How to turn disappointment into opportunity on A-level results day

For many students, results day closes the chapter on years of hard work — but when the results don’t quite match their hopes, it can be hard to know what to do next.

It’s normal to feel upset when things don’t go to plan, but it’s also a chance to take stock, refocus and discover what could be an even better path forward.

Dr Katherine Hall, Assistant Professor in Psychology at Coventry University, shares her advice on coping with disappointment and planning your next move with confidence.

Give yourself permission to feel

If you didn’t get the grades or the offers you were hoping for, it’s natural to feel frustrated, sad or even angry. You’ve put an enormous amount of time and effort into your future, and it’s okay to grieve the outcome you had hoped for.

However, you mustn’t let those feelings consume you. A setback doesn’t define you, it’s just one moment on your journey. Acknowledge your emotions, talk them through with someone you trust, and when you’re ready start to shift your focus forward.

Take back control

One of the hardest parts of disappointment is the sense of uncertainty it brings. But remember, while you can’t change what’s already happened, you can choose what you do next.

Try to replace unhelpful thoughts such as “I’ve failed” with more constructive ones such as “What can I do with the grades I have?” or “What are my options now?”. The resilience you show in this moment will serve you well far beyond results day.

Rethink Clearing

Too often students think of Clearing as a last resort but it can actually open doors you might never have considered.

Clearing gives you the chance to explore courses and universities you may not have thought about before and many students discover that this unexpected route leads them to a degree and an experience that suits them better than their original plan.

Don’t let disappointment overshadow how much you’ve already achieved. Take time to research your options, ask questions and keep an open mind - you might find a course that excites you even more.

Look ahead

Now is the time to think about what you really want from your next steps and how it aligns with your career ambitions.

What kind of learning environment suits you best? What subjects spark your curiosity? How can the options available to you now help you build the future you want? Having a clear sense of what matters most to you can make the decisions ahead feel more manageable and even exciting.

You’ve already proven you can work hard and overcome challenges, now’s your chance to prove you can adapt and thrive, even when things don’t go to plan.

Find out more about Clearing at Coventry University.