Is exam stress a safeguarding issue?
Usually not. The DfE’s advice Mental health and behaviour in schools says “it is normal for children to feel nervous or under stress around exam times”, but that for some children other factors can turn it into a lasting mental health problem (paragraph 3.1). Most exam stress is a pastoral matter: notice it, talk to the pupil and help.
It becomes a safeguarding concern when the stress comes with risk of harm. Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) 2026 says mental health problems can develop into safeguarding concerns, including self-harm, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts (paragraphs 47 and 227). If staff have a mental health concern that is also a safeguarding concern, they follow the child protection policy and speak to the DSL (paragraph 50).
Signs of exam stress
The NHS lists these signs in children and young people who are stressed:
- worrying a lot
- feeling tense
- headaches and stomach pains
- not sleeping well
- being irritable
- losing interest in food, or eating more than normal
- not enjoying activities they used to enjoy
- being negative, with low mood
- feeling hopeless about the future
YoungMinds adds:
- finding it hard to concentrate
- having bad thoughts about themselves
- feeling sick or tired
- anger
In school, these may show up as changes in attendance, work or friendships. One sign on its own, in the week before an exam, is common. Several signs together, lasting for weeks, or a sudden change in a pupil you know well, need a conversation.
What causes it
- Pressure to do well. YoungMinds says this can come from school, family, friends or the pupil, and that pupils may feel it even when no one is pushing them because they want to make people proud.
- Comparison. Feeling that everyone else is revising more or coping better.
- Pressure at home. The NHS notes that, according to Childline, many children feel the most pressure at exam time comes from their family.
- Poor sleep and cramming. The NHS says most teenagers need 8 to 10 hours’ sleep a night, and that cramming all night is usually a bad idea.
- Other difficulties. Exams can add to existing anxiety, bullying, caring responsibilities or problems at home.
What staff can do
- Ask. A quiet “How are the exams going for you?” lets the pupil talk. Listen without dismissing the worry.
- Help in practical ways. The NHS suggests revision schedules, past papers under exam conditions, and seeing the exam hall beforehand, so the day feels less frightening.
- Check access arrangements. Pupils with special educational needs, a disability or a long-term condition may be entitled to arrangements such as extra time or rest breaks. These must be agreed before the exams, so involve the SENCO and exams officer early.
- Know about special consideration. If something happens at the time of an exam, such as illness or bereavement, the exams officer can apply to the awarding body. The JCQ guide (effective from 1 September 2025) says ordinary “exam-related stress” doesn’t qualify for the category of extreme distress on the day. Stress or anxiety for which medical advice has been sought can be considered, but adjustments are small.
- Watch the messages. Talk about effort and next steps rather than grades alone. YoungMinds reminds pupils that, whatever their results, their mental health matters too.
- Share with parents. The NHS page for parents covers sleep, food, exercise and not adding to the pressure.
When to tell the DSL
Pass it to the DSL or a deputy the same day if a pupil:
- talks about self-harm or suicide, or you see signs of self-harm
- shows signs of an eating disorder
- says they are afraid of what will happen at home if they fail, or describes punishment, threats or harm linked to grades
- seems unable to cope at all, and you are worried for their safety
Write down what you saw and what the pupil said, in their words. If a child is in danger, call 999 or get them to A&E. If they need urgent help that isn’t an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and choose the mental health option (KCSIE paragraph 50). Our guide to suicide and self-harm in schools covers what to do when a pupil tells you.
Where to signpost pupils
These numbers were checked on each organisation’s site on 20 October 2026:
- Childline, for anyone under 19: call 0800 1111, free, 24 hours a day
- Shout: text SHOUT to 85258, free, 24 hours a day
- Samaritans: call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day
- NHS 111: online, or call 111 and choose the mental health option
- The GP, if anxiety or low mood is severe, lasts, or gets in the way of everyday life (NHS)
KCSIE also points to the NHS Every Mind Matters advice and the Hub of Hope directory of local services (paragraph 234).