GCSEs and A-Levels: Coping with Disappointment and Moving Forward
July 28, 2025
Results day can be a nerve-wracking and emotional time. You’re not alone if you’re feeling disappointed or confused; many other young people are in the same position. In the UK, a significant number of students did not achieve their expected GCSE results. Nearly 200,000 students in state-funded mainstream schools—a third of the cohort—did not achieve a grade 4 or above in both English and Maths, according to FFT Education Datalab.
Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Learning is a process, and setbacks are a part of that journey. What matters most is having the courage to keep going.
Why it’s ok to be Upset
If you haven’t achieved your desired results, you might be feeling shock, sadness, guilt, or frustration. These emotions are completely natural and don’t need to be hidden or rushed through. It has been suggested to resist the urge to bottle up these emotions; instead, acknowledge how you feel. Over time, expressing your emotions (whether through writing, speaking, or another outlet) can help you process them more healthily.
What you can do next
Talking to people about your options is a great place to start, such as teachers, advisers, or parents. You might also consider remarking or resits. There are many backup options available to you, including:
- University Clearing – Find courses still accepting students
- Apprenticeships – Learn and earn at the same time
- National Careers Service – Free advice on courses, careers, and next steps
- Find Local Colleges or Sixth Forms – Search for courses near you
- Explore Degree Apprenticeships via UCAS – A uni alternative with real work experience.
Looking after your Mental Health
It’s important to look after your mental health and acknowledge your emotions. Here are a few ways to support your wellbeing:
- Try journaling to process your thoughts and emotions.
- ️ Talk to someone you trust, like a teacher, parent, counsellor, or friend.
- Practice simple mindfulness or grounding techniques to help manage stress.
- Take a break from social media to avoid unhelpful comparisons.
- If things feel overwhelming or long-lasting, speak to your GP, a school mental health lead, or explore youth support services.
Reframing Failure
Many successful people didn’t get the results they expected, but that didn’t stop them.
- Richard Branson struggled in school due to dyslexia and left education at 16. He went on to build the Virgin Group and is now one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs.
- Clare Balding didn’t get her desired grade at university and was initially rejected from the BBC graduate scheme. But her persistence led to a long and successful career in media.
- Simon Cowell left school at 16 with very few qualifications. He started in the mailroom at a record label and worked his way up to becoming one of the most influential figures in music and television.
You are More Than Your Grades
At one point, Richard, Clare, and Simon likely felt upset and disappointed, but they showed courage and determination to keep working toward their goals. It’s important to keep imagining a future that is still open and full of possibility.