Wishing You a Happy Easter – And Calm Confidence for the Exam Season Ahead
- Independent Education Consultants
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
As the Easter break arrives, we want to wish all our private clients and their families a joyful and peaceful holiday. Whether you’re enjoying some quality time together, travelling, or simply taking a well-earned pause, we hope this break brings moments of lightness, renewal, and connection.
We also know that for many families with teenagers preparing for GCSEs, A levels or IB exams, the Easter holiday might feel a little different this year. Instead of full relaxation, there's a quiet intensity in the air – the beginning of the final countdown to summer term exams.
If that sounds like your household, you’re not alone.
A Season of Positive Support
It’s perfectly normal to feel a mix of emotions as examination approach - pride in your child’s efforts, concern for their wellbeing, and the natural desire to help them succeed. This is a time where your calm presence will have a powerful impact.
While GCSE, A level or IB revision is undoubtedly important, so is balance. Encourage your teen to take breaks, get fresh air, eat well, and sleep – all of which play just as vital a role in performance as time spent at the desk.
Wise Words for the Weeks Ahead
Here are a few reminders that may help as we move into study leave and exam season:
Be the calm in the storm. Your energy sets the tone. Try to create a home environment that feels supportive, not pressured.
Praise the effort. Celebrate consistency, resilience, and progress – not just grades or mock results.
Offer structure, not surveillance. Teens revise best when they feel trusted. Gentle routines and light accountability often work better than micromanagement.
Open up space for conversation. Let them talk through their worries without always jumping in to fix them. Sometimes, just listening is enough.
Tips for a Calmer Exam Period
Whether you’re a parent or a student, staying grounded during the exam period is key. Here are some practical ways to keep calm and carry on:
Make a realistic revision plan. Encourage your teen to break subjects into manageable chunks and build in rest. Focus on both favourite subjects and ones that are more of a challenge. Starting each day with a challenge of something less appealing, and then moving on to something more enjoyable or easy is the best approach.
Consistency is key. Set a plan day-to-day and trust in it. Sticking to this, even on days when you’d prefer to lie in bed, will avoid the need for late-night cramming later.
Encourage movement. A short walk, a run, or even 15 minutes in the garden can reset the brain.
Keep perspective. GCSE, A level or IB exam results matter, but they are not everything. Your child’s character, creativity and capacity to grow go far beyond their results.
Breathe. Simple mindfulness or breathing techniques can make a huge difference to nerves before an exam or during revision overwhelm.
And finally,
To all families navigating exam preparation this Easter – you’ve got this. With encouragement, a calm approach, and a little compassion (for yourself and your child), you’ll guide them through this season with strength and care.
If you're already looking ahead to what's next – whether it’s applying to a boarding school for sixth form, making decision on university pathways, or advice on what to do after GCSE results day if things have not gone to plan – our expert team is here to help.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
From all of us at The Independent Education Consultants, we wish you a very Happy Easter, and a smooth and successful summer term. We will be back in the office after the easter break on Tuesday 22nd April, and will look forward to talking to you then.
If this piece on UK Boarding Schools has made you think considering British boarding schools could be the right option for your child, we offer a complimentary call for all families so we can explore this discussion further on an individual family basis. During the call we will ask you about your child, and your ambitions for their education. Then, we discuss how we are best to help you navigate the often-confusing waters of choosing, applying and securing an offer of a place to join the best British boarding school for your child and family.
Get in touch with us to find out more.
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