Exam results 2024

Ahead of GCSE and A-level results being issued on August 22 and August 15 respectively, please see below:

• A quote from a manager at our NSPCC-run Childline service in Wales
• A quote from a young person from Wales
• Advice for young people and parents and carers
• Spokespeople available for interview

Quotes

 Neil Chapman, NSPCC Cymru Childline Team Manager, said: “At Childline, we know that results day can be really stressful for young people and the wait leading up to it can cause a lot of anxiety. That’s why it is important that children feel supported and listened to.

 “It can be very upsetting for a young person not to get the grades they had hoped for or expected, and it can affect their confidence. But it’s important for them to know that many others are going through the same thing and there are a range of options to explore. 

 “There are also lots of trusted adults they can turn to for help and support, whether that’s a teacher, careers advisor, parent, carer or Childline.

 “Every year our specially trained counsellors carry out counselling sessions with hundreds of children across the UK who are worried about their exams and results. They listen to the young person’s concerns, offer advice about dealing with anxiety, and help explore the different options available for those who don’t get their desired results.

 “The conversation is confidential and no worry is ever too small.”

Young people under the age of 19 can get free, confidential support and advice from Childline at www.childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111 for free.

They might also find it helpful to talk to other young people who are going through similar experiences on the Childline message boards. For more exam results advice visit: https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/exam-results/

Quote from young person

“I’m getting overwhelmed with the anticipation while I wait for my GCSE results. It’s so hard to sleep. I can’t stop worrying. I’ve always struggled with school but I’m finding this particular subject extra hard.

“To make things worse, the teacher is really strict and pushes the class very hard. I’ve tried explaining how all the pressure he puts on us does the opposite of motivating us to study, but that was pointless.

“I’d be so embarrassed if I’m the only one in my friendship group that fails.”

Boy, aged 16 – Wales

*Snapshots are based on real Childline service users but are not necessarily direct quotes. All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the child or young person involved.

Key themes

Some key themes from young people who contact Childline about exam results include:

• Exam result worries have been affecting their mental health:
  • Lack of sleep
  • Anxiety/stress
  • Low mood and depression
  • Self-harm
  • Suicidal thoughts
• Feeling pressured by family and school teachers to perform well.
• Worried about consequences of failing exams:
  • Fear/shame of letting people down – parents, teachers
  • Worries they’ll be judged and considered less smart than peers
• Guilt from not revising enough.
  • For other young people who revised: experiencing self-doubt when comparing with peers.
• Disappointment after results have been released.
• Decisions around resitting exams or whether to continue pursuing a specific subject based on results (including mock exam results)
• Worries about the future and how poor grades may affect their chances of getting into university or getting a job.

Advice

For young people who may not achieved the results they wanted:

• Ask a teacher, careers advisor or any adult you trust what they think and discuss your options and how you are feeling.
• Remind yourself of what you did well in whether that be specific pieces of coursework, or other parts of your life.
• Don’t compare yourself to your friends.
• If you do not feel your grade reflects your ability speak to your school about making an appeal.
• Look at other courses or training programmes and apprenticeships that you can do.
• If you haven’t got a place at your chosen university, try not to worry as there is a chance you could get a place at another university through the clearing process.
• Take a gap year and do something different like volunteering.
• Look at different courses that you can do with the grades you have achieved. 

For parents and carers:

• Your child may find it hard to talk to you about their results so be patient and supportive until they feel ready to talk about how they feel.
• Encourage your child to take their time to think about what they want to do next. There’s no need to rush into a decision straightaway.
• Help them think about their choices by writing down a list of pros and cons for each of their options
• If they are finding it hard to talk to you, let them know they can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk