And What to Do Instead on GCSE results day
GCSE Results Day can be a rollercoaster—for both young people and their parents.
Whether the grades are better than expected, a little disappointing, or somewhere in between, this is a moment where your support and guidance make all the difference.
At People 1st, we’ve met thousands of young people over the years who have taken very different paths to success after GCSE results day—many of whom didn’t follow the “traditional” academic route. That’s why we want to help parents avoid some of the most common pitfalls after GCSE results day, and instead open up the world of possibilities available to their child.
5 mistakes parents should avoid after GCSEs
1. Treating GCSEs as the be-all and end-all
It’s easy to see results as the ultimate verdict on your child’s future—but they aren’t.
Plenty of highly successful people didn’t get perfect grades at 16. Education is a journey, and not every young person thrives at the same pace or in the same way.
Instead:
Reassure your child that GCSEs are just one checkpoint. Remind them that there are many other ways to achieve their dreams, from vocational courses to apprenticeships and skills-based training. GCSE results day is a tough day for parents and children, so support each other!
2. Reacting with disappointment instead of listening
Your reaction on GCSE results day matters—a lot. Disappointment, even if unspoken, can leave a lasting impact. This is a time for calm reassurance, not judgment.
Instead:
Ask them how they feel about their results and what they’d like to do next. Let them know you’re on their side, whatever the grades.
3. Ruling out alternatives too soon after GCSE results come in!
Many parents naturally think of A-Levels as the “next step,” but they aren’t right for everyone. Some young people thrive in practical, hands-on environments rather than lecture-style learning.
Instead:
Explore all the options—NVQs, BTECs, apprenticeships, and training programmes. For example, at People 1st we offer Skills for Life & Work courses, that allow you to get a Level 1 and Level 2 NVQ while being paid £40 a week, meeting new friends and growing as a person. If you already have an empoyer connection and would like to go straight to work then we also offer Apprenticeships in sectors from retail to hospitality, hairdressing to construction and if you do not know where to start but would like to try some shorter 5 day online courses there are Academies, where young people can try different careers before committing.
4. Rushing into decisions
When emotions are high, it’s tempting to make quick choices just to move forward—but these decisions can lead to frustration later.
Instead:
Take a breather. Use the days and weeks after GCSE results day to research options, talk to training providers, and even arrange taster sessions. Our friendly students advisers at People 1st can help you explore the routes available without any pressure. We have Student Support Officers in each branch in Belfast- South and West, Lisburn, Lurgan, Newry and Portadown. They are all very friendly, supportive and experienced and can talk you over the course options and People 1st and try to get all students who come through our doors a course that suits them!
5. Imposing your own expectations
Every parent wants their child to succeed, but success should be defined by their interests and strengths—not our own ambitions for them. Take time after GCSE results day to think about this and help them find the best route for them. Don’t push them down a route that might not be best for them!
Instead:
Ask open-ended questions:
- “What subjects or activities do you enjoy most?”
- “Do you prefer hands-on work or studying in a classroom?”
- “Where would you like to see yourself in a year’s time?”
These conversations will give you clues about which path might suit them best.
How People 1st Can Help
We know that GCSE results are just the starting point. That’s why we offer multiple routes to help young people move forward:
- Vocational courses to build skills in areas like retail, construction, business, and more.
- Apprenticeships combining paid work with on-the-job training.
- Academy programmes to try different industries before choosing a career path.
- Employability support—including CV help, interview prep, and confidence building.
We’ve seen time and again that with the right guidance, every young person can find a pathway that fits them—and thrive.
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing that it is stupid”
Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist
✨ Final thought: Your child’s journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. The right support, encouragement, and training can turn even a disappointing GCSE results day into the start of something amazing. Reach out, get all the options and then help them make the best decision for them!
📩 Want to talk about options now?
Contact your nearest School Leavers branch today- we have 6 across NI- Belfast South, Belfast West, Lisburn, Lurgan, Newry and Portadown. Find the contact info for each branch here: https://people-1st.co.uk/locations/ or find out more about the post-GCSE school leaver programme by visiting this page on our website: https://people-1st.co.uk/programmes/skills-for-life-and-work-2/ to explore the different subjects open to those leaving school aged 16-18. If you have already a part-time job and might want to go full-time then it is a good idea to visit https://people-1st.co.uk/programmes/apprenticeships-ni/ tand explore our apprenticeships programme- where you can gain a qualification alongside your full-time work and attend training normally one day a week with People 1st. Our team is here and ready for when the dust settles after GCSE results day, so please reach out when you have any questions you would like answered and don’t forget to follow us on social media!
Other support after GCSE results day
Visit NI Direct for more advice on http://nidirect.gov.uk/news/exam-results-advice-and-support-students-and-parents and also you can use the GCSE results day careers service online chat here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/chat-careers-service
