As exam season approaches, students across the UK prepare for the pressure of GCSEs, BTecs, and A-levels. But for the Jolley family from Essex, navigating this intense period comes with a unique advantage — dad Steve is head of sixth form at a local school, and he’s helping guide his three children through the challenges.
Each of Steve's children has a different relationship with exams. Emma, now 19, is studying criminology at university but recalls her A-level revision as a difficult experience. Diagnosed with ADHD, she describes how she struggled to start tasks and organize study time effectively. “I thought I was just lazy,” she reflects. “But it was burnout and stress.” Her father stepped in to help her structure a study plan and gave her emotional support during breakdowns. “You need to go again tomorrow,” he’d remind her, encouraging resilience over perfection.
Ben, 18, is more at ease with academic pressure. A math and physics enthusiast, he achieved top grades in his GCSEs and is now preparing for A-levels. He prefers active revision — especially working through past papers — and balances study with gaming. “I hate sitting still, but doing questions helps it stick,” he says.
Jess, the youngest at 15, is facing her GCSEs with hopes of entering basketball college. She loves PE and art but admits that a current knee injury is preventing her from using sports as a stress outlet. For now, her go-to coping method is napping. “It’s tough because my dream to play basketball in the US depends on these grades,” she confesses.
Steve uses his experience as a teacher to guide his children, but not by enforcing rigid study rules. “You can’t force someone to learn,” he says, “but you can offer support and help them build habits.” Whether it’s creating flashcards with Jess or encouraging Ben to take healthy breaks, Steve emphasizes balance over pressure. He’s also offered to take Jess’s phone temporarily if she needs help avoiding distractions. “It’s about options, not threats,” he notes.
Parenting expert Stevie Goulding from Young Minds emphasizes that open communication is key. “Recognize signs of stress and reflect them back,” she says. “Saying, ‘You’ve not been sleeping’ or ‘You seem off’ opens the door for support.” Instead of telling children “it’ll be fine,” parents are encouraged to validate the stress and highlight effort: “Whatever happens, we’re proud of how hard you’ve worked.”
Beyond revision techniques, the family values relaxation. Walks with their dog, watching TV, or listening to music are all part of the routine. “You have to look after your brain to do well,” says Stevie. Even TikTok or gaming, in moderation, can provide vital mental breaks.
Arguments at home during revision are not unusual. Steve and Stevie recommend cooling-off periods followed by conversations rooted in understanding and support. And after each exam, the family avoids the common post-test comparison trap. “Just walk out and move on,” Emma advises. “I didn’t want to ruin the relief of being done.”
Despite the stress, the Jolleys are looking forward to their summer holidays — with plans to visit Malta, Croatia, and Magaluf, plus the excitement of prom night. For now, their focus is staying healthy, staying connected, and getting through the exams one day at a time.。