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Nurturing success: A parent’s guide to supporting your child after exams

We know the post-exam period can be a stressful time for both students and parents. This guide is here to help you support and signpost parents effectively. From exam results worry to feelings of uncertainty through to high expectations and pressure, we want to ensure everyone feels a bit more at ease during this transition.

A 2021 Parent Voice Report by Parent Kind  offers  key statistics highlighting the challenges parents understand their children to be facing during this time: 

  • 41% of children experience stress related to homework
  • 35% experience stress related to exams
  • 53% of parents are concerned about the high expectations set by schools

After exams, students often worry about their performance and the potential impact on their future. This anxiety is common and can be compounded by uncertainty about what to do next, especially if results are not as expected. The end of exams also marks a significant change, which can be overwhelming for many students.

3 minutes

by Emma Slater

Curriculum & Learning Expert

Posted 21/08/2024

Wellbeing

To support the wellbeing of students, it’s crucial to encourage parents to provide emotional support. Listening to their child’s concerns without judgment and acknowledging their feelings can make a big difference. Reassuring students that it’s okay to feel anxious is important. Additionally, maintaining a balanced routine with adequate sleep, nutrition, and physical activity can help manage stress. If a student is particularly struggling, seek support from the school as a first step. If concerns persist and the student is showing physical or mental health signs such as poor sleep or a change in appetite, seeking additional professional help is advisable.

Recap – How to support wellbeing

  • Emotional support
  • Healthy routines
  • Professional help

Communication

Communication between parents and students is key during this time. Encouraging open and honest dialogue helps students feel heard and supported. Regular check-ins to discuss feelings and concerns can help identify any issues early on. Positive reinforcement is also essential; parents should celebrate their child’s efforts and achievements, no matter how small.

Recap – How to foster string communication

  • Open dialogue
  • Regular check-ins
  • Positive reinforcement

How to help when the unexpected happens

If exam results are not as expected, it’s important for parents to stay calm and composed, as their reaction can significantly influence their child’s response. Exploring alternative pathways such as retakes, vocational courses, or apprenticeships can provide students with various routes to success. Parents should seek guidance from school advisors to explore the best options for their child and help them create a plan for the next steps, whether it’s further education, training, or entering the workforce. It is important that parents remind their child that this is one moment in their life and not their whole future.

Getting them to reflect on their personal growth and learning experiences up to this point, while supporting them to acknowledge the importance of resilience and remembering their self-worth is vital. We have all seen the number of successful people that endorse this point, many often sharing their stories of disappointment that turned round into a new opportunity for success. Richard Branson, Deborah Meaden, Simon Cowell, Jeremy Clarkson, Alan Johnson and Julie Burchill to name a few.

Recap – Reasonable steps to help if the unexpected happens

  • Stay calm
  • Explore options
  • Seek professional guidance
  • Create a new plan ahead - remind them this is one moment not their whole future

 

Read the Parent Kind Report for more information

For further advice and guidance, the 2021 Parent Voice Report by Parent Kind highlights the importance of parental involvement in education and provides insights into parents’ concerns and experiences. Additionally, directing parents to resources such as the National Careers Service, Young Minds, Childline, and local mental health services can offer additional support.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to support your students and their parents through this challenging time. Remember, your role is crucial in helping them navigate these changes with confidence and resilience.

GCSE results infographic steps
Enlarged GCSE results infographic steps

By Emma Slater

Curriculum & Learning Expert

Meet Emma, who is dedicated to supporting schools in their pursuit of digital learning excellence. 10 Years experience as a Lead Practitioner and Head of English in LEA and Trust run schools across SE London developed her passion for developing knowledge and skills rich curriculum. As a PiXL Associate working with 100’s of schools up and down the country and as an author of T&L resources for OUP, Collins and York Notes she gained a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the education sector.

Her dedication to education led her to a pivotal role as Director of Education at Access GCSEPod, where she merged her love for education with her publishing experience to pioneer a values-driven approach to EdTech. Emma championed the cause of providing diverse and inclusive learning content that delivers a rich curriculum in a form that supports all pupils to learn succeed.

Now, at The Access Group, Emma brings her skills and experience in strategy, education, and product development to oversee the growth and delivery of innovative 'big ideas' that support the education sector. Her passion for supporting schools in their curriculum journey is deeply rooted in her extensive classroom experience.