Helping Students Cope with Results Day Anxiety—Before the Envelope Arrive
For many students, the wait for exam results can be more stressful than the exams themselves.
The silence between the last exam paper and results day creates space for worry, doubt, and fear to creep in—especially for those who feel their self worth is tied in with how well they do.
As parents and teachers, we often focus on what the results will be. But we should also be preparing students for results by supporting their well being before the envelope arrives.
5 Practical Ways to Support Students Before Results Day
- Help Them Name What They’re Feeling
Students may not recognise that what they’re experiencing is anxiety.
It may help to start a conversation around how they feel. Asking them to talk about their feelings helps them identify What it is they may be anxious about. It can helpful to name feelings in this way as when we Know How we feel, we can feel more in control.
- Avoid talking possibilities that might make them more anxious
Phrases like “What if you don’t get the grades?” or “Let’s talk Plan B just in case” can raise anxiety.
Instead, focus on what’s true now:
“You’ve done what you could. Whatever happens, we’ll handle it.”
Positive talk that confirms your solution-based attitude, is much more helpful that starting a conversation around the possibility of now doing as well as they/you hoped.
- Be Mindful of the Pressure Around Them
Even unspoken expectations—from teachers, family, or social media—can weigh heavily.
Create a neutral space. Let them know their value isn’t tied to a number on a page.
We all need to feel ‘more than’ the result of a small snapshot in time. We ARE more than a Grade.
- Focus on Effort and Growth, Not Just Outcome
Praise their work ethic, resilience, and how they prepared. These are skills that will carry them beyond exams.
Whatever the outcome on Results Day, reinforce your recognition of their efforts and personal growth in the exam process.
- Model Calm Thinking
If you’re anxious about the results, your student will sense it. Stay grounded, and speak from a place of calm.
Your attitude will rub off on them. Keep it light and encouraging and based on your continued support
A Wider View—It’s Not Just About Results Day
Results day is one moment in a much longer story.
Whether your student opens an envelope filled with joy or disappointment, their response matters more than the result itself.
Teaching students to handle pressure, handle their emotions, and process unhelpful thinking is the real win—and it’s a skill they’ll use long after school.
Now is the time to help your young person mentally prepare for the future. Being mentally resilient throughout life will shape them more than the grades in the envelope.
Want to shift student thinking before next summer’s exams?
I deliver CPD training and student stress workshops that help schools get students mentally prepared for exams. My Staff Inset days give Teachers the techniques and skills they need to build resilience and staff calm and in control when it matters.
📧 Email me at [email protected] to find out how we can work together.