Whether we like it or not, exams are a part of life when you’re at school, college or university. Some exams may be more important than others as they open the door to the next stage of study or work.

If you’re living with a chronic health condition managing exams can mean extra planning and organisation on top of the usual exam worry.

Your health condition may even become harder to manage due to added stress. So, it’s worth thinking ahead to see what support may be available through school and the exam boards. Additionally, by thinking ahead you can try and avoid issues you have some control over, for example, checking that appointments don’t clash with exams.

What is exam stress?

Exam stress is a feeling of pressure in the run up to exams as well as during the exam period. The wait for exam results can also cause worry as you wait to find out if you’ve got the grades you need.

Exam stress is very common; a certain level of stress can be a good thing. It can help you to focus during an important period. However, high levels of stress over a long period is not helpful and can cause associated mental health problems.

Why does it happen?

• Lack of control - exams bring a level of uncertainty and this can feel uncomfortable.
• A lot to learn - some types of exams such as GCSE and A levels rely on learning and recalling large amounts of information.
• High stakes - the results of exams are often important for what you want to do next.

What can I do?

• Perspective. Right now, exams feel like the most important thing in the world, it will not always feel this way.
• Sleep. Getting enough sleep can make a huge difference. Find a good nighttime routine (take time to relax before going to bed, try to have an hour screen free time before bedtime and aim for 8-10 hours sleep a night.)
• Nourishment. A balanced diet and keeping hydrated are important for staying physically healthy, this is also true for concentrating and remembering information.
• Physical Activity & Relaxation. Physical activity can bring positive mood changes. Relaxing and doing something enjoyable can help your mood and help calm the mind. Mindfulness techniques can also help with feelings of stress and anxiety.
• Revision strategies. Find what works best for you when you’re revising. There are lots of techniques, so try things out and make a plan. Feeling in control can often help when there is a lot to learn and remember. Check out the links section for revision tips.

What do I do if I’m in hospital during my exams?

Many hospitals have some type of hospital school and most of these will be registered exam centres. This means you should be able to sit your exams while in hospital if you and your medical team feel you are well enough. The hospital teachers will contact your school and make the necessary arrangements. If you are in year 11, year 13 or at college and have an Individual Healthcare Plan it’s a good idea to have any arrangements you need recorded on the plan. This will help the school and hospital if you need to sit your exams in hospital or at home because of your health needs.

What happens if I'm too ill to sit my exams?

The school exams officer is important for anything about exams. They can contact the exam boards for special consideration, this means the exam boards will consider your particular situation and decide if they can award an exam grade based on evidence from school or other parts of the exam you might have taken. Every case is different so it’s not possible to say here exactly what the outcome will be.

Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments & special consideration.

These are terms to describe what school and exam boards can do to support you in certain circumstances. You may be entitled to rest breaks or extra time, to use a laptop or other equipment. It's important to talk to your school or college SENDCO well before exams start so they can make arrangements. You can find out more here.

Results time

Waiting for exam results and the results day itself can be a difficult time but there are things you can do to help yourself manage difficult feelings.

• Be kind to yourself. It’s OK to feel worried, it’s only natural. Try and do things you enjoy to allow yourself a break from thinking out something you can’t control right now. Watch a film, play a game or do something physical that you enjoy.
• See friends. Sometimes it helps to be around people you know and enjoy being with.
• Decide how you want to get your results. This might be at school with friends or family, or you may prefer to be alone when you find out what you’ve got.
• Have a plan. It can help if you have a plan in place. Try and think through what your options are for both getting the grades you want/need and if things don’t go as well as you’d hoped.
• Remember there is help at school. On the day of results there will be staff to help you know your options whatever your results.
• Take a different route. It’s often possible to get where you want even if you don’t get the results you need. You can do resits, do a similar course with the grades you get, do the same course at a different uni. There are lots of options, so try and be open to advice and suggestions.
• Try not to compare yourself. We’re all different and that’s what makes the world a great place. Try and focus on your strengths and talents, particularly if they’re not measured in exams! Life is more than exams though it might be hard to remember this at times!