Healthy approach to exams

White curve

Tests, assessments, exams…they can be challenging at any age, whether it’s a spelling test in primary school or driving test later in life. Most children and young people undergo a significant number of tests and exams before the age of 18. Most cope remarkably well, others may need additional help and support to protect their mental health.

Exams don’t have to damage wellbeing by causing unnecessary stress or worry.

We’ve compiled a series of guides for students, teachers, and parents and carers. Each guide addresses the challenges of exams and provides evidenced-based advice and practical suggestions for maintaining mental wellbeing. This includes self-care for students and what to do if they are concerned for a friend, and how teachers, parents and carers can recognise and respond to the symptoms of unhealthy stress and anxiety.

The guides have been specially created for young people in Years 6 through to 13, and those who work with or care for them.

For more general guidance on supporting a child or young person with anxiety click below. 

Supporting a child with anxiety

 

For parents and carers to support your child through exams

Exams: Supporting your child

 

 

For school staff to support students through their exams

Exams: Supporting Students 

 

 

For students to manage their mental health during exams

Exams: Managing your Mental Health

 

Resources

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Asking for help (adult)

When it’s time to talk about your mental health.

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Asking for help (young person)

A simple guide for young people to help talk about their feelings.

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CREATE a university mental health strategy

Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy for University

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Depression booklet

Featuring useful facts, figures and information, this booklet also contains sources of help and what not to say to people experiencing depression

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Five Ways to Wellbeing posters

Seven page poster pack - one for each of the Five Ways to Wellbeing: connect, give, learn, be active, take notice. Plus two all-in-one posters.

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Guide to depression for parents and carers

This booklet aims to help recognise and understand depression and how to get appropriate help for their child

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Guide to depression for parents and carers (Welsh)

This booklet aims to help parents recognise and understand depression and how to get appropriate help for their child

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Life at university (A4 poster)

A4 poster with QR code for students to find information about life at university,

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Life at university (A6 postcard)

A6 postcard with QR code for students to find information about life at university,

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Low mood poster

Poster created in partnership with Bank Workers Charity highlighting common causes of low mood, how to help yourself feel better and information on where to get more help.

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Making the move to university: care leavers

Read how to look after your mental health if you are starting university after being in care.

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Making the move to university: international students

Moving to university is especially tough for those who are coming from another country. Don't forget to make sure you prioritise your mental health, and read how to do so here.

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Making the move to university: LGBTQ+ students

Read our resource on how you can best take care of your mental health when making the transition to university if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

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Making the move to university: not fitting in

Read our guide on how to protect your wellbeing if you are starting university and feel like you may not fit in in any way.

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Making the move to university: students with adverse childhood experiences

Resource for those starting university who have had adverse childhood experiences such as trauma or abuse.

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Making the move to university: young carers

Read how to access support and prioritise your mental health while transitioning to university as a young carer.

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Managing Stress and Anxiety

A booklet giving tips on how students can look after their mental health during exams and assessments.

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Perfectionism

Aiming high can sometimes come at a cost. This eight page guide looks at ‘unhealthy perfectionism’ – how to spot it and advice on how to develop effective interventions.

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POSTER Tips for managing stress

A4 poster giving six practical tips on how students can look after their mental health during exams and assessments.

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Schools' mental health policy template

Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy for Schools 

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Supervision in education

Ten top tips for setting up staff supervision groups in schools

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Supporting a child with anxiety

A guide for parents and carers to help understand anxiety more clearly and begin to address it.

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Top Tips For Students

A booklet giving tips on how students can look after their mental health.

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Warning signs poster

A bold A3 poster showing the warning signs that tell you when someone may be depressed. This poster could save a life.

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Wellbeing Action Plan (child)

A simple, resource to help young people keep themselves well and get them through difficult times

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Wellbeing Action Plan (young person)

Our Wellbeing Action Plan is for all young people attending sixth form or college.

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Wellbeing Activities

Activity sheets on the five ways to wellbeing.

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Wellbeing Challenge 2021 school pack

Lesson plan and activities based on the five ways to wellbeing

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Wellbeing Journal

A simple, journal to help young people think about and write down the things which make them feel good.

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Five ways to wellbeing bookmark

Our bookmark features the five ways to wellbeing and some helpful techniques for when you’re feeling a bit worried. Use it as a colourful way to mark your place and calm your mind.

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Five ways to wellbeing bookmark for children

Our bookmark for children features the five ways to wellbeing and helpful techniques for when you’re feeling worried. It’s a colourful way to mark your place and calm your mind!

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Wellbeing Action Plan (adult)

A simple, resource to help adults support and maintain their wellbeing.

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