Two boys sit on a bench talking together in a park. They are smiling as one boy has his arm around the other's shoulder.

Dealing with disappointing exam results

  • 2 min read
  • 07 August 2018

Author: Activists

Topics mentioned: exams, self-esteem, self-care

About: Exam results day can be a stressful time, particularly if you didn’t do as well as you’d hoped. Here is some advice from our Activists who've been there.

You are not inferior, or less intelligent, or less ambitious.
Ulfa

You are creating your own route to your own version of success - Irum

You have so many options. Your school might not tell you all of them, or they might make some options seem better than others. But everyone has a different idea of what success looks like, so different options will be best for different people.

You are no less than your peers for choosing a different route to them. You are not inferior, or less intelligent, or less ambitious. You are creating your own route to your own version of success and that is the smartest decision you can make.

Without failure we cannot grow - Ulfa

What success really looks like is a lot of ups and downs, as opposed to the straight line we all imagine. Without failure we cannot grow, and without failure there is no success. We need to remember to practice self-compassion.

Trying to achieve perfection is the opposite of success if every mistake is allowed to damage our self-confidence and sabotage our dreams.

There are so many different paths to get you where you want to go, school isn't the only option.
Gaby

This might put you on a more enjoyable and fulfilling path - Jasmine

Sometimes things can come out of missing an opportunity which turn out to be better than the original opportunity! Case in point - when I applied to intern at YoungMinds, I originally applied for the an HR internship, I didn't get it, but I was offered the Digital internship instead.

In hindsight, it was a much better role for me and led to many opportunities that I wouldn't have gotten if I had been given the role I originally applied for! What you think you might have wanted to do with certain grades might not turn out to be for you after all.

Getting different grades might actually put you on to a much more enjoyable and fulfilling path, even if it wasn't the one you originally set out to be on.

What you think you might have wanted to do with certain grades might not turn out to be for you after all.
Jasmine

You can get through it

Remember not everyone’s journey is the same. Success comes in different forms, and sometimes the best way to learn is by making mistakes.  

More information and advice

For tips, advice and information on where you can get support with whatever you're going through, have a look at our find help pages.

Where to get help

However you're feeling, there are people who can help you if you are struggling. Here are some services that can support you.

  • Exam Results Helpline

    Provides careers advice to help young people and their families decide on options following GCSE, A Level and Nationals results days.

    Usually available through August. Opening days and hours may vary each year - check website for details.

    If you live in Scotland, call 0808 100 8000.

  • Shout

    Text SHOUT to 85258.

    Shout provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis.

    All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.

    Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.

    Texts can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.

    Opening times:
    24/7

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