- 65% of secondary school students already feel overwhelmed before the school year has started, with 69% experiencing anxiety and 58% admitting to crying over schoolwork before the start of term
- 64% say they can’t afford all the resources needed to revise, with 51% reporting financial stress impacts their ability to concentrate at school
- 88% of students are turning to new mediums like TikTok to make revision manageable
As millions of students return to school in the UK this August and September, new research from SimpleStudy, a leading revision app, highlights the mounting pressures facing students aged 12-18, from academic stress and financial strain to uncertainty about how to start exam revision. This new study comes as parents are spending more than ever on back-to-school, and in the wake of mixed GCSE and A-Level results in August, exam pressure on children is mounting more than ever.
Back to school anxieties surge
The study reveals 75% of students report feeling more stressed about starting school compared to last year. Many students spent their summer break worrying about exams and the year ahead (77%), and almost half (42%) felt pressure from parents to revise during the holidays.
Not only that, but the pressures students face at school are already affecting wellbeing: 69% report symptoms such as racing hearts or sweating when thinking about revision or exams, and 58% admit to crying over schoolwork in the month before school begins.
Financial strain adds to the burden
Financial stress is adding to students’ academic worries. 64% say they can’t afford all the resources needed for effective revision, while 51% report that money concerns affect their ability to concentrate at school. Many are finding workarounds, with 43% sharing paid revision resources with friends. These pressures come amid rising back-to-school costs, with parents now expected to spend an average of £329 per child—up 70% compared to last year.
Exams and expectations fueling the pressure
Students are also returning to school in the wake of mixed exam outcomes. GCSE pass rates have fallen and resit levels for Maths and English are higher than ever, while A-level top grades reached record highs. Across the board, 87% of students agree exams are the most stressful part of school, and 65% are concerned already at the start of term that they won’t achieve their target grades.
These pressures are also shaping study habits. 57% of students leave the majority of their revision until the week before exams, and 47% even admit to cheating on homework to keep up with classmates.
Students are also increasingly turning to new mediums beyond textbooks, with 88% using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to find revision tips. This unfolds against a backdrop of discussions in schools and Parliament on smartphone bans, even as children find apps and platforms an effective way to study.
Phillip McKenna, revision specialist and co-founder of SimpleStudy, shares his advice for parents and students: “Our research shows students haven’t had a carefree summer, many spent their holidays worrying about exams and the year ahead. For parents, small steps can make a real difference in quelling back-to-school nerves. Simple questions like ‘what are you looking forward to?’ or ‘what feels tricky right now?’ open up honest conversations about what’s driving the anxiety. Re-establishing a school-night sleep routine is also crucial: nearly 70% of students told us tiredness affects their focus, so earlier bedtimes, less late-night screen time, and a clear wind-down routine can all help. And with so many parents under financial pressure, don’t be afraid to ask schools or local libraries about free revision resources or devices, and consider study apps like SimpleStudy to open up more options for learning.
For students, it’s about breaking the pressure into manageable steps and aiming for consistency, not perfection. Instead of worrying about the whole year, focus on one small win at a time, completing a homework task, catching up with a friend, or trying a short revision session. Each step makes the next easier and builds the confidence to keep going.”
“Oisín Devoy, study expert and Founder of SimpleStudy, offers tips for teachers: “Teachers know better than anyone that students come back to class carrying nerves and this year, those feelings are sharper than ever. A simple way to ease the transition is to begin with review sessions before diving into new material. It reassures students they haven’t ‘forgotten everything’ and helps them get back into a learning mindset. With exam pressure weighing so heavily, breaking revision into smaller, achievable weekly goals also gives students early wins.
And with more than 80% of young people now using TikTok, YouTube or Instagram for study tips, it’s important to meet them where they already are, whether that’s by recommending useful resources on these platforms or embracing apps that make revision more engaging. But, as many teachers know, not all children have the same digital access, so proactively checking early in the term what access students have to devices and resources ensures no one gets left behind.”
