Supporting your child who has failed their GCSE exams

Preparing for GCSEs can be a long journey, so facing the news that your child hasn’t succeeded in their GCSE exams can be a difficult experience. However, it’s important to support your child through this and remind them what their options are. 

From reassuring your child to resists, we’ve put together a guide to help you and your child through this difficult time. Keep reading to find out how to support your child if they fail their GCSE exams.

Addressing that your child has failed their GCSE exams

GCSEs require a lot of preparation. After all that build-up it can be disappointing for both you and your child if they fail their GCSEs. However, there are options so don’t let these feelings take over.

Instead, address why your child may have struggled and what they can do going forward. 

• Ask your child what they felt like they struggled with specifically

• Talk to your about their options, like resitting their GCSE exams

• Communicate with their teachers to find out why your child may have struggled.

Reassuring your child if they fail their GCSE exams

With all the pressure children feel in the run-up to GCSE exams, it can feel like the end of the world if your child doesn’t pass their exams. So your focus first and foremost should be reassuring your child. 

Remind your child that they aren’t defined by their exam results and this doesn’t mean they can’t succeed in future. Also, remind your child that they have the option to resit their GCSE exams, meaning they’ll still be able to carry on with their education if they want to.

Re-sitting GCSE exams

If your child has failed their GCSE exams you’ll still have options, such as appealing the result. If you wish to appeal the result, talk to your child’s school to learn your next steps. 

Your child will also have the option to resit their GCSE exams. This can usually be done the following year, whether your child is still in full-time education or not. To learn more about GCSE resits, take a look at our guide to GCSE results day.

Before your child retakes their GCSE exams, consider the following: 

Evaluate previous performance

• Review the areas where your child struggled in the initial exams.

• Identify specific subjects or topics that require additional attention.

Tailor study plans:

• Work with your child to create a customised study plan focusing on weak areas.

• Consider enrolling in targeted GCSE tuition or online resources for comprehensive support.

Emphasise learning from experience:

• Encourage your child to reflect on the challenges faced during the first attempt.

• Highlight the importance of applying lessons learned to achieve better results in the re-sit.

Providing support for your child if they fail their GCSE exams

Having addressed and reassured your child about their struggles with their GCSE exams, it’s time to identify ways you can support them moving forward. Here are some steps you can take: 

Encourage open communication

• Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings and concerns.

• Actively listen to their thoughts on the challenges they faced during the GCSE exams.

Identify needed support

• Ask your child about the specific support they feel they might need moving forward.

• This could include additional study resources, tutoring, or emotional support.

Create a motivating study environment

• Establish a dedicated study space that is conducive to learning and free from distractions.

• Personalise the environment with inspirational elements and positive reinforcement.

Foster a positive outlook

• Emphasise the importance of growth and improvement over time.

• Celebrate small victories and encourage a positive attitude towards future educational challenges.

After this difficult time, your support is the most important thing to your child right now. Help them rebuild their confidence and resilience by engaging in their education journey.

Resources for children who are worried about failing GCSE Exams

The run-up to GCSE exams can be stressful for both you and your child. If your child is worried about failing their GCSE exams, the following resources may help.

Dealing with GCSE stress

Gain insights into managing stress with the ultimate guide to GCSE wellbeing.

GCSE preparation

Discover effective strategies for preparation with GCSE preparation tips.

Need a GCSE tutor?

Explore the question of whether your child needs a GCSE tutor.

When to start GCSE preparation

Learn about the optimal time to start GCSE preparation to ensure a well-rounded approach to exams.

GCSE online tuition

Consider enrolling your child in GCSE online tuition for personalised guidance and support in their exam preparation.

GCSE maths tuition

Explore targeted GCSE maths tuition options to provide your child with assistance from experienced tutors.

Tuition to support children who are worried about their GCSE exams

For many children, it’s normal to be a little worried ahead of their GCSE exams, but for some children that worry can become a bit intense. We understand that all too well at Explore Learning, and that’s why our online tuition and in-centre tuition can help improve children’s confidence ahead of their GCSE exams. 

If your child is worried about their GCSE exams or didn’t perform well in their mock exams, why not consider tuition to support them? With as little as one hour of tuition a week, our expert tutors can help your child feel confident ahead of their exams by focusing on problem areas and developing exam techniques that work. 

Why not find out how we can help your child prepare for their GCSE exams with a free trial?