Supporting Boarders Through GCSE Season
Examinations can be a challenging period for any young person, but for pupils in boarding schools, the pressures of revision, academic expectations, friendships and daily life are often experienced within the same environment.
As GCSE season progresses, boarding houses, medical centres and pastoral teams play a vital role in supporting pupils’ wellbeing and helping them navigate what can be an emotionally demanding time.
The NHS recognises that exams and tests can be a source of stress and anxiety for children and young people. Common signs of stress may include difficulty sleeping, irritability, headaches, changes in appetite, low mood or increased worry. Having trusted adults available to listen and provide reassurance can help young people share concerns and keep challenges in perspective.
The Unique Role of Boarding Communities
Boarding schools are uniquely placed to support pupils throughout exam season. Unlike day schools, boarding staff often see pupils across all aspects of their daily lives, providing opportunities to identify concerns early and offer timely support.
Simple actions can make a significant difference:
- Checking in regularly with pupils
- Encouraging healthy sleep routines
- Promoting balanced nutrition and hydration
- Creating safe spaces for conversations about worries or anxieties
- Encouraging regular breaks and physical activity
- Helping pupils maintain perspective and manage expectations
Importantly, pupils should be reminded that examination results do not define their worth, potential or future success.
Supporting Healthy Revision Habits
The NHS advises that good sleep, healthy eating and regular exercise can all help young people manage stress during exam periods. Most teenagers require between eight and ten hours of sleep each night, while opportunities for physical activity can help reduce stress and improve concentration.
Boarding staff can support pupils by encouraging realistic revision schedules, helping them balance study with rest, and promoting positive wellbeing habits throughout the examination period.
Working Together
Supporting pupils during exam season is a whole-school responsibility. Collaboration between boarding teams, medical centres, pastoral staff, tutors, teachers and families helps ensure that young people feel supported both academically and emotionally.
By creating an environment where pupils feel able to discuss concerns, ask for help and maintain perspective, schools can play an important role in reducing exam-related stress and promoting wellbeing.
As a boarding community, we can make a real difference.
Further Guidance
The NHS has produced a useful resource for parents and carers on supporting children and young people through exam stress, including advice on recognising signs of stress, encouraging healthy routines and helping young people manage exam anxiety.
Further information is available via the NHS guide: “Help Your Child Beat Exam Stress“.