Tommy T's top tips for GCSE results day 2026

This article was published in August 2026.

Tom Egleton, better known online as Teacher Tommy T, is a special educational needs (SEN) teacher and TikTok creator with more than 2.5 million followers. His funny, relatable videos about school life have made him a favourite with students.

GCSE results day is on 20 August, so we've asked Tommy for his top tips for the big day. Watch the video below, then scroll down for more advice on making the most out of GCSE results day 2026.

1. Plan your day

Tommy recommends making a plan for GCSE results day: "Know what time you are getting your results, who you're going with, and know what you are going to be doing afterwards."

In our guide to results day 2026, teacher Miss Estruch suggests thinking about when you want to receive your results: "The earlier you arrive, the quieter it’ll be. Want to open your results privately? Go early. Want the buzz of friends around you? Arrive later once the crowd builds."

Many schools in England will also allow students to view their results online this year, so its worth checking your login details in advance. Accessing your results online is a perfect option if you are on holiday on results day.

Mental health campaigner Natasha Devon recommends planning something fun for the afternoon after you get your results, such as going to a park with friends. You can find more advice from Natasha about how to prepare for the big day here.

2. Your results do not define you

Tommy's message to students is simple: "Your results are important, but they are only one small part of your story. If you don't get the grades you were expecting, there are always options and other paths you can take."

Tommy knows this from experience, he previously told BBC News that he was disappointed with his own GCSE results: "I left my school with not the greatest of GCSEs - a C in English and a C in food tech - so I couldn't do too much with that… My journey took a different road and a piece of paper doesn't define you, but I got there eventually."

Bitesize expert Dr Radha told us: "Grades are important and there will have been expectations that you had for yourself or others had for you, but your emotional and mental wellbeing are so much more important. Your self-worth and value are not related to what grades you get – it’s about who you are and you don’t have to ‘achieve’ anything to be loved and to be amazing." Radha has plenty of tips to help your wellbeing around results day. You can read more of them here.

If your results weren't what you hoped for, then don't panic. Our useful guide explains everything from resits to the appeals process, with all the information on support you can get to help you take your next steps.

3. Talk to someone you trust

Tommy advises that you shouldn't deal with GCSE results on your own: "Whether you're celebrating or feeling disappointed, talk to someone that you trust. Whether that's a friend, a teacher or a parent, you don't have to figure everything out on your own."

That doesn't mean you have to share your results straight away, though. Sheila Redfern, a psychologist who works with teens, their parents and carers, says that it's okay to give yourself a bit of time to process your results: "You might feel more comfortable speaking with your friends or a girlfriend/boyfriend about your grades, there is no rule that says you have to tell your parents or carers first. But it’s probably something you will want to share with them eventually."

When you are ready to talk, Sheila suggests starting with how you feel about the results, not with the actual grades. "If you're feeling disappointed, let your parents or carers know, but if you feel you've done as well or better than you expected, say this before you give any actual grades. Tell them that you just want them to listen, but you don't want their input yet until you’re ready."

For more advice, including conversation starters and how to manage difficult discussions, check out Sheila's guide on how to talk to your parents or carers about your results.

Lastly, Tommy says that you need to be kind to yourself whatever your results: "You've worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and that deserves to be recognised!" So go on, celebrate yourself, no matter what your results are!

If you need support

You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.

If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.