SaveMyExams, the stress-free path to helping students study effectively and get higher grades, has recently released a survey revealing that 85% of UK students face exam anxiety, with 71% not seeking support. The findings are based on responses from 1,000 students. According to the Study, 8 in 10 students report experiencing exam anxiety, with one-third describing it as a constant presence in their lives. Twenty-five percent of respondents rated their anxiety levels above 8 on a scale of 1 to 10, indicating severe levels of stress.
As per the survey, many students revealed that this anxiety doesn’t just exist on exam days. 1 in 3 feel that anxiety is ‘always there’, and almost half (47%) said that they experienced anxiety ‘sometimes’. Only 4% of students said they ‘never’ felt anxious about exams.
Following are the key insights of the report
STEM Subjects Cause Students the Most Anxiety, with Biology Ranking as the Worst
The survey found that STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are among the most anxiety-inducing for students. Biology ranked highest, with more than 2 in 5 students naming it their most stressful subject. It poses significant challenges for female students in particular, with 66% reporting anxiety compared to 31% of male students. Chemistry (14%) and maths (9%) ranked second by comparison.
Students who have not Reached Out for Help with their Anxiety
The findings revealed that a staggering 71% of students have never sought help for managing their exam anxiety. Male students were the least likely to seek support, with 77% reporting they had never done so. While the rate among female students was slightly lower, it remains concerning at 68%. Of those students who have reached out for support, over half said that talking to friends was their top method for relieving exam anxiety, rather than a family member or a professional. Meanwhile, 20% use physical exercise as a coping mechanism. Parental support was notably limited, with only 14% of students reporting any assistance from parents during exam preparation.
Growing Reliance on Digital Tools
The report demonstrated students’ growing dependency on digital tools for revision, with 93% using online platforms for exam preparation. These resources were more popular than traditional options, such as physical revision guides (74%) and private tutors (27%).
Top 10 Subjects that Cause Exam Anxiety
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Maths
- Computer Science
- English Language
- Business
- Economics
- Art
- Physics
- English Literature
In response to these findings, SaveMyExams launched its “Exam Anxiety Relief Kit” in November 2024 to help students better manage exam-related stress. The kit offers practical tools and techniques to ease exam pressure.
Constance Mantle, CEO at SaveMyExams, emphasized the importance of addressing exam anxiety to protect students’ academic performance and mental health:
Students often feel ashamed to admit they’re struggling. They may fear judgement, change, or the unknown—or even be in denial. We’re constantly told that hard work is the key to success, so acknowledging that the pressure has become too much can feel like admitting defeat. The reality, however, is that the majority are struggling—85%, according to our findings. While this statistic highlights an urgent need for systemic change to better support students, it also offers a degree of comfort. Students need to know they’re not alone, and there’s no shame in finding things difficult. The problem doesn’t lie with them—it lies in the environment they’re being asked to thrive in.
Lucy Kirkham, Head of STEM at Save My Exams, also explained:
STEM subjects can trigger anxiety for several reasons. First, there’s the cognitive factor: students fear they won’t be able to solve complex problems, struggle with concentration, and experience frustration with feelings of confusion. This anxiety can hinder their ability to process information. Not only that, the environment plays a critical role. For female students, societal misconceptions about STEM being ‘better suited’ to male abilities and interests can profoundly impact their confidence and learning. To reduce anxiety, we must encourage all students to embrace STEM and confidently challenge these outdated stereotypes. With the proper support, we can help students develop a more positive relationship with STEM.
About SaveMyExams
SaveMyExams aims to develop high-quality, affordable revision resources for GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB students. Its resources are created by a team of world-class teachers with over 200 years of experience helping students get the most out of their revision. The platform supports over 1.5 million students monthly and is an essential companion for anyone serious about achieving exam success. Its teacher-written materials include revision notes, exam questions, past papers, and flashcards, which help students achieve the best grades possible.
