SaveMyExams study reveals 85% of UK students suffer from exam anxiety, many reportedly without support

A new study by online education platform SaveMyExams has revealed that 85% of UK students experience exam anxiety, with 71% of them not seeking any support. 

Key findings

The findings are based on responses from 1,000 students. According to the study, 8 in 10 students report experiencing exam anxiety, with one-third describing it as a constant presence in their lives. Twenty-five percent of respondents rated their anxiety levels above 8 on a scale of 1 to 10, indicating severe levels of stress.

Sciences were identified as the most anxiety-inducing subjects, with 40% of students singling out biology as particularly challenging. Other subjects causing significant stress included chemistry (14%) and mathematics (9%).

The survey also found that 71% of students have not sought any form of help to manage their anxiety. Among the 29% who have, talking to friends emerged as the most common coping mechanism. Other methods included physical exercise (20%) and techniques such as breathing exercises or meditation, adopted by 30% of respondents.

Parental support was notably limited, with only 14% of students reporting any assistance from parents during exam preparation.

The study highlighted the growing reliance on digital tools for revision, with 93% of students using online platforms for exam preparation. These resources were more popular than traditional options, such as physical revision guides (74%) and private tutors (27%).

In response to these findings, SaveMyExams launched its "Exam Anxiety Relief Kit" in November 2024 to help students better manage exam-related stress. The kit offers practical tools and techniques aimed at easing the pressure associated with exams.

Constance Mantle, CEO at SaveMyExams, emphasized the importance of addressing exam anxiety to protect students' academic performance and mental health:

 “The fact that so many teens are experiencing exam anxiety is worrying. We know that anxiety can impair cognitive functions like memory retrieval and problem-solving, which directly impacts exam performance. This can have serious negative consequences on students’ future ambitions, but more significantly their mental health.”

Mantle called for greater collaboration among families, schools, and communities to provide the necessary support:

 “With only 14% of students receiving parental support, it’s clear that families need better tools to help their children. SaveMyExams’ ‘Exam Anxiety Relief Kit’ is a step forward, but greater collaboration with schools and local communities can amplify its impact.”

She also advocated for integrating stress management into the school curriculum and providing teachers with training to identify and address anxiety:

 “We need to embed stress management into the curriculum, introducing workshops on mindfulness, time management, and exam strategies. Training teachers to identify signs of anxiety and provide immediate support is equally vital.”

Mantle concluded by emphasizing the role of peer support and digital tools:

 “This data demands a united response from educators, parents, and the UK government to ensure students are equipped not just academically but emotionally to face the challenges of modern education. With 93% of students already relying on online resources, leveraging digital platforms to provide holistic support could be transformative. The time to act is now—because no student should have to suffer in silence.”