A Parent’s Guide to Results Day 2023
It’s almost here!
It’s often thought that the tough part is over with the exams, but the wait for “results day” can be just as hard!
Whether you are waiting for your child’s GCSE results or A-Level results, it can be a worrying time.
This guide compiles the essential information you need leading up to the day, as well as other relevant information and advice you might need.
Key dates
| GCSE/LEVEL 2 RESULTS DAY | A-LEVEL/LEVEL 3 RESULTS DAY |
|---|---|
| Thursday, 24th August 2023 | Thursday, 17th August 2023 |
Before results day
Anticipating the outcome presents an opportunity to carefully consider options. We recommend families engage in frank discussions about potential results.
It’s common for parents, guardians, and children to overlook discussing the implications of varying outcomes. Such conversations aid in processing emotions, addressing concerns, and devising action plans for each possibility.
Receiving results
HOW ARE RESULTS BEING COLLECTED?
Results will be released differently at each establishment. If you do not know these details, get in touch with your school/college. Depending on your institution, results can be collected in a manner of ways, such as collection in person, secure methods over the phone, or by email.
At The Cornwall College Group, we are releasing results to our students on their college ProPortal, from 8 am on the morning of the relevant results day. If your child currently studies with us and they have any queries in the meantime, our team is in throughout the summer and can be contacted.
You can call and speak to one of our team members at: 0330 123 2523
Grades explained
In 2017, the previous A* to G system was replaced with a numerical system, ranging from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest).
The top three number grades, 9, 8, and 7, are broadly equivalent to the grades of A* and A from the old system.
This is designed to give more differentiation at the top end and provide an opportunity to reward exceptional performance.
There are now two pass marks, 4 is a standard pass and 5 is a strong pass.
If your child does not achieve a grade 4 in English and maths then they will get the opportunity to study this alongside their courses at college to resit them at a later date.
What if my child gets unexpected grades?
These grades could be higher than you expected or lower, either way, we can help!
We know it’s easy to say and definitely harder in practice but do not panic about anything that comes out of that envelope, there is always a pathway and a course for your child.
On results day or the day after your child will be contacted, after they have their results, by our teaching teams to discuss their options and whether the course they have picked is still the best fit. It may mean that their course choice changes slightly or they might change their focus altogether, this is not a problem.
Just remember you don’t need to call us as we will get in contact with you…
My child has changed their mind about their next steps
If over the last few months your child has changed their mind about either the course or institution they would like to attend: it’s totally normal!
Whether they now want to do an apprenticeship instead of a full-time course or switch careers altogether, there are always options! Just like career changes happen all the time later in life, so do career choices at the beginning.
Your words of support are much needed at this moment and can mean the world to someone just trying to figure out the next steps.
When your child speaks to a member of our teaching team (The Cornwall College Group will call them), they can discuss all theirr worries and thoughts about what course will make them happy.
What about lower grades?
Lower grades do not mean your child cannot study their chosen subject. It might just mean they start their journey on a slightly different course from which they progress.
Whilst education does follow specific systems and procedures, we are here to help identify a course that will be suited to an individual, their career goals and support them from there.
Everyone’s journey of figuring out what they’re really good at and what they enjoy looks very different.
So regardless of the results, celebrate their achievement! It might be precisely the results they wanted or something below their expectations. In either case, it’s an opportunity for something to be learned. And remember, this is not an end, there are options available. Reach out to education professionals and seek out further personalised advice.
Dealing with anxiety
In the lead-up to results day, we have put together a few tips to help you and your child manage your nerves and help you both relax.
- Pressure points & relaxing inhalation oils with Sally Marlow (Cornwall College St Austell)
- Breathing techniques with our counselling team
- Relaxing & mood-boosting music playlists
- Healthy & mood boosting recipes
A kinder approach
There are other ways to help calm the nerves including:
- Talking & being honest, let them know that you are there for them and available to talk when they’re ready to. It’s important for them to know that there is always something for them at college or for their next steps! There is never a dead end!
- Try to distract them & keep them calm by keeping them busy, and planning days out that they will enjoy.
If you are struggling to reach your child there are professional bodies who can help you, Exam Stress | How To Deal with Exam Stress | YoungMinds
Do you have further questions?
Each situation is different, and we’re here to answer your questions.
If you’d like to discuss certain aspects of your results, or would like to receive more information about the available opportunities at the stage you’re at, feel free to contact our team.