85% of UK Students Experience Exam Anxiety

Exam season can be challenging, and a recent SaveMyExams study has revealed that pressure to excel is causing anxiety for 1 in 3 students. 

We know students are struggling, but what’s missing is the understanding of how students are truly feeling and, more importantly, whether they’re receiving the support they need.

To gain some answers, we surveyed 1,000 students across the UK, revealing key findings on how different groups are affected and which subjects are causing the most anxiety.

Not only that, we’ve created a free, downloadable First Aid Kit for Exam Anxiety. Tailored for GCSE and A-Level students, it’s filled with practical tools and strategies to manage stress, build confidence, and improve exam performance.

85% of students have experienced exam anxiety, and 1 in 4 told us it was nearly unbearable 

Worryingly, SaveMyExams’ survey has found that 85% of students have experienced exam anxiety. When we apply this to the amount of high school students currently enrolled in the UK, that’s approximately 9 million young people grappling with stress during exams. This is a significant increase from findings by the National Education Union found in April, who reported that 54% of pupils were displaying signs of exam anxiety. 

With 1 in 4 ranking their anxiety levels being above an 8, when ranked from 1 (very calm) to 10 (unmanageable anxiety), there’s a growing worry that anxiety this severe is preventing students from performing their best when it matters most.

Many students revealed to us that this anxiety doesn’t just exist on exam days. 1 in 3 told us that anxiety is ‘always there’ and almost half (47%) said that they experienced anxiety ‘sometimes’. In fact, only 4% of students said they ‘never’ felt anxious about exams. 

STEM subjects cause students the most anxiety, with biology ranking worst

Our survey found that STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are among the most anxiety-inducing for students. Biology ranked highest, with more than 2 in 5 students naming it as their most stressful subject. It poses significant challenges for female students in particular, with 66% reporting anxiety compared to 31% of male students. Chemistry (14%) and maths (9%) ranked second by comparison. 

Lucy Kirkham, Head of STEM at Save My Exams, explains: “STEM subjects can trigger anxiety for several reasons. First, there’s the cognitive factor: students fear they won’t be able to solve complex problems, struggle with concentration, and experience frustration with feelings of confusion. This anxiety can hinder their ability to process information.

“Not only that, environment plays a critical role. For female students in particular, societal misconceptions about STEM being ‘better suited’ to male abilities and interests can profoundly impact their confidence and learning. If we want to reduce anxiety, we must encourage all students to embrace STEM with confidence and challenge these outdated stereotypes. With the right support, we can help students develop a more positive relationship with STEM.” 

Top 10 subjects that cause exam anxiety: 

1. Biology 

2. Chemistry 

3. Maths

4. Computer Science

5. English Language

6. Business

7. Economics

8. Art

9. Physics

10. English Literature    
    

71% of students have not sought any help for managing their anxiety

Our findings revealed that a staggering 71% of students have never sought help for managing their exam anxiety.

Male students were the least likely to seek support, with 77% reporting they had never done so. While the rate among female students was slightly lower, it remains concerning at 68%.

Of those students who have reached out for support, over half said that talking to friends was their top method for relieving exam anxiety, rather than a family member or a professional. Meanwhile, 20% use physical exercise as a coping mechanism. 

Constance Mantle, CEO at SaveMyExams, comments: “Students often feel ashamed to admit they’re struggling. They may fear judgement, change, or the unknown—or even be in denial. We’re constantly told that hard work is the key to success, so acknowledging that the pressure has become too much can feel like admitting defeat.

“The reality, however, is that the majority are struggling—85%, according to our findings. While this statistic highlights an urgent need for systemic change to better support students, it also offers a degree of comfort. It’s important for students to know they’re not alone, and there’s no shame in finding things difficult. The problem doesn’t lie with them—it lies in the environment they’re being asked to thrive in.”

How our Exam Anxiety Relief Kit could help you

It’s not just about recognising the issue; it’s about providing real, actionable solutions to help you take control of both your mental well-being and your exam performance. That’s why we’ve created our Exam Anxiety Relief Kit, designed to provide practical support for students feeling overwhelmed by exam stress.

Inside your free kit, you’ll find expert advice on managing anxiety, effective revision tips to reduce stress, and resources to support you along the way. Plus, enjoy exclusive discounts to help you master your exams and achieve your potential. 

Claim your free kit 

You can access further free resources on our learning hub, where we have a range of material relating to revision, university advice and exam guides. 

SaveMyExams offers revision resources for GCSE, A Level, IGCSE, IB and AP students worldwide. Our teacher-written materials include revision notes, exam questions, past papers and flashcards, which support students to achieve the best grades possible.