Exam Results Aren’t the End: Looking After Your Mental Health and Finding Your Next Step
GCSE and A-level results can bring a huge mix of emotions. For some young people, there is relief and excitement. For others, results can bring disappointment, anxiety, and the feeling that everything they had planned has suddenly changed. It can be easy to think that not getting the grades you wanted means your future is over. It doesn’t.
Your results are important, but they are only one part of your story. They don’t measure your personality, your practical skills, your creativity, how you work with others, or what you could achieve in the future.
When Results Affect Your Mental Health
It’s normal to feel disappointed if your results weren’t what you hoped for. You might feel embarrassed, stressed about telling people, worried about your next step, or tempted to compare yourself with friends. For some people, those feelings can become overwhelming. You might notice that you’re struggling to sleep, withdrawing from friends, constantly thinking about your results, losing motivation, or finding it difficult to see a positive future.
Social media can make this harder. Seeing other people celebrating their grades, university places or next steps can make you feel like you’re falling behind. Remember that you’re seeing one moment of someone else’s life. If social media is making you feel worse, it’s okay to take a break. If you’re struggling, talk to someone you trust. A parent, carer, friend, teacher, tutor or careers adviser can help you work through how you’re feeling and look at your options.
There Isn’t Just One Route to a Career
Not getting the grades you wanted doesn’t mean you’ve run out of options. There are different routes into employment and further learning, including college, resits, training, employment and apprenticeships. For some young people, an apprenticeship can be a great alternative.
One of the benefits of an apprenticeship is that your development is not solely focused on exam results. During an apprenticeship, you build practical experience while developing knowledge and skills relevant to your chosen occupation. You are also gaining experience in working with colleagues, communicating professionally, managing responsibilities, and understanding what is expected in a workplace, while working towards and completing a recognised qualification. All of which you can take into your next stage of employment or career development.
What If I Don’t Pass My Maths And/or English GCSES?
At HBTC, depending on the apprenticeship, role and individual circumstances, 16–19-year-olds who haven’t achieved a grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths may be able to complete Functional Skills English and/or Maths alongside their apprenticeship. For apprentices aged 19 and over, there can be more flexibility, and they can choose to opt out of Functional Skills if they wish. This means that, rather than seeing a GCSE result as a closed door, there is often a route into work, training and further qualifications.
Take Care of Yourself
You don’t need to have your whole future figured out straight after results day. Give yourself time to process your results, stay connected with people who make you feel supported and keep some normality in your routine. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling.
If you’re feeling a sense of hopelessness, extremely anxious, or having thoughts about harming yourself or not wanting to be here, tell someone you trust and seek professional support. You don’t have to deal with those feelings alone.
There is a wide range of resources out there within Hull, East Riding, North and North East Lincolnshire:
- Hull and East Yorkshire Mind
- Navigo Health and Social Care
- NHS Mental Health Advice and Support Line
- Samaritans
- The Warren Youth Project
Your results don’t define your future
It might not feel like it right now, but one set of exam results won’t decide the rest of your life. Your path might look different from the one you originally imagined, and that’s okay. What matters is finding a next step that works for you.
Whether that’s an apprenticeship, further education, resitting exams, or something completely different, there are still opportunities ahead.
Results day is one moment. Your grades do not define your worth.
If you are worried about your results or unsure about your next step, take a breath, talk to someone such as a parent/carer, friend or teacher, and explore your options. If you are seeking an apprenticeship opportunity, click here to view our different vacancies:
Or contact us via info@hbtc.co.uk for support.
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Emily Simpson
Emily is our Marketing & Engagement Officer and is involved with all things social media and content development. She is also responsible for attending career events and maintaining relationships with local schools and colleges.