Can A Parent Collect A Level Results?

Key Takeaways

• In most schools and colleges, a parent can collect A Level results on their child’s behalf, but only with permission.

• You will usually need written consent from your child and photo ID.

• If you cannot collect results in person, there are other options, such as email, an online portal, or postal results.

• Because policies vary, it is best to check your school or college’s rules in advance of results day.

Introduction

Waiting for A Level results can be an anxious time for both students and parents. But when the big day finally comes round, students may be away on holiday, unwell, or simply too nervous to collect their results in person. Parents may wonder whether they can collect them instead.

While the answer is usually yes, the exact process depends on your child’s school or college. 

This article explains when parents can collect A Level results on their child’s behalf, what documentation is typically required, and what alternatives are available if in-person collection is not possible. 

Can Parents Collect A Level Results on Behalf of Their Child?

Can a parent collect A Level results is a common question asked of schools. In most schools and colleges, the answer is yes, provided the student has given permission in advance.

However, there is no single national rule that applies everywhere. Each school or college sets its own procedure, so the exact process can vary. Some centres are very flexible, while others require more formal proof of consent before releasing results.

Because exam results are confidential personal data, clear policies have to exist. Centres have legal responsibilities under data protection rules. Schools need to be confident that results are only released to someone the student has genuinely authorised.

In practice, this means that parental collection is usually allowed, but almost always requires written consent and proof of identity. 

What Documentation Is Required?

If you are a parent collecting A Level results on your child’s behalf, schools and colleges usually ask for simple documentation to confirm permission and identity. This is standard practice to protect students’ personal data.

In most cases, you will need:

• written consent from your child

• proof of identity for you, and sometimes evidence of your relationship to your child.

Your child’s school or college will usually tell you in advance exactly what they require.

Written Consent

Written consent should clearly state that your child permits you to collect their A Level results on their behalf.

This can often be:

• an email from your child to the school or exams office

• a signed letter from your child, including their full name and candidate number.

Some centres provide their own consent form, which your child can complete before results day. If you are unsure, it is best to check with the exams officer in advance.

Proof of Identity

When you arrive to collect the results, you will usually be asked to show identification. Commonly accepted forms include:

• your passport or driving licence

• evidence of your relationship to your child, such as their birth certificate, if requested.

Some schools may also ask to see a copy of your child’s ID or candidate number, so it is worth bringing this along if you have it.

School and College-Specific Policies

Although most schools and colleges will allow a parent to collect A Level results on a student’s behalf, the exact rules can vary from one institution to another. 

Differences can include:

• what type of written consent they accept

• whether they require photo ID for the parent

• whether they allow results to be collected by anyone other than a parent or guardian

The easiest way to avoid any problems is to contact the exams officer or main school office a few weeks before results day.

Ask staff:

• Can a parent collect results?

• What consent is required?

• What forms of identification should you bring?

Many schools publish results day arrangements on their websites or in emails and letters sent before the summer break. If your child is likely to be away or unavailable on A Level results day, it is especially important to clarify the facts in advance.

Alternative Ways to Receive A Level Results

If your child cannot collect their results in person and you are unable (or do not wish) to collect them on their behalf, most schools and colleges offer alternative options. 

Postal Results

Some schools allow students to request that their results are posted home on results day. This usually needs to be arranged before the end of term, and your child may need to provide a stamped, addressed envelope.

Bear in mind that postal results can take a day or two to arrive, which may be inconvenient if your child needs their grades quickly for UCAS or Clearing.

Email or Online Portal

Many schools and colleges now release results electronically through a secure student portal, email, or dedicated results system.

If this is available, your child will generally need to log in themselves using their school credentials. Parents are usually not given direct access unless the student has explicitly authorised it.

Nominating Another Person

If your child cannot attend and you are also unavailable, some centres will allow results to be collected by another nominated person, such as a relative or family friend.

This almost always requires written consent from your child and a photo ID for the person collecting the results. Again, it is best to check the school’s policy beforehand to avoid any issues on the day.

What If My Child Is Abroad on Results Day?

If your child is travelling or living abroad, electronic access to results is usually the most reliable option. Be aware of time zone differences if they apply to your location. 

It’s also worth checking that your child can access UCAS Hub from abroad if they are awaiting a university decision.

Important Considerations

Data Protection and Privacy

Under GDPR and UK data protection laws, schools must be careful about who they release results to. This is why written consent and proof of identity are usually required.

These measures are designed to protect your child’s privacy, not to make the process unnecessarily difficult.

Timing of Collection

A Level results are usually available from early morning on results day, often around 8:00 am. The exact time can vary by school or college.

Centres may have specific collection windows, so it is worth checking in advance when results will be released and how long the collection period lasts.

If you are collecting on your child’s behalf, aim to arrive within the stated time slot to avoid delays or queues. Read our guide to A Level results day to find out more about the whole process.

UCAS Hub and Clearing

UCAS Hub (opens in a new tab) usually updates around the same time as results are released. This means your child’s university status may change quickly on results day.

If you are collecting results on your child’s behalf, make sure they can access UCAS Hub remotely, especially if they may need to enter UCAS Clearing.

Having their UCAS login details to hand, or agreeing in advance how you will share results, can help avoid unnecessary stress or delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open my child’s A Level results envelope?

Only if your child has given clear written permission for you to do so. 

Schools usually require this consent in advance and may still prefer that the student open their own results where possible.

What happens if my child doesn’t collect their A Level results on results day?

Results are usually held securely by the school or college. Your child can generally collect them later in person, or request that they are emailed or posted, depending on the centre’s policy.

Can a sibling collect my child’s A Level results on their behalf?

Possibly, but only with your child’s written consent and suitable identification. 

Many schools are stricter about non-parents collecting results, so it is important to check in advance.

Can I contact the school about my child’s results after they’ve been collected?

Yes. If you have questions or concerns, you can usually speak to the school or exams officer afterwards. 

However, they may still need your child’s consent to discuss specific details.

Final Thoughts

In most cases, a parent can collect A Level results on their child’s behalf, but the exact process varies by school or college. Check your centre’s policy in advance and make sure you have the required written consent and identification ready for results day.

If collecting in person is not possible, there are usually reliable alternatives, such as email, online access, or nominating another trusted person to collect results. By planning ahead, you can make results day smoother and less stressful for both you and your child.

For further help and support, visit Save My Exams’ A Level revision resources and results day guides to help you stay prepared, whatever the outcome. Good luck!

References:

• UCAS | A level results day (opens in a new tab)

• UCAS Hub (opens in a new tab)