Students more anxious about their studies than last year

A survey by GCSEPod shows that over half of respondents said they felt more anxious about their studies than they did this time last year, and two thirds felt anxious about the phrase 'catch-up'.

GCSEPod polled 3,014 students aged between 11 and 16 years old in May 2021.  66.3% of respondents replied yes to the question Do you feel anxious about the phrase ‘catch-up’? 58.5% of respondents replied 'yes' to the question Do you feel more or less anxious about your studies than you did this time last year?

The survey also revealed that girls are feeling more anxious than boys with 74.3% answering 'yes' to the question Do you feel anxious about the phrase ‘catch-up’? compared to 58.1% of boys. In addition, 73.4% of girls said 'yes' to the question Do you feel more or less anxious about your studies than you did this time last year? compared to 44.7% of boys.

 Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 10th - 16th of May and GCSEPod are offering some special video pods on how to look after your mental health.  The pods are short video downloads (between 3-5 minutes long) which can be accessed from any device at any hour of the day. The pods focus on wellbeing and there are some on topics from stress management and hydration, to mindfulness and visualisation.

GCSEPod have been working with motivational champions and positive mindset gurus Jaz Ampaw-Farr and Cameron Parker.

Director of Operations at GCSEPod, Helen Newies said: “We welcome the recent announcement from the Department of Education that there will be £17 million of funding for schools and colleges to help recover after coronavirus, which is to be used to improve mental health and well-being for students. However, that doesn’t help those who are worried about their education today.

"The last year has been challenging for young people and as our survey showed many are feeling anxious about their studies.  We want to help ensure that children do not become overwhelmed by the pressure of school and everyday life.  

"There’s lots that can be done to improve our mental wellbeing and during Mental Health Awareness Week, I do hope that people will take a look at the fantastic free wellbeing resources we have to offer.”