Childline sees surge in exam stress as nearly 1,700 counselling sessions delivered to young people across UK

Young people across the UK are facing mounting pressure ahead of GCSE and A-Level exams, with new figures revealing the scale of stress being carried into exam season.

Childline delivered 1,679 counselling sessions linked to exam and revision stress between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, highlighting a sustained demand for support as students struggle to cope with expectations, workload and anxiety.

The figures show a sharp peak in May, coinciding with the start of exams, when 359 sessions were recorded - accounting for 21 percent of all exam-related counselling over the year.

Rising pressure across all age groups

While most contacts came from young people aged 12 to 18, concern is also emerging among younger children, with 11 percent of sessions involving those aged 11 and under.

The data points to a widening impact, with exam-related stress no longer confined to older teenagers preparing for final qualifications.

Young people contacting Childline described a complex mix of emotional and practical pressures, including struggling to balance revision with other responsibilities, fear of failure, and feeling overwhelmed by expectations from parents, teachers and themselves.

What young people are saying

The emotional toll is reflected in the experiences shared during counselling sessions.

“If I’m not revising for exams, I feel this panic in my chest, but the panic also stops me focusing on the revision when I try and do it” Young person, 16

“I had all these plans for my future but I’ve completely lost motivation to revise. I have no idea why, my friends are trying to help get me back on track but I’m so overwhelmed” Girl, 16

“I’ve tried really hard to do better since my mocks, but my parents just aren’t being supportive. It’s like they’ve given up on me doing well, even when I can prove I’m revising loads and doing better on tests” Boy, 14

“When I try to list everything that I still need to revise I immediately get overwhelmed. My parents don’t get why I’m so stressed but also aren’t helping me. I need someone to tell me where to even start” Boy, 15

“How am I supposed to revise while I’m still getting so much homework from my other lessons and still need to go to hockey, or I’ll get kicked off the team? I’m feeling so anxious about everything my teacher said I should message Childline” Girl, 15

These snapshots are based on real Childline service users, with identifying details changed to protect their identities.

Key themes driving anxiety

Counsellors report recurring patterns behind the rising stress levels.

Young people are placing intense pressure on themselves to succeed, while also feeling external pressure from family members and teachers.

Many are struggling to juggle revision with other aspects of life, including caring responsibilities, extracurricular commitments and difficult home situations.

Others describe losing sleep, feeling unable to concentrate, or becoming overwhelmed by the volume of material they need to cover.

Comparison with peers - particularly through social media and school environments - is also undermining confidence, alongside fears about disappointing others or failing to meet expectations.

Some young people reported feeling dismissed when they tried to speak about their stress, leaving them isolated and unsure where to turn.

Childline urges perspective as exam season peaks

Cormac Nolan, Childline Service Head, said:

“At Childline we know that exam season can be a stressful time for young people, particularly in May where we see a spike in contacts to the service.

“Children are telling our counsellors that they’re losing sleep over exams, feeling pressure from family members and struggling to balance revision with other important parts of their lives. Many feel guilty about taking breaks and worry about letting people down if they don’t achieve the results they hope for.

“We want to remind young people that no matter what happens, exam results do not define worth or future prospects. Childline is available 24-7, equipped with trained counsellors who can offer advice and support any child who may be struggling this exam season.”

Advice for young people navigating exam stress

Childline is encouraging students to take practical steps to manage pressure during the exam period.

Young people are advised to be open about how they are feeling, as others may not realise the pressure they are experiencing.

Avoiding comparison with friends can help protect confidence, while keeping track of revision progress can provide reassurance about what has already been achieved.

Letting out stress through creative activities such as writing, art or journalling is also recommended, alongside using resources available through the Childline website, including coping tools and advice.

Creating a realistic revision schedule with regular breaks can improve retention, while maintaining physical health through sleep, diet and exercise supports concentration.

Above all, young people are reminded to keep perspective and recognise that exam results do not determine their entire future.

Guidance for parents and carers

Parents and carers are being urged to provide reassurance and maintain open lines of communication.

Supporting young people may include talking through concerns in ways they feel comfortable with, including text or phone if face-to-face conversations feel difficult.

Recognising that exam stress is real and valid is key, alongside helping young people develop healthy coping strategies such as mindfulness, breathing exercises or physical activity.

Maintaining perspective is also crucial, with families encouraged to reinforce that while exams matter, they do not define a child’s self-worth.

As exam season intensifies, the figures underline a growing need for emotional support alongside academic preparation, with services like Childline playing a critical role for young people navigating one of the most pressured periods of their school lives.

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At a glance

• 1,679 Childline counselling sessions linked to exam stress between April 2025 and March 2026

• 359 sessions recorded in May alone - 21 percent of annual total

• Majority of contacts from ages 12 to 18, but 11 percent from children aged 11 and under

• Key issues include pressure to succeed, lack of balance, and fear of failure

• Young people report losing sleep, feeling overwhelmed and struggling to focus

• Comparison with peers and lack of support also driving anxiety

• Childline available 24-7 for support during exam season