Top Tips for Supporting Your Child with their School Exams
Exam season can be a stressful time for children – and for parents too. Whether your child is sitting SATs, GCSEs, A Levels or internal school assessments, the right support at home can make a real difference. While you can’t revise for them, you can help create an environment that builds confidence, reduces anxiety and encourages healthy study habits.
Create a Calm and Positive Atmosphere
Children often pick up on their parents’ emotions, so staying calm and reassuring is key. Try to keep conversations about exams supportive rather than pressurised. Remind your child that exams are important, but they are only one measure of their abilities. Avoid comparing them to siblings, classmates or friends, as this can increase stress and dent self-esteem.
Help Them Build a Realistic Revision Routine
A clear, manageable revision plan can help your child feel more in control. Sit down together and break revision into short, focused sessions with regular breaks. Little and often is far more effective than last-minute cramming. Encourage them to mix subjects and revision methods – such as flashcards, practice questions or teaching a topic back to you – to keep things engaging and varied.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Sleep, nutrition and movement all play a huge role in concentration and memory. Try to maintain regular bedtimes, especially in the weeks leading up to exams. Provide balanced meals and healthy snacks, and encourage your child to stay hydrated. Gentle exercise, such as a walk or time outdoors, can also help reduce stress and improve focus.
Be Available, But Don’t Hover
Let your child know you’re there to help if they need it, whether that’s testing them on key facts or simply listening when they feel overwhelmed. At the same time, try not to micromanage their revision or constantly check their progress. Too much oversight can feel suffocating and may increase anxiety rather than ease it.
Talk Openly About Worries
Many children worry about disappointing others or fear failure. Create space for honest conversations about how they’re feeling, and reassure them that nerves are normal. Help them reframe anxious thoughts by focusing on effort rather than outcomes. Phrases like “just do your best” can be far more comforting than “these exams really matter”.
Support on Exam Days
On exam days, aim for a calm, unhurried start. Make sure your child has everything they need the night before to avoid unnecessary stress in the morning. A few kind words of encouragement can go a long way. After each exam, resist the urge to analyse questions or answers – it’s usually more helpful to help them switch off and focus on what’s next.
Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results
When exams are over, acknowledge the hard work your child has put in, regardless of the outcome. Celebrating effort helps reinforce resilience and a healthy attitude towards learning. It also reminds your child that their worth isn’t defined by exam grades.
With reassurance, structure and understanding, parents can play a vital role in helping children navigate exam season with confidence and balance.
