For those of you who were expecting to sit exams this summer, you may be feeling frustrated and worried about what happens next, particularly if you didn’t do as well as hoped in your mocks or you are unhappy with your teacher’s assessments or predicted grades. Some of you might also feel resentful that your peers have solid predicted grades and won’t be too affected. Whilst decisions are still being made regarding Autumn exams (rolling eye emoji!), here are some things to remember throughout this unsettling period:

1. ALL feelings are valid, so allow yourself to go through the motions. You have missed a major milestone and have every right to be angry/frustrated/disappointed, etc. If tensions are high between you and family members, try to give yourselves some space and talk things through when everyone is calm.
2. Remember that everyone (nationally and internationally) is affected by the school closures. If you are worried about starting a new course or going to college/university in September, remember everyone will be feeling the same (including the teachers) and you will navigate your way through.
3. Grade boundaries are adjusted each year depending on national averages, so this may end up working in your favour.
4. GRADES DO NOT DEFINE YOU! As much as our education system places HUGE emphasis on grades and assessment, there is so much more to you as a person and more to life. If you do not get the grades you need, you should be able to appeal or resit the following year if you wish to do so. This might also give you the space to rethink about your future and what you want to do (or not do). UCAS are publishing regular updates on Covid-19 and university applications at https://www.ucas.com/coronavirus-updates-hub
5. It is always worth contacting your current school and where you’re applying to if you are worried about your grades. Communicate with them to see what your options are.
6. Now is the time to clean up your social media! Filter out anyone or anything that doesn’t make you feel good and instead, look for positive hashtags and influencers. Avoid comparing yourself to others and if the news is making you feel anxious, avoid looking at it.
7. Lastly, try to get plenty of sleep, eat well and get outside every day – these are simple things that help keep your emotional health in check.
8. The following websites offer amazing support for young people, if you feel that you are struggling or want someone to talk to in confidence:

https://www.themix.org.uk/ Tel 0800 8084994 or Text THEMIX to 85258*

https://youngminds.org.uk/ Text ‘YM’ to 85258* (available 24/7)

https://www.giveusashout.org/ Text your message to 85258*

https://www.studentminds.org.uk/

https://www.studentsagainstdepression.org/i-need-help-now/

*the text number 85258 is the same for these services and your message will be directed to a relevant crisis counsellor.

For more information or questions about this topic or any others mentioned, please get in touch.