A-level results day (13 August) and GCSE results day (20 August) are two of the biggest days of the year for thousands of young people and their families across Barnet, Brent, and beyond. Whatever the results say, this is a moment that deserves support, not just celebration or comfort, but genuine, practical help for whatever comes next.

However today’s gone

If your results were exactly what you hoped for, congratulations. Take the moment to feel proud, you’ve earned it.

If they weren’t, that’s a real disappointment, and it’s okay to feel that. A grade doesn’t decide who you are or what you’re capable of, and there’s very rarely just one path forward from here.

Either way, results day can bring up a lot, relief, pride, disappointment, comparison, sometimes all at once. None of that is unusual, and none of it needs to be sorted out today.

For young people

You don’t need to make any big decisions the moment you open that envelope or log in. Take the evening if you need it. Whatever the numbers or letters say, they’re a starting point, not a verdict.

If you’re finding today harder than you expected, whether that’s anxiety about what’s next, pressure to have it all figured out, or just low mood that’s crept in over exam season, support is available and it’s free.

• Young People Thrive offers free talking therapy for 17 to 25 year olds in Barnet dealing with anxiety, low mood, stress, or everyday pressures, with a shorter wait than most services.
• Brent LYRA offers early mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people aged 5 to 18 (up to 25 for those with SEND) across Brent, covering things like exam stress, low mood, and friendship or family pressures.

Anyone can refer, including young people themselves.

For parents and carers

It’s natural to want to fix things or immediately talk through “next steps,” but the most helpful thing you can offer today is often simply being present without pressure. Ask how they’re feeling before asking what they’re doing next. Let them set the pace on when they’re ready to talk options.

If you’re supporting a young person who seems to be struggling more than the day itself explains, it’s worth knowing that free, local support exists, and that reaching out early tends to help more than waiting to see if things settle on their own.

Practical next steps

For A-level results, Clearing isn’t just a backup plan, some of the best course matches happen through it, and it’s open to far more people than just those who didn’t get the grades they expected. Your school, college, or the university admissions team is the best place to start for guidance specific to your situation.

For GCSE results, options are often more flexible than they seem, resits, alternative courses, and direct conversations with colleges about entry requirements can open doors that don’t feel obvious on the day itself.

The bottom line

One set of results is one moment. It doesn’t decide the whole story, and nobody has to navigate it alone. Whatever today has brought, support is available and it’s closer than you might think.

If you or a young person you know could use support after today, get in touch with Young People Thrive. Free and open to referrals from young people, parents, carers, and schools.