There are few dates in the family calendar quite like results day.
Clementine Wade, university and school coach, has worked as a teacher, examiner and uni coach since 2005. She specialises in Key Stage 5 qualifications and super selective universities. Clem's created guidance to help you understand results day and Clearing, and get to grips with what you should be doing when to best support your child through the process.
For students, it’s the moment when years of hard work, revision, hopes, and ambitions come together. For parents, carers, and guardians, it can feel just as significant. You want the very best for your young person, but you can’t influence the grades they receive or make decisions on their behalf.
When emotions are running high, it’s natural to want to jump into action. You might find yourself wanting to make phone calls, create contingency plans, or solve any problems as quickly as possible.
However, one of the most valuable things you can do on results day is provide calm, practical support.
Your role isn’t to manage the outcome. Your role is to be a steady, reassuring presence while your young person explores their options and decides what comes next.
Before results Day arrives, it’s worth checking how familiar you are with the process.
You’ll find the answers near the end of this article. If you’re unsure about any of them, take a look at our step-by-step guide to Results day and Clearing to help you feel confident and prepared.
1. Stay calm and reassuring
Students often look to the people around them for reassurance. Whether the outcome is exactly what they hoped for or not quite what they expected, a calm and positive approach can make a huge difference.
Remember, there are often multiple routes forward, whatever the grades.
2. Let them lead the conversation
It’s tempting to ask lots of questions as soon as results arrive, but your child may need a moment to process what they’ve seen.
Start by asking how they’re feeling rather than focusing immediately on grades. Give them space to think, and when they’re ready to discuss next steps, listen carefully before offering solutions.
3. Focus on options rather than outcomes
If results are different from what was expected, try to shift attention towards the choices available.
These might include:
It's important to remember that decisions don't always need to be made immediately. Taking time to explore options carefully can often lead to better choices.
4. Help them make informed decisions
Rather than making decisions for them, help them think through their choices.
You could encourage them to:
Supporting their decision-making skills can help them feel more confident about the path they choose.
Universities and colleges usually need to speak directly with the student, so it’s important they remain at the centre of conversations and decisions.
Try to avoid:
1. Calling universities on their behalf
You can help them prepare questions and offer support during calls, but students should lead conversations themselves wherever possible.
2. Rushing decisions
Results day can feel urgent, but important choices deserve careful consideration. Encourage your child to gather information before making any commitments.
3. Comparing them to others
Friends, classmates, siblings, and social media can create pressure. Focus on your child’s individual journey and goals.
4. Overloading them with questions
Give them time and space to process information. Being available when they need you is often more helpful than seeking constant updates.
You can make a real difference by helping with the practical details:
Students who feel ownership of their decisions often feel more confident as they move into their next step.
Results day isn't just about grades. It's about helping young people navigate change, evaluate options, and make informed choices about their future.
As a parent, carer, or guardian, your role is to provide encouragement, reassurance, and practical support.
The emotional support is yours to give. The decisions belong to them. Providing both can help your young person approach their next steps with confidence.
Results day success is often shaped by the preparation that happens beforehand. If you've discussed possibilities, explored options, and reassured them there are different routes forward, you've already done much of the hard work.
On the day itself, simply being there for them may be exactly what they need.
Results dates vary depending on the qualification being studied.
False – students should not decline any offers before exploring their options. They can contact universities and receive informal indications of interest while keeping their existing offers in place.
False – Clearing is used by a wide range of students, including those who:
