A level results day: quick tips for parents

Advice for A level results day 2024

A level results day in general can be a huge deal, and as A level results day 2024 approaches, many parents may find themselves with questions about how to best support their teen and how the day even works. 

Understanding the process and knowing how to offer the right support can make this day less stressful for everyone involved, so here are some quick tips for any parents navigating A level results day 2024.

Understanding A Level results

When A Level results day arrives, students will receive their results, which can be pretty impactful depending on their planned next steps in education or career. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Results format: A Level results are given as grades, with each subject receiving a grade from A* to E
• Impact on future plans: depending on what your teen has planned, these grades may be pretty important as they determine university placements, apprenticeships, or job opportunities – with this in mind, it can be a really big deal for them and for you so it’s important to take care of each other on the day

Preparing for A Level Results Day 2024

Preparation can help ease the stress of results day. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Know the date: A Level results day 2024 is typically in mid-August – this year it’s the 15th of August 2024, if you and your teen want to mark this on your calendar
• Understand the process: results are usually available from schools in the morning, and many students nowadays may also receive their results online

On A level results day

When the day arrives, being supportive and prepared is key. Here’s how you might want to help:

• Be present: if possible, be with your teen when they receive their results – your presence can provide emotional support. If you have work or other commitments, perhaps someone else in your family can take your place or a close family friend who your teen trusts
• Stay calm: regardless of the outcome, staying calm before, during and after will help your teen manage their emotions

What to do after receiving A Level results

Once your teen has their A Level results grades, there are some steps to consider:

• Celebrate achievements: take a moment to celebrate their hard work and any achievements. Positive reinforcement is super helpful for their wellbeing – even if they haven’t done well in every last thing
• Encourage positivity: help them see the bigger picture and the many pathways to success. Remind them that setbacks can be stepping stones to future success
• Discuss next steps: depending on their results, discuss the next steps and locking those in, whether it’s finalising a university choice, a gap year, an apprenticeship, or other options

Handling unexpected results

If the results are not what you or your teen hoped for, it can be a very hard time for you both. In this case, even though it may be tough, try to remain supportive and perhaps take a proactive approach. This means:

• Listen: allow them to express their feelings and give them space to say whatever they need to say without judgement. Listening can be incredibly reassuring
• Remind them that you don’t judge them: sometimes what normally goes unsaid can be very helpful to vocalise just as a reassuring step. This can remind your teen that grades aren’t the end of the line and encourage them to be proactive themselves about finding a solution – which is a great life skill in itself
• Review the options: discuss alternative pathways such as clearing, retakes, or different career options – a bad result doesn’t have to be the end of the road
• Contact universities: if your child’s grades are close to the required ones, they can contact the universities directly. Sometimes, they may still offer a place so all is not lost!
• Seek guidance: on the day, and afterwards, it’s likely there will be teachers and members of the pastoral team who can offer expert advice on what to do – you could chat with them, or you could encourage your child to speak with them directly

Hopefully this helps answer any questions you have about A level results day 2024.

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