How to Avoid Exam Stress: Tips for Students

Let’s be honest unless you’re the next Einstein, you probably don’t love exams. Whether you’re gearing up for your GCSEs or A-Levels, even the most prepared student can feel anxious as exam day creeps closer. And guess what? That’s completely normal.

But stress doesn’t have to get the better of you. Here’s how to stay calm, focused and ready to smash it in the exam hall.

You’re Not the Only One Feeling Nervous

It might look like your mates are breezing through revision and barely breaking a sweat, but inside, they’re likely just as nervous as you are. Some people are just better at hiding it. Knowing that everyone is in the same boat can help you feel less alone exam nerves aren’t a weakness, they’re human.

Learn to Relax (Yes, It’s Possible!)

It might sound impossible when your heart’s racing before an exam, but learning to stay calm will help your brain work more clearly. Try this quick breathing exercise:

• Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of 4
• Hold for a second
• Breathe out gently through your mouth for a count of 4
• Repeat for 3–4 rounds

Breathe all the way down to your stomach. This helps slow your heart rate and brings your stress levels down. Use this just before you walk into the exam room — or even during the exam if you start to feel overwhelmed.

Plan Before You Write

One of the most common mistakes students make is jumping straight into writing without planning their answers. For both GCSE and A-Level exams, planning is essential especially in subjects like English, History, Geography, and the sciences where structured answers matter.

Spend around 30–35% of your time planning, depending on the subject. Read the question carefully, underline key words, and sketch out a quick structure. This will save you time later and help you stay on topic. As the saying goes: “Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.”

Watch the Clock

Running out of time is one of the most stressful things that can happen in an exam. Avoid it by dividing your time sensibly at the start of the paper. For example, if you’ve got two essay questions in a 90-minute paper, aim for 10–15 minutes of planning per question, then split the remaining time equally.

If you get stuck, move on and come back later if there's time. Leaving a question blank is one of the easiest ways to lose marks, so give everything a go!

Don’t Join the Post-Exam Drama

As tempting as it is to compare answers the second you leave the room don’t. Especially if you’ve still got more exams to come. These post-exam chats can spiral quickly, with people arguing over who got what and worrying about who might have done better.

Truth is, no one knows how they’ve done until results day, and stressing about it now won’t change the outcome. Focus on what’s ahead  or take a break if that was your last one. You’ve earned it.

Bonus Tip: Fuel Your Brain!

Don’t underestimate the power of sleep, food, and hydration during exam season. You can’t pour from an empty cup. A decent night’s sleep and a good breakfast (nothing too heavy!) can make a real difference to how you feel and perform.

Final Words

Exams are tough, but they’re not unbeatable. Whether you’re sitting GCSEs or A-Levels, remember that stress is normal but it doesn’t have to control you. With the right techniques, you can stay calm, think clearly, and give it your best shot.

You’ve put in the hard work. Now it’s your time to show what you know.
Good luck, you’ve got this!