Helping Tweens and Teens Manage Stress During Exam Season
Article Summary
This article provides practical guidance for parents supporting tweens and teens during exam periods, focusing on stress management, healthy routines, emotional reassurance, and the role schools play in supporting students through both wellbeing initiatives and equitable examination support structures.
Understanding Stress in the School Years
Periods of assessment can increase pressure on students, particularly in the later Prep years and High School. While some stress is natural and can even support motivation, it can become overwhelming if not managed well.
Tweens and teens are still developing the emotional tools needed to regulate stress. Academic expectations, social dynamics, and personal pressures can combine in ways that feel difficult to navigate.
For parents, understanding how to support children during these periods is essential. Calm guidance, structure, and reassurance can make a significant difference within the broader context of their learning journey.
Recognising the Signs of Stress
Stress does not always present in obvious ways. Some students may become withdrawn, while others may appear irritable or restless.
Common signs include:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased anxiety or frustration
- Avoidance of schoolwork
- Physical symptoms such as headaches or fatigue
Recognising these signs early allows parents to respond with support rather than pressure, while remaining connected to their child’s overall wellbeing and sense of belonging within the school environment.
Creating a Supportive Study Environment
A structured and predictable routine can help reduce overwhelming feelings.
Encouraging students to break work into manageable tasks, set realistic goals, and take regular breaks can improve both productivity and confidence. A quiet, organised space for studying also helps create focus.
Importantly, the environment should feel supportive rather than pressured. Children benefit from knowing that effort matters more than perfection, particularly during demanding academic periods such as those experienced in high school years.
Helping Children Develop Healthy Coping Strategies
Learning how to manage stress is a skill that develops over time.
Parents can support this by encouraging habits such as:
- Regular physical activity
- Balanced nutrition and adequate sleep
- Short breaks between study sessions
- Open conversations about how they are feeling
Simple techniques such as deep breathing, stepping away from work for a brief break, or talking through concerns can help students regain perspective.
These strategies not only support students during exams but also equip them for future challenges, reinforcing resilience and emotional awareness as part of a balanced, holistic education.
The Role of Perspective and Reassurance
One of the most important messages children can receive during exam periods is that their worth is not defined by results.
While academic effort is important, maintaining perspective helps reduce unnecessary pressure. Encouraging children to do their best while reminding them that setbacks are part of learning supports a healthier mindset.
Parental reassurance plays a key role. Knowing that they are supported regardless of outcomes can help students approach challenges with greater confidence.
Supporting Students with Learning Barriers During Examinations
“Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning, but also capable of succeeding.” - Robert John Meehan
This philosophy underpins St Martin’s approach to teaching, learning, and student support. The focus is on understanding and supporting students as individuals so that each child has the opportunity to achieve to the best of their ability.
This approach extends to examinations and assessments. While exam periods can be stressful for many students, some may face additional challenges linked to diagnosed medical conditions, learning barriers, or specific educational needs. In these situations, examination accommodations and concessions can help create a fair and supportive assessment environment.
In line with the approach of the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), these accommodations are intended to help students demonstrate their knowledge and skills more accurately under examination conditions. They are not designed to provide an unfair advantage or lower academic expectations, but rather to remove barriers that may prevent a student from performing at their true potential.
Parents and guardians of students who have been assessed by educational psychologists, or who have diagnosed medical or learning conditions, are encouraged to communicate with the school and submit relevant reports and recommendations to the Head of Academics as early as possible. Early communication allows the school to plan appropriately and ensure that approved accommodations can be implemented effectively during examinations.
In some cases, accommodations may require additional logistical arrangements, specialised equipment, or extra support personnel. Families will be guided through these processes where necessary.
Partnering with Schools to Support Wellbeing
Schools play an important role in supporting student wellbeing during assessment periods.
Clear communication, structured academic expectations, and access to pastoral support all contribute to a more balanced experience. When schools and families work together, children receive consistent messages about effort, well-being, and resilience.
At St Martin’s, the focus is on supporting both academic progress and emotional well-being. Students are guided to develop healthy study habits while maintaining balance.
Families who are exploring how schools approach both academic and emotional development often find it helpful to engage more deeply with the school’s ethos and support structures. Understanding how well-being is prioritised alongside achievement can provide valuable reassurance during these important years. We invite you to book a visit and experience this for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shape your child’s future with St Martin’s School
We invite you to explore the enriching learning environment at St Martin’s School and see firsthand how we support each child’s academic growth, character development and confidence. Whether you are considering your child’s next step or planning ahead, we would love to connect with you and show you what makes St Martin’s distinctive.