit the exams. For most courses, resits occur the following year in May or June.

You and your child can choose to resit using your school, another college or sixth form, or privately. 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.

Take a gap year or choose a new path

If your child is upset by their results and needs some more time to determine their next steps, you can consider alternative options. Taking a gap year can enable your child to gain real-world experience via travelling or working that will prepare them for university or their next steps. 

Your child may want to continue studying by choosing a vocational course or qualification. Rather than gaining a degree that might not lead to a particular career, your child may look to start building their future career now with a different course or qualification. 

Hopefully this guide provides you and your family with some peace of mind about the next steps to take after some disappointing A-Level 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.