Final Exam Preparations: A Parent’s Guide
The hard work is nearly complete, and now it’s time to pause, relax, and focus on those final steps before exam day.
As a parent myself, I know how daunting this stage can feel; not only for the children sitting the exams, but also for the parents watching them take this important step toward senior school.To help ease the pressure, I’ve put together some practical tips you can share with your child. These reminders can make the experience feel less overwhelming and, perhaps, even turn it into a positive milestone.
Top Tips for Exam Day Success
- Stick to familiar food and drink: Breakfast should be something your child enjoys and knows well. Familiarity brings comfort — even if it’s a simple bowl of Crunchy Nut, it can help set the tone for a normal day.
- Reassure them they’re ready: By this point, the preparation is complete. Remind your child of the effort they’ve put in and that they have everything they need to by this point. They have no doubt worked hard building up to the exam
- Keep revision light: Avoid cramming. Instead, focus on practical strategies: don’t overthink answers, move on if stuck, and return to tricky questions later. At this stage, there’s no need to go over lots of practice papers, but it would be worth covering some common sense approaches: not overthinking their responses, and what to do if they get stuck on one question, for example.
- Make time for fun the night before: Have some fun. The night before the work is complete. Wind down by watching a funny movie or comedy sketch or play a board game; something that has absolutely nothing to do with the exam. Time to relax is important.
- Prioritise sleep: A good night’s rest is the best way to boost concentration and calm nerves.
- Comfort matters: On the day, let your child wear clothes they feel relaxed in — comfort helps confidence.
- Plan ahead for logistics: Leave plenty of time to get to the exam venue. Avoid last‑minute stress, such as hunting for a parking space.
- Normalise nerves: Explain that butterflies in the stomach and a racing heartbeat are natural signs of anticipation. Encourage deep breaths before starting.
- Remind them they’re not alone: Every child in that room will be feeling the same way. They’re part of a shared experience.
Good luck, and my fingers are crossed for each and every child that they secure a place in their school of choice.
Kate Sharp, Head of Examinations