With young people across the UK receiving their exam results, including GCSEs and A-Levels, the NSPCC is offering:
- New Childline statistics on the number of counselling sessions the service has delivered about exam result worries,
- Advice for young people, parents and carers,
Statistics
- Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, Childline delivered 728 counselling sessions where the young person mentioned worries around exam results.
- This was an increase of 3%, compared to the number of sessions delivered in 2024/25, which was 706.
- Where the child’s age was known, around half (49%) of counselling sessions were with 16–18-year-olds, while 43% were with young people aged 12-15, reflecting how children who are sitting their SATs are concerned about their results.
Key themes
Where exam results worries were mentioned, the key themes included:
- Disliking school because of exams,
- Uncertainty about the future when waiting for exam results,
- Inability to focus on anything else because they are waiting for exam results,
- Believing failing will mean they can’t get the job or future that they want, thinking that they will disappoint parents and teachers and not meet expectations,
- Feeling sad when they didn’t get the results that they wanted, or not doing as well as their friends,
- Feeling anxious on the amount of revision that they did for exams,
- Being upset about having to re-sit exams within the times that they would normally be socialising in,
- Negative responses from parents when they did not get the exam results expected or being upset that they didn’t get the exam results they needed for the life path they want to take.
Tips for parents
- Listen without judgment: Listen to your child, offer support, and avoid criticism. Encourage your child to talk openly about how they’re feeling and to share any worries or concerns.
- Be reassuring about the future: It’s important they know you’ll support and help them whatever their results. Let them know that failing is not the end of the world.
- Help them see alternative options: Talk with them about their ‘plan B’ if the ‘worst case’ did happen. This can help it feel more manageable.
- Manage your own expectations: Many children who contact Childline feel that most pressure at exam time comes from their family. Keep perspective and avoid adding to their stress.
Tips for children and young people
- Remember results don’t define you: Your worth extends far beyond exam grades. There are always options whatever you achieve, and one set of results doesn’t determine your entire future.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others: Focus on your own journey and achievements rather than comparing your results to friends, peers or those you see on social media.
- Talk to someone you trust: Share your feelings with family, friends, teachers, or contact Childline. Write down your worries – or share them with a trusted adult.
- Focus on what you can control: If results aren’t what you hoped, research alternative pathways, clearing options, or retake opportunities rather than dwelling on what’s already done.
- Look after your wellbeing: Make a list of the things that bring you joy and find time to do them. Eat well, get enough sleep, and do activities that help you relax.
Contact details
Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat on www.childline.org.uk
Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk.
