25 UK Exam Stress Statistics & What to Do About It
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
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9 minutes
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Exam stress is a challenge that affects students worldwide. GCSEs, A Levels and university exams all carry significant weight in shaping your future opportunities.
This article explores 25 key exam stress statistics for the UK, providing insights into what the research says about the causes and impacts. You’ll also learn practical strategies to manage exam stress effectively.
25 UK Exam Stress Statistics 2024
How many students suffer exam stress?
In one survey, 96% of respondents felt anxious about exams.
Approximately, 15% of GCSE students are estimated to be ‘highly test anxious’.
What is the impact of exam stress?
Requests for separate exam spaces increased 8.7% between 2021 and 2023.
The NSPCC has reported a 10% increase in counselling sessions for students suffering exam stress.
Calls to Childline increased by over 60% in the run-up to exam season.
Up to 45% of UK students have considered dropping out of university due to academic pressure.
Negative impacts on family relationships were experienced by 65% of students in the lead-up to exams.
For 45% of students, friendships have been negatively impacted due to exam-related stress.
Almost two-thirds (62%) of students don’t receive support from school for their mental health.
What are the symptoms of exam stress?
Disturbed sleep is experienced by 68% of students in the lead-up to exams.
46% students report experiencing a physical reaction to exam stress during exam periods.
Nearly 50% of students report skipping meals due to exam stress.
Unhealthy coping mechanisms like junk food and energy drinks are used by 80% of students during exam periods.
What causes exam stress?
Feeling pressure from parents to achieve good grades affected 59% of students.
Exam results were believed by 91% of students to define their future success.
High school expectations are believed by 53% of parents to increase student stress levels.
What do teachers and parents say about exam stress?
An NEU survey found that 82% of teachers believe exams negatively affect student mental health.
77% of teachers acknowledge a rise in exam-related anxiety in their classrooms.
35% of parents state their child has suffered exam related stress.
The use of linear assessments is cited by 73% of teachers as negatively impacting student mental health.
What can be done to reduce exam stress?
Replacing exams with continuous assessment would be preferred by 36% of students.
Talking to other people helps; 29% of students talk to family to help with anxiety and 53% talk to friends.
Exercise reduces feelings of anxiety for 29% of students.
Other facts
One survey found that 70% of students did not believe their performance in exams accurately reflected their knowledge.
What Does the Research Say?
In one survey, 96% of respondents felt anxious about exams
The majority of students feel anxious about exams. It’s natural to feel some level of anxiety when approaching exams, and it can sometimes motivate you to study and set yourself goals. However, it is important to take steps to ensure that the stress and anxiety do not become overwhelming and affect your performance in the exams. For the 15% of GCSE students who are estimated to be ‘highly test anxious’ there is support available for you.
Source: Childline
Requests for separate exam spaces increased by 8.7%
Many organisations have reported a range of impacts due to increased numbers of students suffering exam stress. Schools are increasingly reporting a greater demand for separate exam spaces out of the main exam hall. This can help where students are highly test anxious. However, it is not available to everyone, so it is important to find other ways of managing exam stress if you are finding your anxiety levels increasing.
Source:Gov.uk
Calls to Childline increased by over 60% in the run-up to exam season.
Organisations such as Childline and the NSPCC have also reported an increased demand for counselling services in the run up to the exam period. These organisations often provide vital support for students during the exam period, when relationships with family and friends are under increased pressure.
Source: NSPCC
Disturbed sleep is experienced by 68% of students in the lead-up to exams
The symptoms of exam stress will vary from student to student. It is important to recognise these symptoms and take action to prevent them from becoming worse. Loss of sleep is common, as are loss of appetite, headaches, panic attacks and being irritable. Many students turn to snack foods and energy drinks to cope with these symptoms. However, a far better course of action that will reduce the symptoms is eating more fresh fruit and vegetables and drinking water.
Source: Young Minds
Exam results were believed by 83% of students to define their future success
The feeling that your entire future is reliant upon achieving certain grades in the exam is often the cause of exam stress and anxiety. It is important to remember that there are always other opportunities and routes to achieving your goals should you not gain the grades you want. Pressure from parents, teachers, and wanting to achieve as well as your peers can also increase exam stress. It is important to remind yourself that as long as you have worked to the best of your ability, you should feel confident going into the exam.
Source: The Mix
Responses show that 77% of teachers acknowledge a rise in exam-related anxiety in their classrooms
Teachers know that you are experiencing stress and anxiety. Surveys of teachers regularly highlight that teachers are aware of the impact exam stress has on students. It may not always feel like it, but they are trying to support you through the exams. They will have lots of experience as well as useful exam tips that it is worth paying attention to.
Source: ASCL
Exercise reduces feelings of anxiety for 29% of students
Many techniques can be used to reduce exam stress and anxiety. Some students use exercise, others talk to friends and family. It is important if you are suffering from exam stress to try a range of strategies to see what works best for you.
Source: Mentally Healthy
How Students Can Manage Exam Stress
1. Practice Time Management
As an experienced teacher, I am frequently asked by my students where to start with revision. I always start with time and note management. One of the most effective ways to manage exam stress is by creating a structured study schedule. Breaking down revision into manageable chunks over several weeks or months will help you avoid last-minute cramming, significantly reducing your stress levels.
Utilising time-management tools, like revision timetables, calendars or study apps, can help keep you on track and prevent overwhelming feelings of not having enough time.
Using strategies such as the Pomodoro technique can ensure that your revision sessions are effective.
There are a range of useful articles in the Save My Exams learning hub which can help you with whatever subjects you are studying.
2. Focus on Physical Health
Students often underestimate how much their physical well-being can affect their mental state. My students are always surprised when I tell them to take breaks and continue with hobbies like playing sports. Eating healthy meals, staying hydrated, and incorporating physical exercise into daily routines can reduce stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Simple activities like walking, yoga, or even stretching during study breaks can help clear the mind and improve focus.
3. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness and meditation have become increasingly popular ways to combat stress. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations that are specifically designed to ease exam anxiety. You can also practice deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation techniques to help calm your nerves before exams.
4. Seek Support from Friends, Family, or Teachers
Talking about exam stress can relieve the pressure. You should share your concerns with friends, family members, or teachers. Many schools also offer peer mentoring programs or counselling services that provide guidance and stress management strategies. Childline, Young Minds, The Mix and many other websites offer a range of services and advice relating to exam stress. Knowing that others understand your struggles can make a significant difference.
5. Limit Social Media and Screen Time
Although it may seem like a good way to unwind, excessive social media use during exam periods can increase stress levels. Constant comparison to others' academic progress or seeing online distractions can contribute to feelings of inadequacy or guilt. Limiting screen time and focusing on personal progress rather than external distractions can help you maintain your mental balance.
Conclusion
Exams are always going to be a stressful and anxious time. The key to success is managing that stress and anxiety to ensure that it does not impact negatively on your exams. Take reassurance from the statistics to realise that you are not the only one who feels this way. There are many resources available to help and people including your friends, family and teachers who want to support you. Most importantly, remember that whatever your final results, there are many ways to reach your goals.
References
https://mdeducationalfoundation.org/
British Educational Research Association
Association of School and College Leaders
Putwain, D & Daly A. (2014) Test anxiety prevalence and gender differences in a sample of English secondary school students, Educational Studies, 40(5), 554–570. https://doi.org/10.1080/03055698.2014.953914
Woods, K. et al. (2024) ‘Student views on the assessment medium for General Certificates of Secondary Education in England: insights from the 2020 examination cancellations’, Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice
Chamberlain, S. et al. (2011) ‘The fear factor: students’ experiences of test anxiety when taking A-level examinations’, Pastoral Care in Education, 29(3), pp. 193–205. doi: 10.1080/02643944.2011.599856.
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