EXAM results day is a nerve-wracking experience for young people.

With this year marking the return of traditional A-Levels and GCSE testing after the pandemic, young people have been talking to Childline counsellors about their exam anxieties.

The pandemic turned traditional teaching upside-down; pupils learned in a manner that generations before never experienced. Long periods of home schooling will have added to the uncertainties felt by young people, and our counsellors have spoken to many teenagers who say they don't feel in control of their results and are worried about their future. Many fear they may get lower grades than if they had been in a classroom with direct access to help from teachers. And there is a historic north-south divide in England, as average grades in the North tend to be lower.

At this time of year, young people may feel the weight of the world as they open those dreaded envelopes (or the digital equivalent), so it’s important that parents, guardians, and teachers reassure them that, no matter what the results, there are options available. Remind them that their exam results aren’t the end of the world, and that there are other options available to them. These could include taking a gap year, explore applying to another university or college, or changing course.

Appealing the result or resitting is also a possibility, but it’s understandable for some people to think their whole future depends on getting the right grades so if they’re apprehensive, it’s imperative they reach out to someone.

If their results don’t go the way they hoped, it is important they feel supported by their families. But if they don’t feel comfortable speaking to family, support is at the end of a phone or online chat thanks to Childline, which carries out counselling sessions with youngsters worried about exam results.

Parents and guardians should encourage young people to take their time to think about what they want to do next, and reassure them there’s no rush to make a decision. Use that time to reassess goals and priorities. If the goal remains the same, help them work out how else it may be attained.

With the right support network in place, at home or through Childline, young people will hopefully be able to turn disappointment into a path forward.

* Young people under 19 can get free, confidential support and advice at childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111 for free.

For more advice visit childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/exam-results.