GCSE Results Day Guide for Parents

GCSE Results Day can feel overwhelming. You want to support your child, but you're not sure what to expect or what to say if things don't go to plan.

It's even more stressful when you don't know the options available. Should you appeal? Can they resit? What if their college place is at risk? These questions can leave you feeling unprepared at a moment when your child needs you most.

This GCSE results day guide for parents explains the grading system, shows you how to support your child emotionally, and outlines all the options available after results are released.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the process: Know exactly when and how your child will receive their GCSE results, and what the grading system means.

• Support your child emotionally: Get practical phrases and strategies to help your child manage their feelings, whether they're celebrating or feeling disappointed.

• Know your options: Learn about appeals, resits, and alternative pathways so you can help your child make informed decisions about their next steps.

When Is GCSE Results Day 2026?

GCSE Results Day 2026 falls on Thursday 20th August. This date is set annually for the third Thursday in August.

Most students collect their results in person at school during the morning, from around 8:00am onwards. The exact collection time can vary by school.

Schools communicate results day arrangements in different ways. Most schools will send information to parents and students in the weeks leading up to it, either by email, letter, or through the school's communication app. Some schools also post details on their website.

If your child cannot attend in person, most schools offer alternative collection methods. Some schools may send results by email or post if students are unable to attend in person. Check with your child's school about their specific arrangements well in advance.

What Happens on GCSE Results Day?

Understanding the timeline and format of Results Day can help you feel more prepared and less anxious.

The Morning Timeline

Schools typically receive GCSE results the day before students collect them. This gives staff time to prepare and organise the distribution process.

On Results Day itself, schools usually open their doors between 8:00am and 9:00am for collection. Your child will need to bring a photo ID to collect their results slip.

This results slip shows their grades for each subject. It’s an important document, so encourage your child to keep it safe.

Understanding the Grading System

GCSEs in England use a numbered grading system from 9 to 1. 

Important to Remember:

• Grade 9 is the highest grade.

• Grade 1 is the lowest. Grade.

• Grade 4 is considered a "standard pass".

• Grade 5 is a "strong pass". 

Most colleges, sixth forms, and employers look for at least a Grade 4 in English and Maths as a minimum requirement.

Here's how the new grades roughly compare to the old letter system:

• Grades 9, 8 and 7 are equivalent to the old Grades A* and A

• Grades 6, 5 and 4 are equivalent to the old Grades B and C

• Grade 3 is roughly equivalent to a D

• Grades 2 and 1 are equivalent to E, F and G

Grade 9 is set above the old A* and is only awarded to students at the very top end of the ability range, recognising truly exceptional performance.

If your child receives a U (ungraded), this means they did not achieve the minimum standard for a Grade 1.

Have a read of our GCSE Grades Explained article for more detail.

Grade Boundaries

Grade boundaries are released on Results Day and tell you the minimum number of marks needed to achieve each grade. These boundaries can vary between exam boards and change slightly each year depending on the difficulty of the exam.

How to Support Your Child Emotionally

Results Day can be emotionally intense for your child, regardless of the outcome. Your response matters. The key is to be:

• Present

• Calm

• Supportive

Avoid putting pressure on them before they open their results. Phrases like "I'm sure you did brilliantly" or "I hope you didn't mess up" can add unnecessary stress. Instead, simply let them know you're there for them whatever happens.

If They're Happy With Their Results

Celebrate! Your child has worked hard and deserves recognition for their achievement.

Keep the celebration proportionate and meaningful. A special meal, a day out doing something they enjoy, or simply telling them how proud you are can mean more than expensive gifts. Find inspiration in our detailed list of fun ways to celebrate Results Day.

Then, help them look forward to their next steps. If they're heading to sixth form or college, talk about the subjects they'll study and what they're excited about. This helps channel their positive energy into future goals.

Remind them that these results are just one milestone, not the finish line. Encourage them to continue working hard in whatever they do next.

If They're Disappointed With Their Results

This is where your support is most crucial. How you respond in the first moments can impact how your child processes disappointment.

What to say:

• "I'm proud of you for working hard throughout this process"

• "Let's look at what options we have together"

• "These results don't define you or your future"

• "What do you need from me right now?"

What to avoid:

• "I told you to revise more"

• "Your friend got better grades"

• "You've ruined your future"

• "How could you let this happen?"

Give your child space to feel disappointed without trying to immediately fix their emotions. It's okay for them to be upset. Acknowledge their feelings before moving into problem-solving mode.

Focus on the fact that there are always options available. Whether it's appeals or resits, disappointment doesn't mean dead ends.

What If the Results Aren't What They Expected?

If your child's grades are lower than anticipated, you have several options to explore.

Act quickly. Many processes have tight deadlines, so it's important to start conversations with the school on Results Day itself if possible.

Appeals Process

If a grade seems unexpectedly low or your child was close to a grade boundary, you can request a review of marking. This is not technically an "appeal" at first—it's a review to check whether there was a marking error. Find more details about the process in our GCSE Remark guide.

Your child’s school can request that the exam board reviews the marking of an exam entry. If errors are found during the review, they will be corrected and the grade may change. However, be aware that grades can go down as well as up during a review.

If the grade has not improved after the review of marking, and you're still unhappy, you can formally appeal. Costs to appeal vary, but as a guide, AQA’s fee for a review of marking (opens in a new tab) a GCSE paper in 2025 was £43.50 per paper or component.

Act quickly. The earlier you start this process, the better, especially if your child's college place depends on the outcome.

Resits and Retakes

Most students tend to resit Maths and English GCSEs, as these are the core subjects needed to move onto college or A Levels. They are usually retaken in November. For all other GCSE subjects, resits must be taken in the following summer exam series.

When you resit a GCSE, your new grade replaces your old one, even if you do worse, though scoring lower on a resit is rare.

There's no limit to how many times you can resit, though most students achieve their target grade within one or two attempts. However, students who don't achieve at least a Grade 4 in English or Maths, and are continuing onto a 16-19 study programme, are required to continue studying these subjects until they turn 18. 

If your child is finding that their GCSE English and Maths learning just isn’t sticking, they can explore Functional Skills Qualifications - a more practical and flexible alternative to GCSEs.

Planning Next Steps After GCSEs

Your child now faces an important decision about their next steps. There are several pathways available, each with different benefits.

Sixth Form

Sixth forms offer Level 3 qualifications, usually A Levels and BTEC qualifications. Your child can either stay at their current school (if it has a sixth form) or move to a different sixth form college.

Most sixth forms require at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above in English and Maths. Some A Level subjects require a Grade 6 or 7 in the relevant GCSE subject.

A Levels are the traditional academic route and are widely recognised by universities. They typically take two years to complete and allow students to specialise in three or four subjects.

College

Further Education colleges offer a broader range of courses than sixth forms, from entry level up to degree level. Many colleges now offer both academic qualifications like A Levels and vocational courses.

Colleges tend to be larger than sixth forms and offer more flexibility. They're also more adult-oriented environments where students take greater responsibility for their own learning. Our article looking at the differences between sixth form and college will tell you more.

T Levels

T Levels are a post-GCSE qualification alternative to A Levels. Each T Level is equivalent to three A Levels, and focus on vocational skills. They include an industry placement (45 days), providing valuable workplace experience.

T Levels were introduced in 2020 and combine classroom learning with substantial work experience. They're ideal for students who know which industry sector they want to work in.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships allow students to earn while they learn. Employers often look for around 4-5 GCSEs with pass grades of 9-4, and sometimes they require specific subjects depending on the apprenticeship type. For more information on the different types out there, explore our entry-level and degree apprenticeship articles.

Students are able to: 

1. Work for an employer

2. Receive a wage

3. Study towards a nationally recognised qualification 

How Parents Can Be Proactive

Being prepared makes Results Day less stressful for everyone. Here's a checklist to help you feel ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Collect My Child's GCSE Results for Them?

Yes, but you'll need proper authorisation. You'll need a signed letter from your child authorising you to collect their results on their behalf and a form of ID to verify who you are.

Speak to the school in advance to arrange this, especially if your child is on holiday or cannot attend for other reasons.

What Should I Do If My Child Doesn't Want to Talk About Their Results?

Give them space. Results Day can be overwhelming, and some young people need time to process their feelings privately before they're ready to share.

Let them know you're available whenever they're ready to talk, without pressure. Avoid repeatedly asking how they feel or pushing them to discuss their plans immediately. Sometimes the best support is simply being nearby and ready to listen when they're ready.

What Are the Deadlines for GCSE Appeals?

Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the outcome of the review of marking. However, the initial request for a review of marking should be made as soon as possible after Results Day. The exact deadlines vary slightly by exam board, so check with your child's school for specific dates. 

Final Thoughts

GCSE Results Day is a significant milestone, but it's just one moment in your child's educational journey. Your role as a parent is invaluable; not just in providing practical support, but in offering emotional reassurance during what can be a stressful time.

Remember that results don't define your child's worth or potential. Whether they achieve top grades or face disappointment, there are always pathways forward. The UK education system offers flexibility, second chances, and multiple routes to success.

Explore our comprehensive guide to what’s next after GCSEs to understand all of the options available to your child. 

References

AQA - Post-Results Services (opens in a new tab)