“My Child's Predicted Grades Don’t Reflect Their Potential” - What to Do Before A Levels and the IB

How to Help Your Child Improve Predicted Grades for A Levels and the IB

As a parent, it can be disheartening to see low predicted grades that seem out of step with what you know your child can achieve. Perhaps they struggled with one bad test, faced unexpected personal challenges, or simply haven’t yet had the chance to shine academically.

Whatever the reason, predicted grades can feel like a closed door – especially when university offers and plans hinge so heavily on them.
The good news? Predicted grades are not the end of the story. There’s plenty your child can do before the IB or A Levels to take control of their academic narrative. Here’s how you can support them.

1. Understand Where the Grades Came From

Start by having an open, non-confrontational conversation with your child’s teachers. Ask how the grades were decided – were they based on recent mock exams, classwork, or past performance? Understanding the reasoning can help pinpoint areas for improvement and identify any inconsistencies or unfair assumptions.

2. Encourage a Growth Mindset

Predicted grades are a snapshot, not a verdict. Encourage your child to view them as a starting point, not a ceiling. With focused effort, smart planning, and the right support, students often outperform their predictions. Help them shift their focus from what’s gone wrong to what they can still achieve.

3. Create a Targeted Revision Plan

Once you’ve identified the subjects or topics where there’s a gap between potential and prediction, it’s time to build a plan. Effective revision doesn’t just mean re-reading notes – it involves active recall, exam practice, and regular self-assessment.
Break revision into manageable chunks and set realistic, subject-specific goals. Starting this process in the months before final exams is key to reducing last-minute panic and increasing confidence.

4. Consider External Support

If your child is struggling to close the gap alone, A Level and IB tutoring can be a game-changer. A good tutor can offer subject expertise, tailored strategies, and motivational support. They can also provide a fresh perspective that may be harder to achieve in a busy classroom. With the right guidance from an Enjoy tutor, many students go on to exceed their predicted grades – and rediscover what they’re capable of.

5. Explore All Post-School Options

If your child’s predicted grades fall short of what’s required for their preferred university course, don’t panic. There are multiple paths to success

•  Speak to universities: Some may still consider contextual information or accept students with lower predicted grades if other aspects  of the application are strong.
• Consider foundation courses or alternative entry routes.
• Keep Clearing in mind as a valuable back-up option post-results day.

6. Focus on Wellbeing and Perspective

Academic setbacks can dent a young person’s confidence. Make space for rest, exercise, and open conversation.
Remind them regularly that predicted grades are not a measure of their worth, nor a fixed outcome. Many students surprise themselves – and others – with what they can achieve when supported, encouraged, and given the space to grow.

A calm, balanced mindset can be just as powerful as any revision strategy.

When to Consider Asking for a Mock Resit

1. Genuine Mitigating Circumstances
   If your child was unwell, experiencing personal difficulties, or dealing with external pressures at the time of their mocks, it’s reasonable to raise this with the school. Many schools will take extenuating circumstances into account, particularly if they were formally reported at the time.
2. Clear Evidence of Improvement
   If your child has made significant progress since the mocks, demonstrated through classwork, assessments, or independent study, it may be worth discussing whether that could be reflected in an updated prediction, even without a formal resit.
3. Marking or Assessment Concerns
   If there’s a genuine concern about how a paper was marked or how the result was used to inform a prediction, you can request a review of the grade and ask whether a reassessment or additional evidence might be considered.
4. A Strong Case for UCAS or Sixth Form Applications
   If the predicted grades are significantly lower than required for university or sixth form targets, and there’s a strong academic rationale for an increase, schools may be open to reviewing them, particularly if it helps ensure a fair application.

How to Approach It

• Speak diplomatically: Request a meeting with the subject teacher or Head of Year. Phrase it as a conversation, not a challenge.
• Come with evidence: Bring examples of improved work, feedback, or test results that show potential beyond the original mock performance.
• Be realistic: A school is unlikely to adjust grades significantly without good reason, but they are often open to reconsideration if there’s a clear, respectful case.