Two in five students say academic pressure is fuelling back-to-school anxiety, new study finds

New research from online education platform Save My Exams has found that 39 percent of UK students say academic pressure is the biggest trigger of back to school anxiety.

Save My Exams surveyed 580 UK secondary school students about their experience of back to school anxiety. It found that one in three (33 percent) students say back to school anxiety makes them feel overwhelmed, nervous, or panicked. 

One in five (21 percent) even reported physical symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, and vomiting. 

Only nine percent of those surveyed said they felt comfortable discussing their anxiety with a member of school staff and 38 percent of students said they do not feel supported by their school around anxiety-related issues. 

When asked about what could help soothe their back-to-school stress, 26 percent said empathy and flexibility from school staff were key. Students also called for clear communication from teachers about expectations, routines, and changes. 

Lucy Kirkham, ex-teacher and Head of Content Creation at Save My Exams, comments: “Punitive measures such as fines are less effective than positive engagement with parents and carers, and schools should ensure that mental health challenges are not misinterpreted as bad behaviour.

“Our findings highlight that a coordinated, well-resourced approach—backed by government, schools, parents, and mental health professionals—is vital. By fostering a more supportive school culture, improving communication, and investing in enrichment opportunities, we can help ensure children feel happy to return to school, protect their academic progress, and give them the best chance to thrive once they are there.”