Exam Season is Coming
Exam Season in the UK is May-June, with GCSEs running from Monday 4 May 2026 – Friday 26 June 2026, A levels are Monday 11 May 2026 – Tuesday 23 June 2026 and SATS are Monday 11 – Thursday 14 May 2026.
If your house is anything like mine at the moment, the exam stress is starting to show and the revision has taken priority over almost everything else. My son is sitting his GCSEs this year, and the amount of pressure he's putting on himself is immense. From the extended school days to the never ending revision-based homework, all he seems to do at the moment is study.
As a mum, it's so hard to watch them put so much pressure on themselves. They work until they fall asleep with a book still in their hands and weekends are just another chance to study.
Exam Days = Extra Effort Days
My rule ever since my son hit key stage 4 has been that on exam days, he gets that little bit of extra care and compassion. We start the day with me making him a hearty breakfast and cup of tea and he gets a lift to and from school (no crowded bus journey for him, he doesn't need the stress).
After school, my non-negotiable is a nature bath, even if only a quick walk on the beach. Just 10 minutes of fresh air and no screens can work wonders for their mental health.
Inevitably, as soon as he gets home it's back to the studying, so I make sure he's supplied with a steady flow of tea and snacks. Household chores are suspended during exam periods, but showers and phone catch ups with friends are enforced. He needs that time to decompress and step away from the studying.
Exam Care Package Gift Idea
As well as the extra effort on exam days, I'm also putting together an exam season care package gift - a hamper of self-care treats and lovely things to help him through the next few months.
Here's what I'll be including:
- Tea
- Biscuits
- Bubble bath
- Lip balm (stressed teen = dry, chapped lips)
- Comfy socks
- New comfy pyjamas
- A nice pen (black ink) - take a look at our fancy pens here
- A notebook
- Backup stationery supplies for exams
- A gift voucher for a fun weekend activity like the cinema or a meal out with a friend (to relax between exams)
- Favourite sweets
- Favourite smellies (shower gel, deodorant, hair care)
- A reusable water bottle (hydration is key)
- Small fidget toy or stress ball
- A lavender pillow spray
- A sleep mask for better rest
- Hot chocolate sachets
- Sticky notes (for last minute revision)
- A little “open when stressed” envelope with a reminder inside that we're proud of him and he's doing brilliantly.
- A thoughtful good luck card - take a look at our personalised laser cut good luck cards here.
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