The class of 2026 faces the hardest start to their careers in a generation, and the right careers support, before, on and after results day, matters more than ever, says the Career Development Institute (CDI).
As A Level, T Level and BTEC results land on 13 August and GCSE results follow on 20 August, CDI is encouraging students and families to start asking the simple but important question: what is your school providing in terms of careers support?
The call comes against a backdrop of mounting pressure on young people. Up to a third are now questioning whether university is worth it. Apprenticeships are oversubscribed and harder to secure than ever. And the well-trodden traditional path of A Levels, university and a job into a chosen career no longer feels like a guaranteed route.
10 Tips for Parents on Results Day 2026
A Level, T Level, BTEC and GCSE results
From Sue Alder, CDI Head of Professional Development and Standards
1. Stay Calm and Positive…
Your child will likely feel anxious, even if they don’t show it. Model calmness and optimism, reassuring them that results are important, but are not the only measure of success or route to their future.
2. Be Prepared for Different Outcomes
Discuss various scenarios – getting the grades, missing out slightly, or needing to consider alternatives – without catastrophising. This helps reduce panic on the day.
3. Know Key Dates and Times
A Level, T Level and BTEC results land on 13 August; GCSE results follow on 20 August. Results are typically released from 8am, with UCAS Track updates usually from 8:15am. Bookmark relevant websites and have login details ready.
4. Don’t Log in for Them!
However tempting, let your child check their own results. It’s their journey. Be there to support them, not take control.
5. Understand the System
Familiarise yourself with key terms like Firm and Insurance offers, Clearing and Deferral for university routes, as well as how offers work for apprenticeships and college courses. This background knowledge will allow you to guide them, or at least stay informed, whichever route they’re considering.
6. Have Plan B (and C) Ready
Discuss alternative routes in advance, so nothing feels like a scramble if things don’t go to plan. Options now go well beyond university via Clearing, and include degree apprenticeships, T Levels, the newly-introduced V Levels, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), foundation year courses, or taking a gap year. More pathways can mean more opportunity, but only with the right advice to make sense of them.
7. Be a Good Listener
Let them talk – without interrupting or offering solutions too quickly. Acknowledge their feelings, whether they’re happy, disappointed, or confused.
8. Avoid Comparisons
Do not compare their results to siblings, friends, or anyone else. Every student’s path is unique.
9. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results
No matter the grades, praise their hard work, resilience, and how far they’ve come – especially after a challenging few years.
10. Know Where to Get Help
Be aware of support options: school or college careers advisers, the UCAS Helpline, the National Careers Service, and university admissions hotlines. Encourage your child to make the call themselves, but be there for support – and ask your school what careers support is available to them, before, on and after results day.
Public careers services
England: National Careers Service – nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Scotland: Skills Development Scotland – skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
Wales: Careers Wales – careerswales.gov.wales
Northern Ireland: Careers Service – nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/careers
