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Exam time

If you're worried about how your child is coping with exams at school, here is our advice and information on where you can get help.

Exams are a stressful time for any young person

Mood swings and outbursts are more likely to occur during this period. Look out for other signs that your child may be struggling, including poor sleep patterns or a change in appetite or behaviour.

It’s worth preparing ways of supporting your child during exam weeks and thinking about how you will react and respond on the day if they don’t get the result that they, or you, are hoping for.

Things that can help your child in the lead up to exams

  • Work with your child to find what revision style works for them.
  • Encourage your child to take revision breaks and find a balance between studying and doing things they find enjoyable and relaxing.
  • Make sure they are eating and drinking at regular intervals.
  • Encourage them to take some time after revising to wind down. 
  • Reassure them – reinforce that you are and will be proud of them no matter what happens.
  • Remain positive and hopeful!
  • Plan a treat or an activity together to mark the end of the exams.
  • Set aside one to one time so that they can talk to you about any worries.
  • Let them know their feelings are valid and normal, but also offer support and solutions where possible.
  • Anxiety is often worst at night and this means it is useful to encourage a good bedtime routine.
  • Work with them to develop relaxation techniques.
  • If anxiety and stress start impacting their day-to-day life, seek help from your GP.
A young Black woman in a wheelchair talking to an older Black woman on a bench in the park.
Helping your child to plan a realistic revision timetable, which breaks the days and subjects down into manageable chunks, will reduce their anxiety by increasing their sense of control and confidence.
How to help your child manage exam stress

How the school can support you

  • Speak to your child's teacher(s) to find out what revision techniques they recommend.

  • If your child is struggling with a specific subject, talk to the relevant teacher and explore whether they can provide additional help.

  • Find out if the school has learning mentors that can help with practical steps including revision timetables.

  • If your child has additional learning or developmental needs, speak to the school SENCO and establish what specialist provision they can put in place.
Play Video: Exam Stress - Roundup | YoungMinds Parents Lounge Exam Stress - Roundup | YoungMinds Parents Lounge

How to manage a 'disappointing' exam results day

If your child is unhappy with their exam results it can be tough to deal with. Here are some things that can help:

  • If your child is happy to show you their results statement, you might find it helpful to have a look, just in case they have misread or misunderstood, or overlooked something.

  • Accept their feelings, whatever they are – disappointment, anger, embarrassment, bravado. Their feelings are neither right nor wrong, they just are. Don’t offer immediate judgement, or solutions, or even reassurance – there will be plenty of time for conversations later.

  • Reflect back how they are feeling to show you have understood, for example, “I can see you’re disappointed with the Maths result.”

  • Let them know you love them through highs and lows. Big hugs are good (although probably very embarrassing in public).

  • Show you’re on their side - it could be something small like getting their favourite snack.

  • Give yourself some breathing space and time to reflect.

  • Ask the school to help your child explore any possible next steps, such as re-takes, re-marking or alternative courses.

  • If your child is disappointed with their results, they might also be embarrassed. Agree with your child how they want their results discussed with family and friends, if at all.

You might also find this helpful:

Where to get further help

While we take care to ensure that the organisations we signpost to provide high quality information and advice, we cannot take responsibility for any specific pieces of advice they may offer. We encourage parents and carers to always explore the website of a linked service or organisation to understand who they are and what support they offer before engaging with them.

  • Exam Results Helpline

    Provides careers advice to help young people and their families decide on options following GCSE, A Level and Nationals results days.

    Usually available through August. Opening days and hours may vary each year - check website for details.

    If you live in Scotland, call 0808 100 8000.

    Exam Results Helpline

  • YoungMinds Parents Helpline

    We support parents and carers who are concerned about their child or young person's mental health. Our Parents Helpline provides detailed advice and information, emotional support and signposting.

    You can speak to us over the phone or chat to us online.

    You can speak to us over webchat between 9.30am and 4pm from Monday-Friday. When we’re closed, you can still leave us a message in the chat. We’ll reply to you by email in 3-5 working days.

    Opening times:
    9.30am-4pm, Monday-Friday
    Parents Helpline

  • National Careers Service

    Provides information, advice and guidance to help young people make decisions about learning, training and work.

    Webchat available via the website homepage.

    Opening times:
    8am - 10pm, 7 days a week
    National Careers Service

  • Student Minds

    Supports students to look after their mental health by providing information and advice.

    They also provide details about local services offered by universities.

    Student Minds

  • Student Space

    Student Space is run by Student Minds.

    Provides information and advice for students on looking after themselves at university.

    Offers a directory to find out what support is available at your university.

    Offers dedicated support services for students, including 24 hour text message support, webchat support from 4-11pm every day, and email support.

    Student Space

Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn’t a mental health support service. If your child is in crisis right now and you want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

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Please do not include personal details. This is not a mental health support service and you will not receive a reply.

Please note:

This form is not a mental health support service. We cannot reply to this. If you or your child are at immediate risk of harm, call 999 and ask for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E. If you are worried about your child’s mental health, call our Parents Helpline on 0808 802 5544, Mon-Fri, 9:30am – 4pm. If you are struggling with your own mental health, call Samaritans on 116 123.

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