Exam results and mental health

Exam results and mental health

A-level and GCSE results both come out in August, making the summer a testing time for stress, anxiety and mental wellbeing.

Handling the pressure of anticipating and receiving results affects children, parents and teachers alike.

Advice from YoungMinds

YoungMinds are a leading children's mental health charity and EduCare's partner for our Mental Wellbeing training course.

Emma Saddleton is the Senior Coordinator for their Parent's Helpline and gave her advice to The Telegraph which you can read in their online article.

Advice from EduCare

Dawn Jotham, our pastoral care expert has prepared this advice:

"Exam results day is always a day of very mixed emotions for students and staff. A lot of students believe that this is the make or break moment for their future. A lot of students have never experienced failure, or what they perceive as failure. I have seen students with a full set of A grades except for one B grade who have been extremely upset and I have seen pupils with a full set of D – G grades being over the moon.
"On the day, it’s a case of staff being observant, they should try to make sure they don’t just celebrate the success stories. Whilst this is obviously important, I would also advise they look out for those putting a brave front on.
"Some pupils will generally be concerned about telling their parents, if this is the case support them, maybe offer to speak to the parents yourself. Most schools will have a form of clinic or advice desk set up for those that don’t get their results. 
"At this point in time the young person doesn’t need a lecture, they need support. As always I would recommend that if you don’t know the answer, sign post them to someone that does."
Return to news