Cracking under pressure: exam stress exposed

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Lenny van Reeth explores how exams impact mental health and why change is essential

A 2025 survey by SaveMyExams found that 85% of UK students experience exam anxiety, with one in four describing it as almost unbearable. Alarmingly, more than two thirds of these students don’t seek help, highlighting a significant gap in support during exam periods. Even though more attention is being paid to young people’s mental health, exam season still causes spikes in depression and anxiety.

Speaking from my own experience as a student, I’ve found the pressure around exams really hard to handle. At school, success feels expected, and I’ve fallen into the trap of setting unrealistic goals for myself, only adding more stress.

What makes it even harder is the lack of time to relax or socialise during exam season. Friends at other schools tell me the same, which makes me think this isn’t just my experience. It’s a much bigger problem that needs real change, not just talk.

It’s easier to criticise screen time than to rethink the pressure of exams

The pandemic didn’t help. Exams were cancelled one year, then brought back with new rules and extra uncertainty the next. People acted like no exams meant no stress, but that wasn’t true. We were still being judged, just in different ways. And that uncertainty made things worse. It felt messy and unfair.

Thankfully, some educators are becoming more understanding. But real progress is slow. Many still miss what matters most: how students are actually feeling.

Phrases like ‘toughen up’ or ‘it could be worse’ only make it harder for young people to open up. And while issues like lack of sleep, too much time spent on social media or substance abuse are important, they often distract from the root cause: the pressure built into the system itself. In fact, a 2023 survey found that 25% of students who use drugs do so to escape reality, signifying that stress deeply affects young people’s wellbeing.

Social media especially gets treated like a scapegoat. Yes, it can be harmful. But blaming it allows people to avoid talking about what’s wrong in education. It’s easier to criticise screen time than to rethink the pressure of exams but that’s where the real stress starts.

There’s more to life than grades. Students like me need to shift our mindset.

Some schools are taking small steps, like hosting wellbeing sessions. That’s something. But without real changes to the exam system, these efforts won’t go far enough.

If schools and governments won’t take the lead, it’s up to us to change things. Parents and teachers can ease up on pressure and show support. Friends can check in with one another and be more understanding when someone isn’t doing well.

There’s more to life than grades. Students like me need to shift our mindset. Expectations are important, but so is perspective.

It won’t all change overnight, but even small changes, being kinder to ourselves and each other, can make a real difference. If enough of us speak up and support one another, we can start turning the pressure into something more positive. That’s a future worth aiming for.

In the meantime, if you’re struggling with exam stress, check out this guide, full of calming activities and inspiring stories, to help you relax during exam season.