Exam Stress Is Rising - Here's How Parents Can Help

For thousands of families across Newcastle and the wider North East, exam season has become one of the most challenging periods of the year. Whether a teenager is preparing for GCSEs, A-Levels or vocational qualifications, the pressure to perform can create anxiety not only for students but also for parents trying to provide the right support.

With exam halls filling across schools in Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham, many families are asking the same question: how can parents help their teenagers navigate the demands of revision, exams and results day without adding to the pressure?

Experts say the answer lies in creating a supportive environment, recognising the signs of stress and helping young people maintain balance during what can be an emotionally demanding time.

Exam Pressure Is Affecting More Young People Than Ever.

Exam stress is far from a minor issue. Recent figures from Childline show the service delivered 1,647 counselling sessions related to exam and revision stress between April 2024 and March 2025. The number peaked during May, when GCSE and A-Level examinations were underway, with 359 counselling sessions in a single month.

Research has also highlighted the scale of exam anxiety among teenagers. Surveys have found that around 85% of UK students experience exam anxiety, while many report difficulties sleeping, concentrating and maintaining healthy routines during revision periods.

For parents across the North East, these statistics may come as little surprise. Schools and colleges throughout the region have increasingly focused on student wellbeing alongside academic achievement, recognising that mental health can have a direct impact on educational outcomes.

Why The North East Faces Unique Challenges.

The North East has long demonstrated remarkable resilience, but educational statistics often show the region facing distinct challenges compared with other parts of England.

Recent GCSE data has highlighted ongoing regional attainment gaps, with London continuing to outperform many other regions while the North East frequently records lower proportions of top grades.

This can create additional pressure for students who may feel they need to work harder to compete for university places, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.

At the same time, Newcastle and the surrounding region have some outstanding schools, colleges and support services that are helping young people achieve success. Parents who focus on progress rather than comparison often find their teenagers develop greater confidence and resilience during exam season.

Recognising The Signs Of Exam Stress.

Teenagers do not always openly discuss how they are feeling.

While some young people may express concerns directly, others can become withdrawn, irritable or unusually emotional. Parents should look out for changes in behaviour that may indicate exam-related stress.

Common signs include difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, headaches, mood swings, increased frustration and a reluctance to engage in activities they would normally enjoy.

Childline has reported that many young people contacting the service describe feelings of anxiety, low confidence and concerns about letting others down.

Recognising these signs early allows families to start supportive conversations before stress becomes overwhelming.

Creating A Calm Home Environment.

One of the most valuable things parents can do is create stability.

Teenagers facing exams often benefit from routines that feel predictable and manageable. This does not mean turning the home into a strict revision camp. In fact, experts frequently warn that excessive pressure can have the opposite effect.

A calm household atmosphere can help reduce anxiety. Encouraging regular mealtimes, healthy sleep habits and opportunities to relax can make a significant difference to a student's ability to focus.

Parents should also be mindful of their own reactions. Research published this year found that 79% of parents felt stressed or anxious during exam season, compared with 47% of students themselves.

Teenagers often absorb the emotions of those around them, so remaining calm can be one of the most effective forms of support.

Encouraging Healthy Revision Habits.

Many students believe longer revision hours automatically lead to better results. In reality, quality often matters more than quantity.

Parents can help by encouraging realistic study schedules that include breaks, exercise and adequate rest. Revision sessions broken into manageable chunks are generally more effective than marathon study periods.

Students should also be encouraged to vary their revision methods. Flashcards, past papers, mind maps and teaching topics to someone else can all improve understanding and retention.

Exercise remains one of the simplest ways to combat stress. Research suggests around 29% of students find physical activity helps reduce feelings of anxiety during exam periods.

For families in Newcastle, opportunities to get outdoors are plentiful, whether that means a walk along the Quayside, a visit to Jesmond Dene or simply spending time away from revision materials for an hour.

Avoiding The Comparison Trap.

Social media has transformed the exam experience.

Teenagers are constantly exposed to images of revision notes, predicted grades and discussions about university applications. While some students find this motivating, many experience increased anxiety.

Parents can help by reminding their teenagers that everyone learns differently and progresses at their own pace.

Comparisons with classmates, siblings or friends rarely produce positive outcomes. Instead, conversations should focus on individual goals, personal improvement and effort.

A student working towards a grade 5 after initially achieving a grade 3 deserves just as much recognition as someone targeting top grades.

Talking About Results Without Increasing Pressure.

Many young people worry less about the exams themselves and more about what happens afterwards.

Concerns about disappointing parents, missing university offers or falling behind peers can weigh heavily on teenagers throughout exam season.

Parents should emphasise that exam results represent one stage of a much larger journey.

The reality is that there are multiple pathways to success, including sixth form, college, apprenticeships and vocational training. Newcastle and the wider North East offer a broad range of opportunities across industries such as engineering, digital technology, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

When young people understand that their future is not defined by a single set of grades, they often approach exams with greater confidence.

When Additional Support May Be Needed.

While some exam stress is normal, there are times when professional support may be appropriate.

If a teenager experiences persistent anxiety, panic attacks, significant changes in behaviour or ongoing difficulties with sleep and daily functioning, parents should consider speaking with their school, GP or a mental health professional.

NHS Mental Health Support Teams are now working with hundreds of schools and colleges across England, helping students manage stress and anxiety linked to exams and other challenges. More than 250,000 students aged 16 to 18 have received support through these initiatives.

Seeking help should be viewed as a positive step rather than a sign of weakness.

Helping Teenagers Build Confidence Beyond Exams.

Perhaps the most important lesson parents can teach during exam season is that self-worth should never be measured solely by grades.

Exams matter, but they do not define a person's character, talents or future potential.

Many successful people have followed unconventional routes into their careers, discovering opportunities through apprenticeships, work experience, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.

By celebrating effort, resilience and personal growth, parents can help teenagers develop skills that will serve them long after exam season ends.

For families across Newcastle and the North East, supporting a teenager through exams is ultimately about more than achieving strong results. It is about helping young people build confidence, manage challenges and understand that their future remains full of possibilities, regardless of what appears on a results sheet.

Share your parenting advice for supporting students this exam season!

How are you supporting a teenager through GCSEs or A-Levels in Newcastle or the North East?