Surge in pupils in need of help for exam stress

The number of counselling sessions over exam anxiety led by Childline has almost doubled in seven months.

More than 200 counselling sessions about exam worries took place in March, nearly double the number in September 2021, the charity said.

In 2021-22, Childline delivered 1,734 sessions to pupils with exam stress, a 62 per cent rise on the previous year.

Children told counsellors that exams were affecting their mental health.

Alex Gray, service head at Childline, said: “Children are still feeling the effects of the pandemic. With exams due to take place as normal following two years of cancellations, it is important they get the support they need.”