Congratulations to all with kids who achieved their predictions or did better than predictions and to those that didn't meet impossible predictions and to all those with the "meh" grades (not my description tbut quoting above) but that have met the grades they need to take their next step whatever that may be.
Commiserations to those that didn't get what they needed to take their next step or what they'd have liked to and good luck with your research and decisions as to what to do now.
I have 3 - a real mixture - all boys. All different type of schools for them but the school that was rigt for them.
1st - not a high achiever and desperate to stay at local state comp , 2 Bs and 7 Cs at GCSE, CDE at A level (about expectation especially after he decided himself to repeat yr 12 because grades were terrible first attempt at yr 12) but with a 2.1 in his chosen degree at a not great uni BUT got on a great graduate entry programme in his chosen career (chosen during final year at uni - no idea until then) and now earning good money. He was the one I worried about most.
Middle is at Uni now, but went to a non-selective indie - 3 x A*, 6 As (all very surprising - higher than expected due to dyslexia), BBD at A level (lower than expected at A level) but got his insurance choice RG and is doing fine at uni after year 1. His desire was medicine but it wasn't ever really going to happen although we were encouraging but realistic (but never told him he couldn't do it - he realised on his own).
Youngest is expected 9/8s (A*s) next year (2018 gcse cohort) but seems to be in decline. Not sure why - maybe coasting, maybe will turn it around. He is at a selective highly ranked indie so there will be pressure on so trying to not be so intense at home (which is hard!!).
But having been through it I realise they kind of all end up where they are supposed to be eventually and that ultimately it is their choice. We can be there to support, give guidance and suggestions - but we can't sit the exams and make the choices.
Depending on who I am talking to I either say the grades (friends who will not see me as a billy boaster) or say they did well, as expected, better than we thought. Some want to measure their child against my brainy one so I tend to just say we're delighted (not playing that game).
I will celebrate my friend's son's 3 ^s and 2 Cs as much as another's straights As because for him that was bloody brilliant.
Just remember each child is different.
I know some very poor people with firsts and some very rick people who bombed at gcses. Life is what you make it and we can but support our kids and our friends and families and their kids, whatever their grade, whatever they do.
(Sorry - that is miles longer than intended)!