Results Day 2026: Your Panic-Free Guide to A-Levels & GCSEs

I have been through GCSE and A Level results day three times now, and am about to go through if for a final time next year so this advice is based on my personal experience as a mum of three girls and a boy. I also spoke to the brilliantly informed, up to date and imminently sensible Cathy Walker, a teacher, former head of sixth form and founder of an education consultancy, who has been working with young people and their families for 25 years. You can access her guidance and coaching HERE.

So firstly Cathy and I can say with authority that what ever happens on results day the outcomes are NOT the be all and end all of your teen’s life. There are options for every outcome, good ones and those that suit your particular teen the best. Please remind yourself of that as you approach the dates below:

• Scottish Qualifications (Qualifications Scotland / SQA): Tuesday 4 August

• A-Levels, T-Levels, and Level 3 VTQs: Thursday 13 August

• GCSEs and Level 2/1-2 VTQs: Thursday 20 August

Two other important things to remember 1) Don’t Panic 2) Meet your teen where they are because this is NOT about you. Be calm and kind and be led by your teen (even if you do not agree with how they want to handle it) because they will remember how you reacted on this day forever.

I chatted with Cathy and have put the transcript below because I think a ‘to-do’ list of instructions is less helpful than a softer guide to what you MAY want to try depending on your particular teen’s personality, mindset and habits.

I have asked Cathy questions many of your pose each year and given options and injected my tips too. I hope it helps you enjoy this very special rite of passage with your wonderful teenagers this special summer, because they are ALL wonderful and being a teen is tough without the added extra of exams or the disappointment of their parents.