Stressed About A-Level Results Day? Here's How To Cope

A-level Results Day is approaching, and for many students, stress levels tend to rise in the days leading up to it.

If that’s the case for you, you’re not alone. Many young people across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be feeling the same way.

For those who already live with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, a big life event like results day can affect wellbeing and increase stress levels further.

To help you manage stress in the run-up to results day and on the day itself, we’ve put together this guide.

When Is A-level Results Day 2026?

Knowing the details of A-level Results Day can help keep stress levels down. A-level Results Day in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is taking place on Thursday 13 August.

Students in Scotland collecting National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results should note that their date is different this year. These are released by Qualifications Scotland, the body that replaced the SQA earlier in 2026, on Tuesday 4 August, over a week ahead of the A-level date.

On the day, you should be able to pick up your A-level results from your school or college from 8 am, though it’s best to check with your institution, as times may vary.

Symptoms of Stress

It’s important to understand the signs of results day-related stress, so you know what to look out for. The signs can be different for everyone, but here are some of the common mental and physical symptoms.

Headaches or dizziness, muscle tension or pain, stomach problems, chest pain or a faster heartbeat, difficulty concentrating, feeling tired due to problems sleeping, or bad dreams. Loss of appetite or overeating, feeling less motivated to look after yourself, not wanting to spend time with family and friends, struggling to make decisions, feeling overwhelmed, and constantly worrying about results day.

How You Can Cope with Results Day Stress

Waiting for your A-level results can be a worrying time, and it can affect your mental health, but there are ways to manage it. Different coping strategies work for different people, so it’s worth finding what works for you. Here are some tips if you’re feeling anxious about collecting your results.

Try to Keep Things in Perspective

Keeping things in perspective is easier said than done, as results day can feel like your whole life depends on what you achieve, but that isn’t the case. When you’re stressed, you tend to fixate on what’s going wrong. Stepping back and thinking about what is going well can help keep stress in check. University isn’t the only path out there, so if you don’t get the grades you were expecting, that’s not the end of the road. If you try your best but things don’t work out, that’s what matters, and there are other ways to reach your career goals.

Plan for Any Outcome

If you’re finding the run-up to A-level Results Day stressful, planning for any outcome can help. Think about what you’d need to do next if you achieved your expected grades, and what steps you’d take if your grades were lower than expected. Researching other options and UCAS Clearing in advance means you’re prepared either way, which can make the day itself feel more manageable.

Keep Yourself Busy

Keeping yourself occupied with activities you enjoy can help take your mind off A-level Results Day. Making plans with friends, playing video games, going for a walk, listening to podcasts, or reading are all good options. Staying busy with things you enjoy means you’re less likely to dwell on your thoughts. It’s summer, and there’s plenty of room to spend time with people in your life. Staying connected with others and keeping up with things you enjoy can help more than isolating yourself would.

Speak to Your Friends and Family

Whether in person or online, having a support system matters if you’re feeling stressed. The people in your life know you best, and talking things through can help. Your friends may be feeling the same way, and older relatives may have experienced similar feelings around their own results day. It’s easy to shut yourself off from people when you’re stressed, but support from others can make a real difference. If your stress levels aren’t improving and you feel overwhelmed, speak to your GP, a therapist, or another professional.

Be Sure to Get Enough Sleep

Sleep and stress are closely linked, and not getting enough rest can lead to low mood and low energy. It can be hard to sleep when your mind is on results day, but a healthy sleeping pattern supports both physical and mental wellbeing. Not sleeping enough can increase stress, depression, anxiety and frustration, so aim for around seven to nine hours of rest each night.

Look After Your Physical Health

Exercise can support your health and wellbeing, and help ease stress. Staying active works best when it’s something you enjoy, whether that’s walking, running, dancing or cycling. Regular exercise offers several stress-reducing benefits, and even fifteen to twenty minutes a day can support your physical and mental wellbeing. In the weeks leading up to A-level Results Day, some form of daily exercise can help keep stress levels down. Eating a well-balanced diet is another good way to look after your physical health and reduce stress.

Hopefully this guide for dealing with results day stress has helped.

We wish you all the best, and encourage you to look after your mental health in the run-up to the big day.

There are other useful resources available if you’re feeling stressed about your results, including YoungMinds, the UK’s leading charity for young people’s mental health.