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As the clock ticks ever closer to Results Day, you may find yourself experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. The anticipation, the excitement, the nerves—it’s all part of the journey. While Results Day anxiety is completely normal, there are a number of steps you can take to help manage the stress.
1. Bring someone with you
Whether it’s a family member, a close friend, or a teacher, having someone with you when you collect your GCSE or A Level results can help alleviate nerves and provide invaluable support and reassurance.
If things don’t go as planned, they’ll be able to talk through alternative options, and if you’re an A Level student entering university Clearing, they can help you with the practical stuff—like organising your documentation and writing down phone numbers.
It can be reassuring to know that, no matter what happens, you’ll have someone by your side. If you get the results you’re hoping for, then you’ll have someone there to share the moment and celebrate your success.
In the midst of all the Results Day chaos, it’s easy to feel pressured to have to open your results with friends or to share them with anybody and everybody who asks. This can lead to additional stress, especially if your peers are comparing their results.
Focus on your own achievements and progress, and try to avoid comparisons. Remember that everyone’s academic journey is different. Judge yourself and your results by your own standards, not by anyone else’s. If being around peers is going to cause you undue stress, then open your results in a more private setting, such as outside or in the car.
Speaking of comparisons, it’s also probably a good idea to stay away from social media, which can often heighten Results Day anxiety.
3. Preparation is key
Results Day doesn’t always go according to plan. It’s a good idea to prepare for every eventuality, so you aren’t caught off guard if you don’t quite get the exam results you are hoping for.
Having a plan in place will provide a sense of structure and control amid the uncertainty and ease some stress on the day itself. In other words, Results Day doesn’t have to be a cliffhanger; it can be a series of next steps, no matter what the grades say.
Make sure you know when and where you’ll be collecting your results, and have the essentials with you: a notebook and pen to jot things down and a fully charged phone (plus a charger) in case you need to make any important calls.
Advice for A Level students
A Level Results Day can be incredibly stressful—especially when a university place is at stake. If you received a conditional offer, you’ve probably been counting down the days until you find out whether you’ve secured your spot. A bit of planning can make a big difference in managing Results Day anxiety and staying in control.
Here are our top tips to help you prepare:
- Have a plan for every outcome. Stay positive, but be prepared for all possibilities. Think ahead about what you’ll do if you don’t meet your offer. For instance, if you’ve only narrowly missed your grades or feel there are special circumstances that may have affected your performance, it’s worth contacting the university to see if they’ll still accept you.
- Save the phone number of your university admissions team. If you need to speak to your university on Results Day, the last thing you want is to be frantically searching for a phone number. Have the number ready just in case you need it.
- Research clearing vacancies. Clearing opens in early July, so you don’t have to wait until Results Day to start exploring your options. You can use the UCAS search tool to browse available courses and make a shortlist of universities you’d be happy to apply to as a backup. Jot down their Clearing hotline numbers so you can act quickly if needed.
- Make sure you have your UCAS ID, Clearing number, and a copy of your personal statement. If you don’t meet the conditions of your offer, you’ll automatically be entered into Clearing, and your Clearing number will appear in the status section of your UCAS profile. Be sure to have your UCAS ID, Clearing number, and a copy of your personal statement with you when making calls.
- Pack a notebook, pen and a phone charger. You might be on the phone a lot, especially if you’re contacting multiple universities. Bring a notebook to keep track of Clearing offers and important details. And don’t forget your charger—the last thing you need is your phone dying halfway through a call.
If you do find yourself in Clearing—don’t panic! Thousands of students successfully secure a university place through Clearing every year, and you can too. Check out our Clearing 2025 student guide for a full breakdown of how it all works.
4. Talk to someone
Share how you’re feeling with someone you trust. Sometimes, simply talking things through can be a huge relief and make everything feel more manageable.
If you haven’t achieved the grades you need for further study, or if you’re feeling unsure about your next steps, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a professional. This could be a teacher, tutor, or careers adviser at your school or college or the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline on 0800 100 900. They will be specifically trained to advise and support you step-by-step, helping you to explore different avenues and make well-informed decisions.
Results Day is a very stressful time. You don’t want to make any rash decisions or settle for a course you’re not truly interested in as a result of panic! Talking through everything with a professional who understands the situation you’re in can help ease the pressure, reduce Results Day anxiety, and help you choose the path that’s right for you.
5. Take care of yourself
Results Day can be emotionally and physically draining, so remember to take care of yourself. Get enough rest, eat good food, and engage in self-care. No matter the outcome of your results, try to maintain a positive outlook, and take care not to catastrophise. Remember that this is only one milestone in your journey, and there are countless opportunities ahead.
Results Day (and the lead-up to it) is undoubtedly a nerve-wracking experience. But remember that students up and down the country are all in the same boat as you, and it’s natural to feel nervous. By planning ahead, seeking guidance from others, and looking after yourself, you can help minimise Results Day anxiety and ensure that you’re in the best headspace to make informed decisions about your future.
Good luck, you’ve got this!
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