From Exam Stress to Exam Success: Why Schools Need to Teach Thinking Skills to Combat Anxiety

As exam season approaches, the pressure is on. But it’s not just the content students need to master — it’s their mindset. Without the right thinking skills, students are likely to be overwhelmed by stress, no matter how well they prepare. The real issue behind their anxiety isn’t just about knowing the material; it’s about how they think about their exams, their performance, and their future.

This is why it’s so important for schools to focus on developing thinking skills alongside study preparation. By equipping students with the tools to manage their thoughts and feelings, we give them the confidence to face their exams head-on. And just as we’re helping students build these essential skills, we must also ensure that teachers are fully supported with the right training to guide them effectively.

It’s time to shift the focus from just study preparation to providing students with the thinking skills they need to manage their anxiety and stress. The core of exam stress is not simply a matter of workload or revision. It’s about how students think about the exams — their mindset, their fears, and their reactions. Without addressing the root of their worry, they’ll never truly be able to cope with their anxiety.

Building thinking skills in students gives them the tools to break down irrational fears, reframe negative thoughts, and approach exams with a clear, calm mindset. And this isn’t just a one-off fix — it’s a skill they can carry through life.

When we think about exam preparation, the first thing that comes to mind is often study sessions, revision schedules, and practice papers. But what if I told you that teaching students thinking skills is just as important as study prep? In fact, it’s essential for managing the anxiety that so often accompanies exam time.

Without addressing the root causes of anxiety — the patterns of thought that fuel it — students will continue to struggle with stress, regardless of how much content they cram. The real problem lies in how students think about their exams. Negative self-talk, irrational fears, and perfectionism can overwhelm them, making it nearly impossible to focus or perform their best.

By equipping students with the right thinking skills, we help them break free from these patterns. We teach them to reframe their thoughts, challenge their fears, and develop healthier, more resilient mindsets. This is the key to truly managing exam stress.

But while we’re focused on helping students, it’s important to recognize that teachers need support too. As educators, we pour our energy into guiding our students, but who is guiding us? In order to help our students overcome exam stress, we need the right training and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to become experts in stress management, emotional resilience, and mental wellbeing.

Want to learn more about equipping your students and staff with the tools they need to manage stress? Register for my free Masterclass, “From Exam Stress to Exam Success,” where I’ll share strategies for supporting the anxious generation.