A-level results and life beyond - keeping God at the centre of the drama

Although I know in theory that there’s no difference between someone who is age 17 and 364 days and an 18-year-old, there is something about the 18^th birthday which is a milestone.

I think the same is true of the results day that usually falls in that same year, whether that’s A-levels, highers or other technical or vocational qualifications. They feel different to exams at 16 which are broader in their subject range. At 18, people have specialised and focused on subjects or skills which are sometimes a pathway to what comes next. These exams come alongside the official arrival of adulthood and therefore hold a greater significance and weight because of what comes next - whether that’s university or other further education, or a step into work – it marks the end of compulsory education.

For us raising children, it’s a significant end of an era, even if the child remains living at home. We may find ourselves doing the final school run and whilst there’s a relief that comes with that, there’s also some grief attached.