Results Day
Are you preparing for exam results day?
Here you can find support for RAF families across the UK and overseas. Results season can be an important milestone as young people receive qualifications that may shape their next steps in education, training or employment. Whether you’re waiting for your results or supporting a young person through the process, it’s natural to feel a mixture of excitement, anticipation and uncertainty. While results day can feel like a major milestone, it is just one step on a young person’s education and career journey, and there are plenty of options available whatever the outcome.
Results Day Dates Across the UK
- Scotland (National Qualifications, including Highers and Advanced Highers): Tuesday 4 August 2026.
- England, Wales and Northern Ireland (A Levels and equivalent qualifications): Thursday 13 August 2026.
- England, Wales and Northern Ireland (GCSE and equivalent qualifications): Thursday 20 August 2026
Whatever qualifications are being awarded, a little preparation can help make results day less stressful for students and the family members supporting them. Students should make sure they know how and when they will receive their results, can access any university or college application accounts, and understand the conditions of any offers they hold. It can also be helpful to think about alternative options in advance, whether that’s a different course, institution, apprenticeship or training pathway. UCAS provides guidance to help students prepare for results day and understand the options available if plans change: Your results day plan (UCAS).
For some young people, results may open doors to universities, courses or career pathways they had not previously considered. Others may find they need to review their plans and explore different routes. In both situations, there is advice available to help students make informed decisions about their next steps. In either situation, schools, colleges and careers advisers will be ready to offer advice and support. Students applying to higher education can also access guidance through UCAS, including information on Clearing and alternative pathways: Clearing and results day (UCAS).
Looking after wellbeing
Waiting for results can be stressful for students and the family members supporting them. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions before and after results day, including nerves, excitement, disappointment or uncertainty. Talking openly about different possible outcomes beforehand can help reduce pressure and remind everyone that there are opportunities and support available whatever the grades received. Young Minds has Tips to Help You Prepare for Results Day (Young Minds).
Parents and carers can play an important role by listening, offering reassurance and reminding young people that exam results do not define their future. Equally, students should remember that there are many routes into higher education, training and employment, and support is available if plans need to change.
If additional support is needed, help is available through:
- Young Minds – www.youngminds.org.uk
- NHS Mental Health Services – www.nhs.uk/mental-health
- Samaritans (24/7 support) – www.samaritans.org | 116 123
Support for young people from Armed Forces families
Young people from Service families can face unique challenges when making decisions about education, training and employment, particularly at key transition points such as results day. The Forces Employment Charity offers free, personalised support for 16 to 24-year-olds from Armed Forces families, including careers guidance, mentoring, CV support, application advice and access to work experience, apprenticeships and employment opportunities. Further information on the support they provide is available at: Supporting young people from military families (Forces Employment Charity).
Need further advice?
Results day can sometimes raise questions about next steps, particularly for Service families who may be balancing future education, training or employment plans with the realities of Service life.
Whether you’re considering university through Clearing, exploring apprenticeships, looking at alternative education pathways, or simply trying to understand your options following results day, the RAF Families Federation can help signpost students and families to appropriate sources of information and guidance.
If you have concerns about education-related issues that may be affected by Service life, or need help understanding the options available following results day, please get in touch.
Visit: www.raf-ff.org.uk
Results day is an important milestone, but it does not define a young person’s future. Whether you’re celebrating success, exploring new opportunities or considering a different path than originally planned, there are people and organisations ready to help. Take time to understand your options, seek advice where needed and remember that there are many routes to achieving your goals. Whatever your results, this is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of the next chapter.
See also: Further and Higher Education options for Armed Forces students < RAF Families Federation
