SAT’s, 11+, GCSE’s, A Levels, Degree, driving test are all exam style situations, where you can feel under pressure. We place a lot of importance on these situations, so it is completely understandable that we get anxious about them. The questions and scenarios in the exams are not something that we can control, so we cannot guarantee how well we will do, however much we have revised and practiced. For some people, including younger children, anxiety can severely impact on performance in exams, preventing them from achieving the grades that they are capable of.

Anxiety can significantly affect a student’s exam performance, making it harder to concentrate, remember information, and perform well. When a person experiences anxiety, their body goes into a “fight or flight” mode, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline. This reaction can cause physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweaty palms, and shallow breathing, which can make it difficult to focus on the exam.

One of the most common ways anxiety affects exam performance is by interfering with memory. When someone feels anxious, the brain’s ability to recall information can become impaired. This means that even if a student has studied hard and knows the material, their anxiety might prevent them from recalling key facts during the exam.

Anxiety can also cause negative thinking patterns. Students might start doubting themselves, thinking that they will fail, or believing that they are not good enough. These thoughts can lower their confidence and increase their nervousness, making it even harder to focus on the questions in front of them.

In addition to affecting memory and focus, anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and fatigue. These symptoms can make it difficult to sit through a long exam, further hindering performance.

Overall, anxiety can create a cycle of stress that affects both the body and mind, leading to poorer exam results. However, there are ways to manage anxiety, such as practicing relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, and seeking support from a therapist. These strategies can help students feel more prepared and confident when facing exams.

If your child/teen is anxious about taking an exam, please get in touch for 1:1 or small group support.  A little help goes a long way! The tools your child/teen learn now, can be taken forward with them to help with further exam style situations, so they really are tools for life!

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Georgia Turner

NLP Practitioner, BSC Hons, QTS, Life Coach, ADHD Coach

Online and face-to-face sessions in Market Harborough, Leicestershire

NLP is a proactive form of therapy, which is an alternative to counselling. I specialise in anxiety and anger coaching, however I help children, parents and other adults to tackle various barriers that are stopping them from being where they want to be!