How to Prepare for A-Level Results

On the eve of A-Level results day, I (Jennifer) have sat down to reflect on what my son and many others up and down the country might be experiencing right now.

It goes without saying that now is not the time to add pressure and instead it’s absolutely time to offer reassurance that whatever the results on the paper tomorrow one thing is certain, they do not define your life and who you are. Whatever the results it’s the start of the next chapter, whatever that might be. It’s not the time for ‘I told you so’ or ‘you should have tried harder’ but it’s absolutely the time to help support, celebrate and plan together.

Many children struggled with A-levels for a variety of reasons; whether it be the content, the self-discipline or maybe reaching an exceedingly high target grade, whereas others may have worked their finger to the bone. In fact, it is sometimes these young people who need our support more than any others.
If a child is disappointed with their results, then let them be. Acknowledge their feelings and allow them to sit with those emotions with your empathy and support – “The only way out is through”, if we dismiss their disappointment then we run the risk of them shutting down the lines of communication, it’s so important that they feel they have a safe space to be heard and understood. For every pupil who receives a D instead of a C, there will be someone who receives an A instead of an A* and be equally disappointed.

Let them feel and then work with them to formulate a plan of what to do next, if their results don’t alter their plans then support them through the emotional changes that such a big transition can bring, if the results do alter their plans then sit down with them once calm is restored and start troubleshooting.

Create a plan of what to do next, clearance, work, travelling, gap year, whatever it is, brainstorm ideas and then make a mind map that helps them to work out what it is they would like to do next. These decisions are huge and young adults’ brains aren’t fully developed so these choices can be difficult and cause a lot of feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. Respect and appreciate that and use language that demonstrates your support and understanding. Stay away from judgment and putting what YOU think they should be doing onto their shoulders, scaffold the process but try not to hijack it.

When I was 18 years old, I had no clue what I wanted to do, I was lost in a fog of depression and anxiety and felt worthless and unsure of what my future would bring. What I needed was time. I needed support. I needed to work through my life and discover my passion before returning to the workforce to study with desire and determination, anybody suggesting I should have done anything other than that would have pushed me over the edge.

I often talk about the importance of putting long-term outcomes over short-term ones and there will be many young people receiving their results tomorrow who with the right support will go on to achieve great things in their life and careers, but not everybody will know what that is and that’s okay. We must change perceptions to the contrary to be more in line with what we know about the development of the frontal cortex of the brain. A lot of this cohort will go on to have jobs that aren’t even out there yet, by following their passions they could very well end up with a career that they love – they could carve their own path.

Advice I’ll be giving to my son? Do what feels right and know that we’ll be here to support you. Want to go to Uni? Great. Want to work and gain life experience for a while? Great.

What I will say is, that whatever you choose to do keep doing things that you love, pursue your passions and take life’s experiences with the knowledge that as a family we will be here to support, listen and help you to reflect both professionally and personally.

Your life will not end tomorrow whatever the result, my goodness, it’s only just starting.

The author

Jennifer Wyman

Jennifer has worked and studied within child development for over 22 years. Jennifer has taken her background in early years and combined it with her own tangible lived experiences to research and develop workshops, training and courses for teachers and parents; Bridge the Gap also offer free support in the community. Jennifer is committed to researching and studying to ensure that her training and courses are up to date with the newest evidence and research. Being a relational activist Jennifer has developed simple ‘rapport steps’ that help fuel positive relationships between schools, parents and teachers. Working with both parents and schools gives Jennifer a unique insight into the issues surrounding mental health and well-being.