Students waiting for GCSE and A Level results are more anxious about results day because of the effect coronavirus has impacted their learning, according to a new survey.
The research by FutureLearn, the UK’s online learning platform, has revealed that the pandemic has increased results-day nerves and the fear of failure for more than half those questioned (54%).
The research unearthed that home life, not just school life, has affected young people’s confidence levels. Pressure from parents as well as a need to constantly “be seen as achieving” has elevated expectations and fears around results day, with 51% of those expecting results believing they’ll disappoint their family if their results aren’t as expected.
The new research of 1,000 UK students aged 16-22 found, of those surveyed who are expecting exam results this summer, 41% said they were worried they would not be able to get into university and 25% that they would not be able to get a job if their grades were not as they had hoped.
However, many students are excited to start the next chapter of their lives with 52% admitting that an education will allow them to stand up for what they believe in.
Liz Le Breton, brand director at FutureLearn, said: "Exam results are one of those moments where we all hold our breath and think about a generation of students who have passed through systems, structures, challenges and opportunities to arrive at an important personal milestone.
"The pandemic has incubated inequalities and asked new questions of learners and educators alike."
Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, FutureLearn has seen a dramatic increase of over 125% in learners enrolling on courses, compared to the same period the year before, with millions of new learners signing up every quarter.
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