When your child is in the thick of IGCSE or IB, it can feel like the whole household is sitting for exams. Parents often carry the same anxieties — wondering if their child is doing enough, if results will come quickly, and if it’s “too late” to make a difference.
We spoke with parents of Mindlab IGCSE & IBDP students who generously shared their reflections. Here’s what they wish they had known earlier — advice straight from the frontlines of exam preparation.
“Don’t chase or expect short and quick results.”
One parent admitted their instinct was to look for fast fixes. But over time, they realised growth is not measured in weeks, but in steady, consistent progress.
Their advice to other parents: “Trust the process. Confidence and improvement build slowly — and then, all at once.”
“It’s never too late to seek external help.”
Another parent confessed their biggest worry was not knowing how to support their child in high school. The breakthrough came when they decided to get guidance:
“She became an independent learner who works hard to achieve her goals… She even achieved *A* for 2 subjects under Ms. Lyn.”
Their message for fellow parents? Don’t wait until it feels too late. Support at the right moment can completely change the trajectory.
“Find an understanding teacher who truly cares about your child’s wellbeing.”
A parent described their concern as not just about grades, but about finding a tutor who truly cared:
For them, progress was about more than marks — it was about their child finding a mentor who believed in them and pushed them forward with empathy.
“Fighting!”
Sometimes the simplest advice is also the strongest. A parent summed up their child’s journey in one empowering word: “Fighting!”
It’s a reminder that this stage is a shared challenge: one that requires resilience, encouragement, and sometimes a cheerleading squad at home.
Walking the Journey Together
The wisdom from these parents shows us that the IGCSE and IB journey is rarely a straight line. Progress may look different for every student, but with patience, the right support, and a strong tutor–student relationship, the results — both academic and personal — can be profound.
At Mindlab, we meet students wherever they are in their journey — whether they’re just starting out, rebuilding confidence, or aiming for top scores. Our role is to provide not just subject expertise, but also the encouragement, structure, and care that parents value most.
Because as these parents remind us, success is not only about grades — it’s about growth, resilience, and the trusted partnership that makes every step forward possible.
