With results day just around the corner for GCSE and A level students, following a turbulent year of teaching, we wanted to share with both our parents and students how best to prepare for the big day. 

Try not to panic or worry too much beforehand. Although this is a particularly stressful time, following a hard year for students, know that whatever happens, whether it be joining your first choice university, your second choice, going through clearing or choosing a completely different path for yourself, there is plenty of support out there. Try to enjoy the summer break, which has been very much earned! Try doing activities which relieve stress, such as going on walks, enjoying the sunshine and spending time with friends. If you can, also try to get plenty of rest.

Do your research beforehand, so that you can make a balanced and thoughtful decision on the day. In the week before your results come out, particularly for our A level students, ensure that you have researched thoroughly not only your first choice university, but also the actions you need to take for your second choice university. These may include: how to apply for accommodation; the syllabus of the course, which may be different to your first choice; and any changes that you may need to make for student finance.

 Also, ensure that you have researched on the UCAS website the steps that you need to take should you decide to go down the clearing route and researched courses at universities which advertise places in clearing. By doing this in advance of results day, you can feel confident with your choice if you do decide to take a different route to the one that you had originally planned. Write all of the research that you have done beforehand down, so that you can have it with you, wherever you open your results. Many students end up at excellent universities through clearing, so keep a calm mind and make an informed decision. 

Many students also choose to bring a pen and paper with them, and the phone numbers of their first and second universities – if things haven’t quite gone your way, make sure you check with your first choice university. 

Ensure that you have someone to talk to. This may not necessarily be a parent, but ensuring that you have a support network to help you through this stressful time is key. Your friends, family, teachers and tutors are here to support you, so if you are feeling overwhelm and stressed make sure you reach out – there is always someone there to help. Know that it’s okay to feel however you’re feeling about your results, both good and bad. 

Finally, be proud of yourself! Whatever your path ends up being, know that you have tried your best and there is a bright future ahead of you! Going to university or joining an apprenticeship or entering the workplace are all new exciting opportunities so look towards your future with positivity.