Exam anxiety is real, it's common, and it's manageable. Studies suggest up to 40% of students experience some level of performance anxiety around exams. The good news is that with the right approach, it can be significantly reduced.
Normalise the feeling
The first step is to acknowledge that nerves are normal and even useful in small doses. Anxiety before exams means the student cares about doing well — which is healthy. What parents and tutors can do is help them channel that energy rather than suppress it.
Preparation is the most powerful antidote
Most exam anxiety is rooted in feeling underprepared. Structured revision, timed practice papers, and working through every topic systematically builds genuine confidence. When a student has done 10 past papers and knows they can handle the format, the fear of the unknown shrinks dramatically.
Breathing and physical regulation
Teach your child a simple box breathing technique: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces acute stress within 60–90 seconds. Practice it before it's needed, not just during a panic.
Written by
Claire Dupont
Claire is a French language tutor and qualified counsellor who works with students experiencing academic pressure and anxiety.
