3 things Christian parents can do to help with the pressure of results day

As parents, few things can leave us feeling more helpless than seeing our children face moments of stress and uncertainty, especially when it comes to something as important as exam results.

Years of study have led to this moment and the news will be filled with stories of high achievers, questions about exams being easier, or harder. Amidst, all this we, long for their success, their joy, and a future full of potential and promise. But more than that, we want them to know they are deeply loved and valued-regardless of their exam results, without diminishing the real feelings, thoughts and emotions they will experience as the results come in.

Here are three ways you can support your son or daughter during exam results season, followed by some practical tips if things don’t go as expected.

1. Talk about results day and the ‘what next’ in advance

One of the most stressful aspects of disappointing results is not knowing what to do next. You can ease some of this anxiety by gently exploring the “what ifs” ahead of time. Talk through the possibilities and make a plan for how you’ll respond together (ask what they would like from you) - whether the results are better, worse, or different than expected. Knowing there are still options brings comfort and perspective, even if the outcome is difficult.

This is a chance to show your teen how faith responds under pressure, how love holds steady in uncertainty, and how hope refuses to bow to fear or societal expectations

Remind your teen that their hard work, perseverance, (or just the fact they tried their best or stuck it out), matters to you and will to them in life going forward regardless of what the results say or what the results of their friends have been. A disappointing grade doesn’t mean failure, it may just mean redirection. Let your home be a safe place where love isn’t earned by performance.

2. Cover the day in prayer and give them space

Pray together if your teen is open to it - or pray for them on your own before and on results morning for peace, wisdom, protection and God’s guidance. Once the results are in your teen may just need some quiet, or want to spend time with friends or come straight home. Sit with them in their emotions-whether it’s joy, disappointment, confusion, or relief. Now might not be the time for a motivational speech. If they’re disappointed, allow them to grieve what they had hoped for, but gently help them move forward too, pointing back to the conversations and prayers you’ve had before results day.

Read more:

3 tips for Christian parents for A Level results day

How the job description for Christian parents changes when their young adult goes off to university

Gifts not grades: Recognising every young person’s God-given talents

3. Support and encourage the next steps

If they did well, thank God together and help them prepare for what’s next. If the results weren’t what they hoped for, still thank God for his love for them and support them in exploring the alternatives. Here’s how you can help them move forward:

• Stay Calm and Reassuring - Let your tone and words remind them: This is not the end of the road.
• Contact Teachers, Career Advisors, or Tutors - Schools and colleges are well-equipped to guide students through the options available to them. Reach out for advice so they can talk through next steps. There are also lots of helpful guides online to help young people think through what next.
• Explore Plan B (and C) together - There are always other paths to consider:
  • Appeal results if there’s a genuine issue.
  • Resit exams or pursue alternative qualifications.
  • Apply to different colleges or courses-many colleges, 6th forms, universities offer flexible options or clearing spaces.
  • Consider apprenticeships or vocational routes, which are increasingly respected and equally valuable.
  • Take a gap year to gain experience, volunteer, or rethink plans. 

Final Encouragement

Exam results can be incredibly stressful for teenagers and parents too. Even those who don’t expect much can still feel disappointment, especially when they compare themselves to others. It’s easy for them to believe that one moment defines their whole future. But this is where your voice and your faith matters most. This is a chance to show your teen how faith responds under pressure, how love holds steady in uncertainty, and how hope refuses to bow to fear or societal expectations.

Whether the results are what you hoped for or not, take them for coffee and cake - celebrate them as an individual and remind them

Today doesn’t define tomorrow.

God is with them.

And so are you