85% of UK students report exam anxiety, with most suffering in silence
New research by SaveMyExams reveals a staggering 85% of UK students experience exam anxiety, with 7 in 10 choosing not to seek help. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for better support systems for young people navigating academic pressures.
Exam anxiety on the rise
SaveMyExams surveyed 1,000 UK students and found that 85% had experienced exam anxiety, a significant increase from the National Education Union’s earlier figure of 50%. A quarter of teens ranked their anxiety levels as 8 or higher on a scale of 1 to 10, with one-third admitting they always feel anxious about exams.
The findings suggest that exam stress has reached critical levels, impacting students’ mental health and academic performance.
Limited parental support
Only 14% of students reported receiving revision support from parents, leaving the majority to manage anxiety on their own. Among those who sought help, many turned to friends (50%), physical exercise (20%), or mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises and meditation (30%).
Constance Mantle, CEO of SaveMyExams, emphasised the importance of family involvement: “With only 14% of students receiving parental support, families need better tools to help their children. Our ‘Exam Anxiety Relief Kit’ is a step forward, but broader collaboration is essential.”
Biology tops the list of anxiety-inducing subjects
The survey revealed that science subjects cause the most stress, with Biology being the most challenging for 40% of respondents. Other anxiety-inducing subjects include:
- Biology (40%)
- Chemistry (14%)
- Maths (9%)
- Computer Science (8%)
- English Language (8%)
Digital resources lead the way
Digital tools have become indispensable for exam preparation, with 93% of students using online revision platforms. This was followed by 74% relying on physical revision guides and 27% employing private tutors.
Mantle highlighted the potential of digital platforms to offer holistic support: “Leveraging online resources to address both academic and emotional needs could transform how we support students.”
A call for action
SaveMyExams launched an Exam Anxiety Relief Kit in November 2024 to provide students with practical strategies to manage stress. Mantle advocates embedding stress management into school curriculums, including mindfulness workshops and peer-led support groups.
The data underscores the need for a united response from parents, educators, and policymakers to tackle the growing mental health crisis among students.
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