A COUNSELLING service is expecting a rise in calls from children over exam stress.

Childline, run by the NSPCC, said it delivered 3,135 counselling sessions on exam stress in 2017/18, with more than a fifth of them taking place in May, and five times as many delivered to girls than boys.

Half of callers were aged between 12 and 15, and said they were concerned about workloads, pressure from parents and concerns over grades.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive said: “Preparing for and taking exams places a lot of pressure on young people. Worryingly for some these feelings can act as a trigger to them developing mental health issues.

“It is therefore vital that family, friends and teachers are there to support children and teenagers during this stressful time, listening to them and keeping them calm and focused so they can properly prepare for the challenges to come. Exams are very important and we really want young people to do their very best. However, they should also remember that if things don’t go exactly according to plan there will be lots of other opportunities for them to express themselves and succeed.”

*Children and young people can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice, 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk