Navigating Exam Stress: How to Help Your Learners

As the academic year peaks, the pressure of exams can overwhelm pupils. Many teachers believe that tests and exams have the biggest impact on students’ mental health. With GCSEs, SATs, and A-Levels all taking place, Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us of the importance of supporting our learners’ mental health and wellbeing. 

In 2022, an Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) survey found that nearly 80% of schools and colleges had received more requests than pre-pandemic for pupils to take their exams in separate rooms because of anxiety and stress. The same survey revealed that more than eight in ten headteachers said their pupils are more stressed and anxious about exams in 2022 than they were pre-pandemic.

Today, many pupils sitting their exams faced some disruption to their earlier education due to COVID-19 restrictions. Some teachers, parents, and learners are worried that the disruptions to their learning during the pandemic have affected their performance and ability to cope with pressure.

Test anxiety is a real issue for many pupils sitting exams. It is thought to interfere with a learner’s ability to retrieve knowledge from their memory during a test and is linked to poorer exam performance. While it’s natural for exams to create a certain level of stress, there are steps teachers can take to help prepare students for exams and minimise the effects of exam stress. 

Here are some practical tips for teachers to help pupils navigate exam stress:

Revision and exam techniques

Studies suggest that skill-building interventions result in better task and exam performance and may reduce test anxiety. These interventions can include support, including: 

• Study skills training

• Teacher-guided revision in class 

• Exam practice

• Tutoring sessions 

Study Skills

Teach your pupils effective exam techniques, from reading questions twice to reviewing their work. Assist pupils in breaking down revision material into manageable chunks. This makes studying less daunting and more achievable. Encourage your learners to produce a revision timetable with breaks, leisure activities, and enough sleep. This can help pupils reduce their stress and anxiety. Remind them that balance is key to maintaining focus and reducing burnout. 

Exam Practice

Familiarity with the exam format and question types is important for reducing pupil stress, as past papers give your pupils a taste of what to expect. This helps with understanding the question structure, different types of question formats, and time management. Past paper practice can also boost pupils' confidence and reduce their fear of the unknown.

Learners should revise using material specific to their exam boards, as there are style differences between the boards. Teachers should share knowledge of the exam's requirements, format, and marking systems. Pupils will find it useful to see the marking schemes and read the examiners’ reports.  They are an effective way to ensure your class is familiar with the exam board’s assessment requirements.

Tutoring

For pupils who need extra support, tutoring is beneficial for revision and supporting learners in the run-up to exams. Tutoring is about reinforcing content, instilling confidence and self-belief, and reducing pupil anxiety.

Mindfulness

Exams are stressful, so incorporate stress management and mindfulness techniques into your classes and revision sessions. Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment and is proven to help with stress and anxiety. Introduce students to practices that can help reduce anxiety and improve concentration. Ideas include: 

• Teaching breathing exercises

• Delivering a guided meditation 

• Encouraging regular breaks

• Maintaining a supportive environment

• Emphasising the importance of a nutritious diet and hydration. 

• Encouraging your pupils to include walks or exercise in their daily routines

Positive Reinforcement

Recognise and praise the hard work pupils put in, regardless of outcomes. Positive reinforcement will motivate and uplift stressed pupils and also increase their motivation. 

Give constructive feedback to help pupils know which areas need more attention. Learners are more likely to be successful if they feel confident in their knowledge and abilities. 

A Positive School and Classroom Culture 

A school culture in which the pressures of exams are recognised, discussed, managed, and addressed is a healthy one. Try to create an atmosphere in your classroom that is supportive and non-judgmental. Let your class know you are there for them, whether they need academic help or someone to talk to.

• Encourage your pupils to share their concerns and offer reassurance.

• Remind students that while exams are important, they are not the sole determinants of success. 

• Encourage effort over perfection.

Caring for Mental Health Amidst Exam Pressures

Exams are a struggle, and those with special educational needs (SEN) or mental health difficulties may be more likely to experience academic anxiety. Yet, so can high achievers, those experiencing problems at home, and students who need set grades for university, college, or their careers. 

Test anxiety can result in non-attendance, panicking, feeling overwhelmed, non-completion of tests, and mental health problems. This Mental Health Awareness Week is a time to reflect on the mental health of students. 

An educator’s role extends beyond teaching. It’s about guiding pupils through life’s challenges. During these testing times, providing a supportive environment for mental wellbeing is paramount.

Resources 

Knowing help is available can ease pupils’ worries. Provide information about counselling services, study groups, and online resources. 

Ofqual has produced a guide for students, Coping with Exam Pressure, in conjunction with Dave Putwain, a researcher (and former teacher) at Liverpool John Moores University. Learners may find this useful as they prepare for exams this summer.

The mental health charity, Mind, provides support for young people dealing with exam stress and acknowledges exam pressure. 

Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity and provides resources, tips, and blogs about exam stress. 

If you are at all concerned about a pupil, you should always speak to your designated safeguarding lead as a matter of priority.

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