You don't have to know yet

You don't have to have your whole future mapped out. You don't have to know exactly who you are going to become. And you don't have to make sense of everything today. Instead of asking “What am I going to do with my life?”, try asking: “What would I like to happen next?” That's a much smaller question.

Perhaps you'd like to feel more confident starting somewhere new. Perhaps you'd like to find people you connect with. Perhaps you'd like to explore a subject you're curious about. Perhaps you'd like to give yourself permission not to know yet.

When we're focused on what might go wrong, it's easy to overlook what we're already doing well. Think back. When have you handled something that initially felt difficult? Who has helped you? What have you learned about yourself? What are you proud of — even if nobody else noticed? What helped you get through the last difficult or uncertain moment? You already have experience of navigating change. You don't have to start from scratch.

For students

Perhaps you're celebrating. Perhaps you're disappointed. Perhaps you're somewhere in between. Your results are information about what happened in your exams. They aren't a measure of everything you can do, everything you have achieved, or everything you might become. If your results have opened the door you hoped they would, that's great. Take a moment to recognise that. And if they haven't, there may still be more possibilities than you can see right now. You might be thinking about university, an apprenticeship, work, a gap year, clearing, changing your plans or taking some time to work out what comes next. You don't have to decide how your whole life will unfold. What's the next step that feels right for you?

Results day can bring excitement, anticipation, curiosity and uncertainty — sometimes all at once. You might already know what subjects you want to take next. Or you might have absolutely no idea. Both are okay. You don't need to have a five-year plan at sixteen. You can be interested in something today and discover something completely different next year. You can change your mind. You can try something and discover it isn't for you. You can take a different route. There isn't just one path from here.

For parents and carers

Getting exam results can feel like a big moment for parents, carers and teachers too. You might feel proud, relieved, anxious or unsure what to say. There’s no perfect response. Your presence and care matter.

You don’t need all the answers. It’s natural to want to problem-solve: What are you going to do now? What are your options? Have you checked clearing? Sometimes these questions are helpful. Sometimes a young person needs a moment first. You don’t have to solve the future for them. You can simply be alongside them.

Ask with curiosity

Try: “How are you feeling about your results?” “What are you pleased about?” “What are you thinking about next?” “Would you like help exploring options, or some time first?” Support can mean working things through together — or giving them space to lead.

Look beyond the grades

You know them as more than numbers. You’ve seen their effort, character, resilience and all the things that don’t appear on a results sheet. If they’re disappointed, you don’t have to fix it. You might simply say: “This isn’t what you hoped for. What would you like to do now?” Or: “I’m here. We’ll work out the next bit together.”

Keep the future open

Plans change. Paths shift. What feels uncertain today can become part of a bigger journey. Focus on one small step: What needs doing today? What can wait? What would help? What do they want? You don’t have to know yet. And neither do they. One conversation. One step at a time.

Uncertainty isn't a sign of weakness: it's an invitation to explore

A new chapter can be exciting. It can also feel overwhelming. New people. New expectations. More independence. Different routines. And perhaps a little voice asking: “What if I don’t manage?”

Instead of starting with everything that could go wrong, try starting somewhere different. What are your best hopes? Imagine looking back at your time at sixth form, college, or university. What are your best hopes for your time there?

Maybe you want to: Make good friends, feel more confident, enjoy your course, try something new, feel more independent, find your people, look after your wellbeing, or discover what you’re capable of. There isn’t a right answer. Your hopes are yours.

How will you know? Now imagine those hopes are beginning to happen. What will you notice? What will you be doing? Who might notice? Perhaps you’ll find yourself speaking to someone new. Maybe you’ll put your hand up in class. You might join a club, ask for help when you need it, or feel comfortable enough to be yourself. These small things can be signs that you’re moving in the direction you want to go.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Starting somewhere new doesn’t mean you have to know exactly who you are, what you want, or where you’re going. You can take it one step at a time. And when things don’t go to plan, you can ask: “What has helped before?” “What is already going okay?” “What could I do next?” You may be surprised by what you discover.

One small step. Think about your best hopes. Then ask yourself: “What is one small thing I could do this week that might move me a little closer?” It doesn’t have to be a big change. Sometimes the smallest step is the one that gets you moving. You don’t need to know the whole journey. Just start with the next step.

August 2026

Presentation stress?
It's time to channel your nervous energy.


Presentation nerves are normal — even experienced speakers get them. The aim isn’t to stop feeling nervous, it’s to learn how to move forward while feeling nervous.

Start with your best hopes

Before your next presentation, ask yourself: What are my best hopes for this experience? Maybe you want to feel more confident, speak clearly, connect with your audience or simply finish knowing you gave it your best.

Then ask: How will I know? What will you notice if things go a little better? Perhaps you’ll look up from your notes, speak more slowly, make eye contact or feel proud that you stood up and did it. These small signs matter.

Look for what already works

Think of a time when speaking went better than expected. What was different? Maybe you knew your subject well. You had prepared. The group was smaller. You were talking about something you cared about. Whatever it was, do more of it. You don’t need to start from scratch. You can build on what you already know works.

Take one small step

Confidence grows through doing. You could: Speak up once in your next meeting, share an idea with a small group, volunteer to give part of a presentation, practise in front of someone you trust, or take on a slightly bigger challenge when you’re ready. You don’t have to feel confident before you take the step. The step can be how confidence begins.

What if you stopped trying to get rid of the nerves?

Instead of asking: “How do I stop being nervous?” try asking: “What do I want to achieve, even if I feel nervous?” You might still have butterflies. Your heart might still beat faster. But you can breathe, take your next step and speak anyway. You don’t need to be fearless to be confident. You just need to be willing to take the next step.

(Updated March 2026)