Ambition fuelled by wellbeing: supporting our students to manage academic stress

Stress is an inevitable – and completely natural – part of every student’s learning journey. Alongside life-changing opportunities, memorable experiences, and good times, every one of our young people will, at some point, feel under pressure. 

Whether it’s balancing A-level coursework with university applications, coping with the demands of GCSE exams, or managing their own and others’ expectations, life as a student can be stressful. We recognise these challenges at OIC Brighton and are committed to providing the care, academic guidance, and support needed to manage academic stress. 

What is academic stress?

Stress is a natural feeling, designed to help people cope in challenging situations.   In small amounts it can be good, because it pushes us to work hard and do our best, like during exams. But if we’re feeling really stressed – or that stress is overwhelming – it can lead to mental health problems, such as anxiety.
  

Academic stress in students

An Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) survey of 540,000 15 to 16-year-olds highlights just how common academic stress is among students. Two-thirds of young people reported feeling stressed about their grades, while 59% said they often worried that a test would be too difficult. As many as 37% reported feeling extremely tense when studying.  We understand that the time, commitment, and energy needed to achieve academic goals can be overwhelming. Revision, exam prep, coursework – it can feel like there’s always something to do. Students can compare themselves to friends or feel the burden of pressure from others. They can set unrealistic expectations for themselves, too.
  

What causes academic stress in students? 

Lots of factors can cause academic stress. These include: 

• Difficulty balancing schoolwork, Super curricular activities, and their personal life. 
• Pressure from parents or family to succeed. 
• Issues like peer pressure and relationship dynamics. 
• Preparing for and taking exams.
• Adjusting to a new school, year group, or environment. 

How we manage academic stress at OIC Brighton

OIC Brighton is an ambitious school community, and we set high expectations for our students. But this culture of academic excellence is fuelled by a complete commitment to wellbeing, which ensures every child feels supported, included, and empowered. 

Our students are supported by a team of experts, which include our Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing), Boarding House Parents, Form Teacher, and Strategy Tutor. Based in a dedicated wellbeing centre, our Counsellor is on hand to listen and offer expert advice, too. 

Our OICB ROCKS wellbeing programme, meanwhile, equips our students with the tools they need to be confident, overcome challenges, and cope with academic stress. 

Practical support to manage academic stress 

We also offer a range of practical tips and solutions to help our students manage academic stress. 

1. Organising and prioritising tasks 

We help our young people to break their workload into manageable chunks. Using planners or digital apps, for example, helps them split larger projects into smaller, easier to complete tasks. 

We also encourage our students to focus on their immediate responsibilities and deadlines, which focuses their minds and prevents the academic stress caused by last-minute cramming. Doing this also enhances productivity. 

2. Create a routine 

Establishing a study schedule creates structure. It’s important for each student to find a routine that fits their preferred learning methods and styles. Creating a clutter-free study environment is proven to boost concentration, too. 

3. Practice mindfulness and relaxation 

Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines can reduce anxiety and academic stress in students. We encourage our young people to try deep breathing exercises and practice meditation and/or yoga. 

4. Stay active and healthy 

Physical health is closely linked to mental wellbeing, and regular exercise releases endorphins and improves mood. Eating healthily is also important. Enjoying a balanced diet boosts concentration and energy levels – and the meals we provide are nutritious and delicious. 

5. Seek support

We want our students to understand they’re not alone. Working with others can lighten the academic burden, and we encourage our young people to reach out to friends, classmates, or family members for emotional support – or set up a study group. A dedicated Strategy Tutor is always on hand to provide advice and reassurance, too. 

6. Limit screentime 

Excessive screentime, especially on social media, can contribute to academic stress. We encourage our young people to set clear boundaries, for example by only spending a certain amount of time on their devices. Taking part in offline hobbies, such as reading or sports, is also hugely beneficial. 

7. Focus on the positive 

Having a positive mindset can change perspectives on academic stress. We encourage our students to approach tasks with a can-do attitude and set realistic goals. It’s crucial to understand that perfection isn’t always the aim – and that celebrating all achievements, no matter how small, is worthwhile.