A Level results are out today - here is a Christian mum’s perspective

In a quick survey of my friends, one message came up again and again: your results don’t define you. They are just one path, and they don’t mean you cannot change direction later. Life is full of opportunities for learning and growth at every stage.

Sometimes the biggest lessons come when we think we are heading one way and God gently, or sometimes abruptly, leads us somewhere else. One conversation with a stranger, one moment of inspiration, one unexpected door opening can set us on a completely different course. Even my son said this morning that most of the jobs he has had came not from filling out endless applications but from simply talking to people, hearing what was happening, and stepping into opportunities that came up.

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As parents, it is easy to let our children’s results define us too — whether those results are better than expected or more disappointing than hoped for.

As parents, it is easy to let our children’s results define us too — whether those results are better than expected or more disappointing than hoped for. There can be a temptation to post grades online without thinking about those who might be struggling. Yes, sometimes that might be due to lack of effort, and as parents we may have hoped the disappointment would be a learning experience, only to find it has not worked out that way. Other times the struggle comes from challenges in learning, different abilities, or circumstances beyond anyone’s control. For some families, the playing field is far from level.

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Today I am particularly thinking about parents whose children have additional needs, or who may be dealing with difficult mental health challenges, or who have experienced trauma during this season that has thrown them a curveball.

Today I am particularly thinking about parents whose children have additional needs, or who may be dealing with difficult mental health challenges, or who have experienced trauma during this season that has thrown them a curveball. Success may look very different for them, and it is just as worth celebrating. We can and should be proud of our children, especially when we have seen the hard work, perseverance, and resilience that went into their achievements. But not everything needs to be said publicly. We can celebrate without unintentionally making others feel less than.

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Here’s what some people told me:

Milly (16) – “I’m currently waiting for my GCSE results, and it’s been hard. Some days I feel calm, while other days I overthink everything I wrote in my exams. I’ve prayed a lot, not just for good grades, but for peace no matter what happens. I keep reminding myself that my worth isn’t in my results, but in who I am in God.”

Cathy (mum) – “At the time you get your results, it feels like the most important event that will determine your future. But now I see them differently — just a stepping stone. If things don’t map out as planned, you can side-step, re-route, or even take a step back. Each path teaches resilience, evaluation, and adaptability.”

Tom (19) – “Make plans to go out with friends to Spoons so you can celebrate or commiserate. Be positive — it’s just a small step in your journey, even if it’s sideways.”

Jen (mum) – “Don’t be alone. Have people with you.”

Gina (35) – “Just because you’re a Christian doesn’t mean you’re good at RE… although I did get an A* in it!”

George (24) – “The grades you get aren’t going to define your whole life. No matter the outcome, there is always a path.”

Catherine (mum) – “You’re allowed to change your mind. A plan made months ago doesn’t have to be your plan forever.”

And my thoughts – “You’re not defined by someone else’s version of success, let alone a grade on a paper. More often it’s in how you treat people or how hard you work. A fish wouldn’t get an A* for climbing a tree — but that doesn’t make it less valuable.”

As Christians, we believe that our ultimate value is not measured by exam boards or employers but by the God who made us, knows us, and loves us. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made before we could achieve anything at all. Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s workmanship, created for good works He has prepared for us to walk in.

Grades may open doors, but they do not determine the fullness of God’s plan for your life. That is far bigger than any letter or number on a results sheet. 

So celebrate what you can today, your own hard work or someone else’s. Be kind in how you share it. And remember, whatever happens, your story is still unfolding. This is just one chapter.