How To Support Students During Exam Periods

In this blog, you will learn:

• When the exam period is.
• Why the exam period can be a stressful time for students.
• How to support students during exam periods.
• How to find and apply for the best teaching jobs.

The exam period can be a stressful time for secondary students and it can feel like there is a lot of pressure for them to achieve the best GCSE results. It can be difficult for Teachers to know exactly how to support students and ensure they aren’t overwhelmed or experiencing anxiety in response to exam pressure.

A survey by Teacher Tapp, on behalf of Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), revealed that 58% of parents contacted their child's school due to worrying about how they were coping with exam pressure.

The good news is, it is possible for Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Headteachers to foster a school environment in which the pressure of exams are recognised, discussed and addressed. Students should be able to thrive and sail through to the end of exam season without feeling overwhelmed, burnt out or losing confidence in their abilities.

In this blog, you’ll discover how Teachers can support students during exam periods to ensure it isn’t a stressful or challenging time.

When is the exam period in secondary schools?

There are several exams at secondary level as well as tests, quizzes and mock exams throughout the school year. In years 7, 8 and 9 students undertake mock exams and classroom assessments and at the end of year 9, students choose the GCSE subjects they want to study. 

At the end of Key Stage Four, students take the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs), an academy qualification to demonstrate their knowledge of a particular subject. In secondary schools GCSE exams usually begin in May and finish towards the end of June.

Students can take up to 12 GCSEs in a variety of subjects which must include English, Maths and Science. They also have the option of taking humanities and languages.

In 2026, GCSE exams across all exam boards will start from the week commencing Monday 4th May and finish on Friday 26th June. Having said that, preparation and revision is expected to start much sooner to ensure students are emotionally and mentally prepared for exams.

Why is the exam period a stressful time for students?

Exams can be a stressful time for students due to the pressure to perform well and achieve the best possible results. GCSEs are valued by schools, colleges and universities (and sometimes future employers), which can increase the pressure on students.

GCSE results can serve as a foundation for university admissions and job opportunities. They often act as indicators to a student’s future results, including those they achieve at A-Level and university. Sometimes, they may even indicate their career choice, income and career progression.

Naturally, parents and Teachers want students to be high achievers and will encourage academic performance to prepare students for college, university or the workforce. However, this can come at the expense of pupils' mental health and wellbeing should pressure become overwhelming. High expectations mounted on students can affect their ability to focus, maintain a healthy work-study balance and prioritise studying during the exam period.

A survey of 5300 secondary school Teachers conducted by Teacher Tapp and commissioned by the NSPCC, revealed that 91% believe their students worry too much that exam results will determine their future.

Not only can students feel pressure from family, friends and Teachers to perform well, they sometimes also put pressure on themselves. Students who self-doubt may be more prone to poor mental health, behavioural problems and challenges later on in life.

According to a 2025 survey by YoungMinds, 63% of 1000 respondents, aged 15 to 18, found it difficult to cope in the lead-up to and during their GCSE and A-level exams.

YoungMinds claimed exam stress is one of many factors contributing to record numbers of young people seeking mental health support. The research also found exams were more than twice as likely to have a significant negative impact on mental health than social media.

How to support students during the exam period

Ways for Teachers to support students during the exam period, include:

• Create a revision timetable.
• Be understanding of all students' revision styles.
• Stress the importance of self-care.

Create a revision timetable

Teachers are advised to help students create their own revision timetable and organise their studying in a way that will be most effective for their individual needs. 

It isn’t just one subject or one exam that students have to revise for - they require an understanding of multiple subjects to varying degrees. For this reason, a personalised timetable or study planner can be useful for revision at home and at school. Breaking down the subjects and working on different topics everyday can help students feel less stressed and manage their time better.

Teachers could provide examples of such schedules and help students dedicate time to recharging, as well as revision. 

Be understanding of all students revision style

Teachers should consider the types of learners students are because visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners all have a different revision style. Encouraging students to try different revision techniques means they have the best possible chances of obtaining information.

When it comes to failures and successes, some students compare themselves to others. Teachers should avoid comparing students and be considerate of all learning styles and revision techniques. All students, regardless of their learning preferences, should have the opportunity to practise exam papers in exam conditions, which will mimic those of the actual day.

Teachers should look out for students who need additional or personalised support with their revision to ensure they have the same opportunities to revise to their full potential.

Stress the importance of self-care

An effective way to ensure students are supported during exam periods and that their mental wellbeing is also taken care of, is to ensure that they strike a healthy study-life balance. 

Promoting self-care is crucial to ensure that students can juggle their responsibilities and wellbeing. Teachers should remind students how to maintain a study-life balance, so they still have time for fun, friends and relaxation.

Self-care and balance means staying active, spending time outdoors and getting enough sleep. Taking regular breaks, exercising, having 8-hours of sleep and eating a balanced diet, makes it easier for pupils to stay alert during exam periods. 

Teachers should remind students of the importance of drinking plenty of water too, especially during exam periods. Doing so should help them mentally and physically during a busy time.

Teaching jobs

If you’re searching for your next teaching job, why not take a look at the latest teaching vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.

Recruit teaching staff

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We currently work with hundreds of schools and have exclusive access to some of the best Teachers and Teaching Assistants in the North West.

If you’re struggling to fill a teaching vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?

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