Supporting Student Wellbeing During GCSE Exam Stress: Tips for Parents and Teachers in the UK

Guest blog by Justine Briggs

Exam season marks the culmination of a long educational journey for many students. While it can be a time filled with pressure and anxiety, it is important to remember that exams do not define a person’s worth. By finding the right balance between motivation and acceptance, and offering consistent support and understanding, we can help young people navigate this challenging period and emerge stronger and more resilient.

The End of a Long Journey: Exam Season

As we approach the final phase of the school year, the reality of looming exams can bring uncertainty and apprehension for many students. Years of education feel as though they are condensed into a series of tests that seemingly determine their value, which can trigger a wide range of thoughts and emotions.

The unconscious message that achievement equates to worthiness can often be conveyed by parents and teachers, even when delivered with the best of intentions. Encouragements to work hard and achieve highly may unintentionally suggest that anything less is a failure. Many students internalise the belief that if they do not perform well, they are disappointing their teachers and family. For some, this pressure becomes overwhelming; for others, it serves as a driving force to stay motivated and focused.

Balancing Motivation and Acceptance

Parents often find themselves caught between keeping their young person motivated and recognising their individual challenges and limitations. It is crucial to strike the right balance and to be mindful of the messages — both spoken and unspoken — that are being conveyed.

If, like me, school was a difficult experience, there may be a temptation to urge your child to do better than you did — to work harder and achieve more — perhaps driven by your own regrets. Without realising it, we can pass on our own beliefs about success, failure, and education to our children. It is therefore important to be aware of how we approach conversations about achievement.

High achievers often never feel that they are doing enough. They may compare themselves to their peers daily, fearing that without perfect grades, their dreams will slip away. Meanwhile, those who struggle academically or socially already battle feelings of inadequacy, overlooking their immense character and resilience simply for showing up each day and giving their best.

Understanding Exam Anxiety

It is clear that many students find the exam process and the lead-up to it overwhelming. However, exam results do not define intelligence or potential. Many highly dynamic and creative thinkers struggle within the current exam-focused system. It is vital that we avoid limiting our view of intelligence and instead do everything we can to support our young people, recognising their strengths beyond academic results.

Finding Balance and Support

Here are a few strategies for parents and teachers to help students manage exam season more positively:

• Encourage Self-Compassion:
  Remind students that their value is not determined by exam outcomes. Encourage them to acknowledge their efforts, strengths, and progress, rather than focusing solely on results.
• Create a Supportive Environment:
  Foster a home environment where effort is celebrated, small achievements are recognised, and reassurance is plentiful during times of stress.
• Promote Healthy Study Habits:
  Help young people establish balanced routines that include regular breaks, nutritious meals, exercise, and sufficient sleep — all of which can boost focus and reduce anxiety.
• Maintain Open Communication:
  Keep lines of communication open. Listen without judgement to any worries they express, and remind them that you are proud of their hard work, regardless of the final outcome.

The author Justine Briggs is a Therapist and Coach.

If you would like to talk to anyone about the issues raised in this blog click here to find a therapist in Chiswick.