Overwhelming exam stress 'on the rise among schoolchildren'
A new report has highlighted a need for teachers to be more aware and supportive of pupils who may be feeling overwhelmed as a result of exam-induced stress.
Children's support service Childline has released figures showing that it has delivered 3,135 counselling sessions on exam stress in 2016-17, representing a rise of 11 per cent over the past two years.
One in five of these sessions took place in May, a time when upcoming exams loom large in the consciousness, with many youngsters telling counsellors they were struggling with challenging subjects, excessive workloads and feeling unprepared.
Exam stress has been shown to lead to a number of debilitating mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, panic attacks, low self-esteem, self-harming and suicidal thoughts. For those already affected by such issues, the stress of examinations can make them worse.
Childline's data showed that 12 to 15-year-olds were most likely to be counselled about exam stress, but this year, the biggest rise was seen among 16 to 18-year-olds, with calls up 21 per cent in this group.
Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: "Every year, we hear from thousands of children who are struggling to cope with the pressure to succeed in exams.
"Exams are important, but worrying and panicking about them can be counterproductive, leaving young people unable to revise and prepare. It is vital that young people are supported by family, friends and teachers during the exam period to help them do the best they can."
Childline is recommending that children suffering exam stress should be encouraged to take regular breaks from revision and to get some physical exercise, as well as to sleep at a reasonable time and stay hydrated. The importance of positive thinking was also emphasised.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£115 - 130 per day
Location free text
Plymouth
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Plymouth
Description
Due to the demand of our Plymouth secondary schools, Teaching Personnel is recruiting Teachers and cover supervisors to cover on a supply basis.The schools: The secondary schools we work with are fri
Reference
TPP/JB/9282
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Plymouth BranchAuthor
Plymouth BranchSalary
£180 - 232 per day
Location free text
Poole
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Geography
Location
Poole
Description
Job Title: Geography Teacher Location: South West England, Dorset, PooleJob Type: Permanent, expected to work Full-Time hoursPrimary Industry: Education and TrainingSalary: £180 - £232 Per dayQua
Reference
geography parkstone
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset & Hants SecondaryAuthor
Dorset & Hants SecondarySalary
£110 - 140 per day
Location free text
Poole
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Secondary
Location
Poole
Description
Job Title: Supply Teacher Location: South West England, Dorset, PooleJob Type: Temporary, Part-TimePrimary Industry: Education and TrainingSalary: £110 - £140 Per dayQualifications: QTS (Qualified Te
Reference
supply poole
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset & Hants SecondaryAuthor
Dorset & Hants SecondarySalary
£85 - 95 per day
Location free text
Stretford
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Year 7 Teaching Assistant required at a Secondary School in StretfordWe are seeking a dedicated and passionate KS3 Teaching Assistant to join the dynamic team at a client secondary school based in Str
Reference
B2024Y7TA2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£180 - 232 per day
Location free text
Bournemouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
History
Location
Bournemouth
Description
Job Title: History Teacher Location: South West England, Dorset, BournemouthSalary: £180 - £232 Per dayQualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)Job Duties: Deliver engaging history lessons
Reference
History bournemouth
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset & Hants SecondaryAuthor
Dorset & Hants SecondarySalary
£419.25 - 500.00 per week
Location free text
Stockport
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Stockport
Description
Exciting Opportunity: Graduate Teaching AssistantsAre you a recent graduate passionate about education and eager to kickstart your career in teaching? Do you thrive in a vibrant school environment, ke
Reference
6841645865464
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester East SecondaryAuthor
Manchester East SecondarySalary
£350 - 450 per week
Location free text
Manchester
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Manchester
Description
Job Title: Teaching Assistant (English Graduate)Job Description:We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic English graduate to join our team as a Teaching Assistant. The successful candidate w
Reference
1015
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester East SecondaryAuthor
Manchester East SecondarySalary
£30,000 - 46,525 per year
Location free text
Audenshaw
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Religious Studies
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Exciting Opportunity for an RE Teacher in Denton!Are you a committed and passionate RE (Religious Education) Teacher looking for a new challenge? Teaching Personnel is delighted to offer a full-time p
Reference
714986545745
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester East SecondaryAuthor
Manchester East SecondarySalary
£350 - 450 per week
Location free text
Stockport
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Secondary
Location
Stockport
Description
Title: English Graduate Intervention Specialist Job Description: We are seeking an experienced and motivated English graduate intervention specialist to join Teaching Personnel and start work at one o
Reference
1014
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester East SecondaryAuthor
Manchester East SecondarySalary
£30,000 - 46,525 per year
Location free text
Stockport
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Modern foreign languages
Location
Stockport
Description
Teaching Personnel is currently recruiting for a Modern Foreign Languages teacher for a school in Stockport to join their MFL department. This position will be a full-time position, due to start with
Reference
673
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester East SecondaryAuthor
Manchester East SecondaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
Teaser
Multi-Academy TrustsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Laura Williams is an education leadership coach with fifteen years of leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. She is a former Business Manager, CO
by
Scott Owen
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils is paramount in the age of evolving social dynamics. One issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is the distinction between
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson addressed the Labour Party conference in October, where she announced plans to reform primary maths. Currently, one in four children leave primary school
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
Mock exams are a crucial milestone in a pupil's academic journey, serving as a practice run for the real deal. As educators, you play a pivotal role in helping pupils navigate through these trial ex
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
In the fast-moving world of education, headteachers and schools face the challenge of ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of qualified teachers. Unforeseen teacher absences due to staff sickness
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Embarking on the journey to become an educator is both exhilarating and demanding. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is crucial to achieving your teaching ambitions. The road ahead
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
Teaching is a rewarding profession that plays a crucial role in shaping our society's future. However, it comes with its challenges. The workload can be demanding, which might sometimes lead to feelin
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job