GCSEs.

The stressful summer exam period is over, but following the introduction of a new GCSE assessment structure, many students are facing an anxious wait to results day.

With this year’s 16-year-olds the first to sit the majority of their GCSEs under the new system, we spoke to some of our Figtree students to find out how the changes affected them – and what year 10 pupils can do to prepare.

Last year saw the introduction of a new assessment structure for GCSEs across England. Part of a parcel of revisions to the curriculum initiated in 2014, the bulk of the changes to GCSEs come into effect this summer. So what exactly is happening, and what does it mean for students preparing to take their exams in just one month’s time?

Studies have shown that stress can adversely impact children’s exam performance. So with changes to the GCSE assessment structure coming into full force this year, proactively coping with stress is more important that ever. Here are our top tips on how to spot – and stay on top – of exam anxiety.