How Parents Can Support Their Children Through Exam Season

As exams approach, many parents ask the same question: “How can I best support my child?” While the pressure is felt most deeply by students, parents also experience the stress of wanting to help without knowing exactly how. GCSEs and A-levels can be challenging—not just academically, but emotionally too. The good news? You don’t need to remember Pythagoras' theorem or Shakespeare to make a meaningful difference.

1. Create a Positive Environment for Studying

One of the most effective ways to support your child is by ensuring they have a calm, organised, and focused place to study. This doesn’t need to be a separate room or a brand new desk, it could be a tidy corner of a dining table, so long as it’s consistent and clear of distractions like phones or TVs.

Lighting, comfortable seating, and access to essential resources like paper, pens, and a calculator can go a long way. Show that you value their study time by avoiding interruptions and keeping noise to a minimum during their revision.

2. Encourage a Healthy Routine

During exam preparation, students' routines often become disrupted, leading to late nights, irregular meals, and reduced time for normal social and physical activities. But cognitive function is heavily dependent on good sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular breaks.

Encourage your child to take short breaks after every 45-60 minutes of study. These should involve getting up, moving around, or having a snack—rather than scrolling through social media. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and eating well will help them stay mentally sharp and avoid them becoming overwhelmed.

3. Help Them Prioritise and Stay Organised

Many students feel overwhelmed not just by the content they need to revise, but by not knowing where to start. You can help by encouraging them to create a realistic revision timetable that breaks down topics into manageable chunks. Use a calendar or planner to map out key dates and deadlines, including rest days. Helping them stay organised reduces anxiety and builds a sense of control over the process.

4. Normalise Stress and Help Manage It

Exam stress is normal, and often unavoidable. Let your child know that feeling nervous doesn’t mean they’re not prepared—it means they care. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or taking a short walk can help reduce anxiety.

It's also important to remind them that while exams matter, they don't define who they are or determine their entire future.

5. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results

Recognise the effort your child puts in, not just the grades. Completing a revision schedule, tackling a tricky topic, or sticking to their study plan are all wins worth acknowledging. A word of encouragement or a small reward can go a long way in boosting motivation.

You are your child’s biggest cheerleader. Your emotional support, encouragement, and ability to help them stay on track can have a profound impact on their confidence and performance. Working together, you can help turn a stressful exam season into a period of growth and achievement.