What Should I Do if My Child Gets Bad Mock Results?

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By Zayna Dar, Founder,  Shuhari Tuition

The envelope arrives, or the email pings into your inbox, and suddenly your heart sinks. Your child's mock exam results are staring back at you, and they're not what anyone hoped for. If you've received disappointing mock results and are wondering how to deal with the news  while continuing to be there for your child, just take a deep breath. It's not as bad as it might initially feel.

Research shows that mock exam performance often bears little resemblance to final GCSE and A-level results. In fact, many students see significant improvements between their January mocks and their summer exams, with some jumping entire grade boundaries. The key difference? Knowing how to use these results as a springboard rather than a setback.

Here's your comprehensive guide to turning disappointing mock results into exam success.

Take A Deep Breath

Before you start researching intensive tutoring programmes or wondering if your child should resit the entire year, it's important to keep perspective about what mock exams actually represent. Mock results are not a crystal ball predicting your child's future. Think of them as a diagnostic tool, much like a practice driving test that highlights the areas that need work before the final test.

Mock exams are deliberately challenging. Schools set them earlier in the academic year when students haven't covered all the content yet, and they sometimes use exam papers from the most difficult exam sessions. The grading can be harsher than the actual exams in an attempt to motivate rather than reassure. It's not uncommon for students to be working at a grade 4 in their January mocks and achieve a grade 6 or 7 in their final GCSEs.

The timing of a mock exam also means your child is essentially being assessed on incomplete learning. For A-level students, January mocks might cover content they've only recently studied, without the benefit of months of consolidation and practice. Similarly, GCSE students sitting mocks in the first term of year 11 are being tested on topics they may have learned over a year ago, with little recent revision.

Most importantly, mock exams can't measure the most significant factor in exam success: targeted preparation. The student who uses their mock results strategically has a tremendous advantage over someone who simply continues with general revision. Your child now has a clear roadmap of exactly what needs attention.

Remember: Mock Results Are Data, Not Destiny

What mock results can tell you:

• Which topics or question types need the most attention.

• Whether exam technique or content knowledge is the primary issue.

• How your child performs under exam conditions.

• Which subjects require the most intensive support.

What mock results cannot tell you:

• Your child's final grades.

• Their intelligence or potential.

• Whether they're "good enough" for their chosen next steps.

• How they'll perform after months of focused revision.

Have an Honest (But Supportive) Conversation with Your Child

The conversation about disappointing mock results is often more daunting for parents than the results themselves. Start by managing your own emotions first. Remember, your child is likely already feeling frustrated with themselves, they don't need you to feel frustrated with them too.

When you do sit down with your child, start by acknowledging their feelings. Sentences like "I can see you're really disappointed" or "This must feel frustrating after all your hard work" validate their experience without immediately jumping into solution mode.

The conversation should feel collaborative – you’re not interrogating them, but are there to support them. Instead of asking "What went wrong?" try "What do you think these mock results are telling us?" This approach positions you as a key part of your child's support network rather than a judge of their performance.

Timing matters: if your child is visibly upset, consider having the initial emotional conversation separately from the practical conversation where you plan next steps. Sometimes a hug and reassurance that you're proud of them regardless of grades is all that's needed in the first instance, with the strategy session happening a day or two later when emotions have settled.

Analyse the Results Together

Once you've had the initial conversation, it's time to examine what the mock results are actually telling you. Start by collecting as much information as you can. Don't just look at the overall grades, ask for detailed feedback from teachers and look at marked papers if possible.

Look for patterns across subjects. If your child performed poorly across all subjects, this might indicate exam anxiety, time management issues, or general revision strategies that aren't working. If the problems are subject-specific, you can focus your efforts more precisely. For A-level students, consider whether the poor performance relates to the transition from GCSE-style learning to more independent, higher-order thinking.

Pay attention to the types of questions where your child lost marks. In GCSE English, for example, did they struggle more with language analysis or creative writing? In A-level sciences, were the issues with calculations, essay questions, or practical application?

Don't forget that external factors might have impacted your child's results. Sometimes, a poor mock outcome reflects circumstances rather than ability.

Create a Targeted Action Plan

Once you understand what went wrong, you can create a plan to resolve the specific issues you've uncovered. The key word here is "targeted": a generic revision timetable rarely delivers the dramatic improvements needed between mocks and final exams. Your action plan needs to be laser-focused on your child's particular weaknesses while building on their existing strengths.

Start by prioritising ruthlessly. Focus on the subjects that matter most for your child's next steps, and within those subjects, tackle the areas where targeted effort will yield the biggest grade improvements. A student aiming for university might prioritise their three strongest A-level subjects, while a GCSE student might focus intensively on English and maths if these are currently below the required grades for entry to sixth form.

Consider the 80/20 principle: often, 80% of the grade improvement will come from mastering 20% of the content. In GCSE maths, for example, ensuring your child is confident with percentages, fractions, and basic algebra might unlock more marks than struggling through complex trigonometry. In A-level history, perfecting their essay structure and ensuring they can analyse sources effectively might be more valuable than trying to memorise every historical detail.

Your action plan should also account for your child's learning style and energy patterns. The mock results analysis might have revealed that your child performs better in certain conditions, so take these into account when you make your plan.

SMART Goal Setting for Exam Improvement

The "SMART" framework is well-known in the business world, but it also applies here.

• Specific: Instead of "get better at English," aim for "improve essay structure by using PEEL paragraphs in every response and increase analysis marks by incorporating three quotes per paragraph”. 

• Measurable: Set clear numerical targets like "increase maths grade from 4 to 6" or "achieve 80% on past paper questions for organic chemistry."

• Achievable: Be realistic about what's possible in the time available. Moving from grade 3 to grade 7 in 10 weeks is unlikely, but 3 to 5 is very achievable with focused effort.

• Relevant: Ensure goals align with your child's post-exam plans. A student going onto do an apprenticeship might have different goals from a student applying to university.

• Time-bound: Break larger goals into weekly milestones. "Master quadratic equations by week 3” or “Complete five biology past papers by week 6”.

Sample Weekly Plan Structure:

Week 1-2: Foundation building

• Address the most fundamental gaps identified in the analysis.

• Focus on basic concepts and building blocks.

• Begin regular past paper practice (untimed) to establish a baseline.

Week 3-5: Skill development

• Work on exam technique and question-specific strategies.

• Intensive practice on the question types that caused the most difficulty.

• Introduce timed practice sessions.

Week 6-8: Application and integration

• Complete full past papers under exam conditions.

• Focus on bringing together different topics within subjects.

• Fine-tune timing and exam technique.

Week 9-10: Reinforcing knowledge and confidence

• Revise previously mastered topics.

• Focus on exam day strategies and anxiety management.

• Use practice papers to tie up any loose ends.

Consider Additional Options To Support Your Child

Sometimes, despite the best intentions and home support, your child may need extra help to bridge the gaps revealed by their mock results. Consider private tutoring if your mock analysis reveals large knowledge gaps in core subjects. A good tutor can often explain concepts in a way that finally makes sense to your child, especially if they've been struggling with a particular teacher's approach or pace. They will know the subject inside out and are familiar with the exam board’s specification. This will help your child build confidence and better understand the examiner’s expectations.

Put your child back on track. Our expert tutors can turn disappointing mock results into a source of strength. Get in touch with us today. 

Don't overlook the resources already available through school. Most schools offer revision sessions, one-to-one support, or study groups specifically designed for students struggling with mock results.

Online resources can be particularly effective for visual learners or students who prefer working at their own pace. Platforms like BBC Bitesize, Khan Academy, and subject-specific YouTube channels offer free, high-quality content that can supplement classroom learning.

Peer support shouldn't be underestimated either. Study groups with classmates can provide motivation, different perspectives on challenging topics, and opportunities to teach others, which often helps consolidate your child's own understanding.

Resource Options by Type of Need

• Knowledge gaps: Professional tutoring, online courses, teacher-led revision sessions.

• Exam technique: School workshops, past paper practice with teachers, online mark scheme guides.

• Time management: Study skills coaching, online productivity courses, peer study groups.

• Subject-specific issues: Subject teacher support, online resources (e.g. Seneca Learning for sciences), revision guides.

• Confidence building: Peer study groups, gradual practice building, celebrating small wins.

Focus on Exam Technique and Stress Management

If your child receives disappointing mock exam results, it's crucial to focus on both exam technique and stress management to help them improve. Start by analysing the mock exams to pinpoint areas where they struggled, whether it's time management, understanding the questions, applying knowledge, or recalling information. Encourage your child to practice with timed quizzes and past papers to enhance their exam techniques.

Emphasise the importance of efficient study habits over long, unfocused sessions. Joining a study group can be highly beneficial, as discussions with peers can lead to a better understanding of complex topics, ultimately enhancing your child’s exam readiness.

We all know that stress can have a major impact on students, so stress management should always be part and parcel of your plan. Teach your child relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness to help lower their anxiety levels. Help them build a balanced routine, with time for enough sleep, regular exercise, and breaks during study sessions.

Here's a simple plan:

Skill area	Strategies
Exam technique	Analyse mock results, ask a private tutor for help, practice with past papers.
Study habits	Create a revision timetable with a tutor. Join study groups, use active learning, and experiment with different revision techniques.
Stress management	Have check-in conversations with a tutor. Practice relaxation methods, establish a balanced routine.

Maintain Wellbeing and Balance

If you've had disappointing mock results, it's tempting to want to do everything at once: extra tutoring, longer study hours, and cancelled social plans. However, your child's well-being must remain a priority.

Many families respond to poor mock results by sacrificing sleep for study time, but this is counterproductive. Ensure your child maintains a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for 8-9 hours per night, even during intensive revision periods.

Physical activity and fresh air remain important. A 20-minute walk or quick workout can actually improve focus and productivity for the hours that follow.

Don't cut off all social ties and extracurricular activities. Complete isolation from friends and hobbies can increase anxiety and make the revision period feel overwhelming. Instead, help your child find balance: perhaps an hour with friends on weekends or keep up with one cherished hobby after a study session. 

Watch for signs that exam pressure is becoming counterproductive. If your child becomes increasingly anxious, starts avoiding certain subjects entirely, or shows physical symptoms of stress like headaches or sleep disturbance, it may be time to ease back rather than push harder.

Get expert help to build a realistic revision schedule for your child. Talk to one of our tutors. 

Know When to Adjust Expectations

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the gap between mock results and your aspirations may be too large to bridge, and you have to rethink your goals and accept that potentially your expectations, and those of your child, may have been unrealistic.

If your child's mock results suggest their original university choices may be out of reach, explore alternative pathways when you still have enough time to make adjustments. Many excellent universities have lower entry requirements or have set up a foundation years programme. You could also consider a gap year, which can provide time for resits.

For GCSE students, remember that many paths lead to the same destination. If A-level requirements look challenging, consider vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, or alternative sixth form options such as BTECs. These aren't lesser choices, they're different routes that might better suit your child's strengths and interests.

Have honest conversations with school staff about realistic grade predictions. Their insights can help you set challenging but attainable goals.

When to Consider Alternative Plans

• University applications: If mock results are significantly below entry requirements with insufficient time for dramatic improvement.

• Subject choices: If consistent poor performance in a subject suggests it may not be the right fit.

• Timeline expectations: If stress levels suggest a gap year or re-sit year might be beneficial.

• Career goals: If mock results reveal different strengths that might lead to different but equally fulfilling paths.

Key Takeaways: What Should We Do if My Child Gets Bad Mock Results?

• Mock results are diagnostic tools, not final judgements. They are meant to highlight the areas that need attention, and are not the final verdict about what your child is capable of achieving.

• Start with empathy and support. Your child likely feels disappointed already. Position yourself as their ally in finding solutions rather than adding to their stress.

• Analyse systematically before taking action. Understanding whether issues stem from knowledge gaps, exam technique, time management, or anxiety will determine the most effective approach.

• Create targeted action plans with specific goals. Generic revision rarely delivers dramatic improvements. Focus on the subjects that matter most for your child's future plans.

• Use additional support strategically. Whether it's tutoring, school resources, or online platforms, extra help should address specific needs and complement your child's own efforts.

Find a Tutor Now

Go from disappointing mocks to excellent exam results. At Shuhari Tuition, our tutors are selected based on their own results (they all have an A grade or higher in their chosen subject) and have the subject knowledge to help your child excel in their exams. We begin with a baseline assessment to gauge where your child is at and then help your child build an effective study plan. Click here to contact us.