A Parent’s Guide to GCSE Results Day
GCSE Results Day is coming up and many parents will have some questions or concerns about what the results may mean for their teen’s future. We’re here to answer them! Plus, hopefully we can offer some alternatives, just in case their results weren’t what they were hoping for.
GCSE Results will be released on Thursday 20th August 2020.
Understanding GCSE Grades
A lot of things may have changed with GCSE results since you sat yours. The new 9-1 grades have been on-going for a few years now so we’re getting used to the changes. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the new grading system (9 to 1) compares to the old one (U to A*).
What Happens on GCSE Results Day
On 20th August 2020, you child will be able to collect their GCSE results from their school. Schools will advise you in advance on specific timings and when results will be available.
If your child cannot make it to the school on results day, they can nominate someone to collect them on their behalf. You’ll need to speak to their school in order to arrange this.
Usually, your child will receieve their grades on a slip (or multiple slips). They won’t get their GCSE certificates on the day. Certificates are either collected or posted a few months after GCSE results day.
What options are available after GCSE?
Usually, if your child gets 5 or more GCSEs at grade C or above, they’ll be able to get into further education or a decent job.
There are loads of different paths your child could take after GCSEs. They could go into further eduation such as sixth form or college. They could start an apprenticeship and learn skills while earning money. Or if they’re done with studying, they could try continuing into employment. It is the law that children must either be in education or employment until the age of 18. You can find out more about the school leaving age here.
If your child is unsure about that to do next, here are a few websites which can offer more infomation about options after GCSE.
My child failed English and Maths. What should they do?
If your child did not get the grades they wanted at GCSE, they do not need to panic. There are other options.
One option is to try a Functional Skills qualification. It’s equivalent to GCSE and many universities, apprenticeship providers and employers accept the qualification as an alternative to GCSE maths and English.
