How to combat parents’ obsession with grades over skills

In education systems worldwide, academic performance is measured primarily through marks and grades. This has led to a culture where parents emphasise high scores over skill development, creativity and critical thinking. 

Schools and, more importantly, school counsellors can address this issue by guiding parents and students towards a more balanced approach to education, university selection and career planning.

The problem: marks over skills

Parental concerns about grades are often driven by cultural expectations and job market realities. In many societies, top university placements and prestigious careers are still heavily linked to academic performance. 

Additionally, some industries continue to favour high grades during initial recruitment, making parents believe that marks are the primary ticket to success. However, nowadays, universities and employers increasingly seek well-rounded individuals with skills including problem-solving, communication, adaptability and emotional intelligence. 

This obsession with marks often leads to increased stress and anxiety among students, and causes a lack of focus on essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork and resilience. Long-term career success is often determined by adaptability, problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills, rather than academic performance alone.

The reality: taking a holistic approach

Skills such as coding, entrepreneurship, public speaking and emotional intelligence can be equally – if not more – valuable than grades in determining long-term success.

Schools are increasingly integrating skill-based learning with traditional academics. And many universities today take a holistic approach when reviewing student applications. For example, MIT considers not only academic records but also extracurricular achievements, leadership roles, personal essays and recommendation letters. The university looks at the applicant’s potential to contribute to the community, their unique talents and their ability to think critically and creatively. 

Likewise, Stanford University places a strong emphasis on innovation and leadership, often admitting students who have demonstrated outstanding real-world problem-solving skills, even if their academic records are not perfect. 

Some European universities, such as the University of Amsterdam, also assess students through portfolios, personal projects and interviews rather than just grades. This approach ensures that students with exceptional skills, creativity and leadership potential are recognised and rewarded.

What employers look for today

Recent studies indicate a clear shift in hiring trends, with a growing emphasis on skills over traditional academic credentials. The State of Skills-Based Hiring 2024 report by TestGorilla reveals that 81 per cent of employers have adopted skills-based hiring practices, up from 57 per cent in 2022. This trend is particularly noticeable in industries such as marketing, technical services and construction.

Similarly, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights the most in-demand skills, including leadership, analytical thinking, social influence and environmental stewardship. This demonstrates the increasing importance of non-academic competencies in the modern workforce.

Furthermore, the 2024 Global State of the Skills Economy report by Cornerstone OnDemand provides a strategic overview of how businesses worldwide are adapting to the evolving skills landscape to remain competitive.

These findings reinforce the fact that leading companies such as Google, Tesla and IBM have eliminated strict degree requirements for many roles, favouring candidates with strong problem-solving and collaboration skills. Consulting firms such as Deloitte and Accenture have also adjusted their hiring criteria, welcoming candidates from non-traditional educational backgrounds if they possess analytical and interpersonal expertise.

As industries, including finance, healthcare and the creative sector continue evolving in response to automation and artificial intelligence, the demand for adaptable and innovative professionals grows stronger.

The role of school counsellors

School counsellors are instrumental in shifting the narrative from mere academic success to a more skills-based approach to education.

Raising parental awareness

Counsellors can organise workshops and seminars to educate parents about the evolving job market and the importance of skills in career success. Providing real-life examples of successful professionals who prioritised skills over grades can help shift perspectives.

Student-centred career guidance

Personalised career counselling sessions can help students explore their interests, strengths and potential career paths beyond conventional choices. Counsellors should encourage aptitude and personality assessments to align students’ aspirations with suitable career options. 

Collaborating with universities and employers

By maintaining connections with universities and industries, counsellors can provide students and parents with accurate information about admissions criteria, skill requirements and alternative pathways to success beyond grades.

Encourage experiential learning 

Advocate for internships, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and project-based learning to foster skill development. These experiences contribute significantly to university admissions and career readiness. 

Mental-health support

Parental expectations can be very stressful for students. Stress-management workshops, mindfulness sessions and open discussions about failure and resilience can be crucial in ensuring student well-being.

Working together 

By working together, parents, schools and counsellors can create a supportive environment where students are encouraged to pursue careers based on their strengths and passions, rather than on societal pressures. This shift will not only enhance students’ mental well-being but prepare them for the real-world challenges of the 21st-century job market.

Academic grades will always be an important part of education, but they should not be the sole measure of a student’s potential. School counsellors have a critical role in guiding parents and students toward a more balanced approach that values skill development, personal growth and career fulfilment. The future belongs to those who can think creatively, adapt to change and solve real-world problems – traits that cannot be measured solely by grades.