GCSEs: What to say and what to avoid if you want to help teenagers combat exam anxiety

GCSE exams are under way and many students will be feeling the pressure to get the grades they need to pursue their education or employment goals.

They may be experiencing exam anxiety, which is linked to lower performance in exams and lower wellbeing.

Teachers and parents want students to perform at their best and be emotionally well. So it’s useful to know there are ways to encourage students and ease anxiety during this time – and things to avoid saying.

My colleagues and I have carried out research on the different things that teachers say to students about GCSE exams. We have found that the language used is important, and how students perceive communication about GCSEs has important consequences.