8 Sept 2023
September 2025 – BLOG
September isn't just about new stationery and fresh timetables—it's one of the biggest reset opportunities you'll get all year. Whether you're buzzing about the year ahead or feeling anxious about going back after time away, this moment is actually pretty powerful: a genuine chance to start again.
I've been working with students for over 20 years, and I've watched so many young people completely change their relationship with learning just by approaching September differently. The thing is, growth doesn't happen overnight, but it absolutely happens when you've got the right support and know what actually works.
When Exam Stress Feels Like Too Much
Let's be real—exam pressure is horrible, and pretending it's not doesn't help anyone. But here's what I've learned from working with hundreds of students: stress stops being this massive monster when you take back some control.
The approach that actually works? Breaking everything down into smaller, realistic bits. Instead of cramming (which your brain hates, by the way), create a revision plan that spreads topics across the week. This isn't just about being organised—it's about working with how your memory actually functions, not against it.
Quick science bit: Your working memory can only hold so much at once, but your long-term memory is basically unlimited. The trick is moving information from one to the other through retrieval—going back over what you learn at least four times through homework, practice, and regular review. That's how stuff actually sticks.
And please don't think rest is lazy. Getting proper sleep and taking real breaks aren't treats—they're tools that help your brain process and keep information. Even just a walk or listening to music can completely refresh your head.
If exam pressure is crushing you, remember: asking for help isn't failing. It's smart.
Revision That Actually Works (Not Just Looks Busy)
I've seen way too many students sitting with textbooks for hours, reading the same notes until they're practically blind, thinking they're working hard. Real studying isn't about hours logged—it's about using strategies that match how your brain learns.
Some of you will love flashcards and colour-coded notes that break big topics into manageable chunks. Others will have those lightbulb moments when explaining stuff to friends—there's something about teaching that shows you what you actually get versus what you think you get.
Apps like Quizlet or Seneca can make learning less painful (sometimes even fun), but the real magic happens when you build habits that don't feel like torture. Maybe that's starting each session with some deep breathing, or treating yourself after hitting study targets.
The secret I tell every student: little and often beats long and miserable, every single time. Small, focused progress each day adds up to massive wins by exam time.
Your GCSEs Don't Define Your Worth
GCSEs feel enormous—I totally get it. The workload seems endless, everyone has opinions about your future, and the pressure can feel suffocating. But here's something I need every young person to know: you don't have to handle this alone.
Yes, use BBC Bitesize and YouTube educators like Corbett Maths—they're brilliant. But also remember your school wants you to succeed. Most offer extra help through revision sessions, learning mentors, and staff who can adjust how they teach to match how you learn.
Sometimes one-to-one support gives you fresh perspectives and builds confidence in ways group settings can't. At Bauhaus, our GCSE preparation isn't about drilling facts into your head—it's about changing how you see challenges, turning exam worries into genuine opportunities for growth.
For Parents/Carers: Supporting Without Overwhelming
Supporting a young person through academic pressure is tricky. Here's what actually helps:
Stay calm yourself. Your stress directly transfers to your child. If you're panicking, they feel it. Showing calm confidence—especially during chaotic mornings—sends the message: we can handle this together.
Create helpful structure, not prison rules. Routines make everything feel more manageable without turning home into a battlefield. Consistent bedtimes, organised homework spaces, and proper wind-down time create stability while reducing the need for constant nagging.
Work with their learning style. Every young person learns differently. Visual learners need charts and colours. Auditory learners need discussion and explanation. Kinesthetic learners need movement breaks. Reading/writing learners need notes and summaries. Offer choices, not commands.
Listen before fixing. Before jumping to solutions, ask questions: "How did that feel?" "What worked last time you tried this?" "What's one thing I could do to help?" Connection makes support feel welcome, not forced.
When School Feels Impossible
For some students, going back to school isn't exciting—it's terrifying. School refusal, when anxiety or other stuff makes attending feel impossible, is way more common than people think. Research shows nearly one in three secondary students have avoided school because of anxiety at some point.
There's always a reason behind school refusal, and with proper support, things can definitely change. Start by figuring out what's triggering it—sometimes it's exam pressure, sometimes social stuff, often a mix. Then families and schools can create gradual plans: half-days, flexible start times, safe spaces at school.
Emotional support matters just as much: listening without judging, validating how you feel, and getting professional help when needed. At Bauhaus, we build our approach on understanding and genuine support, not just pushing you back into situations that feel impossible.
For Parents/Carers: When Your Child Can't Face School
School refusal is heartbreaking for families. Here's how to help:
Don't take it personally. This isn't about you or your parenting
Avoid forcing or bribing. These usually make anxiety worse
Work with school, not against them. Most schools want to help when they understand what's happening
Get professional support early. Don't wait until it becomes a bigger crisis
Look after yourself too. You can't support your child if you're falling apart
Resources That Actually Help
Here are the resources I recommend to students and families:
YoungMinds – Real strategies for exam stress and school anxiety, not just "try harder" https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Place2Be – Free worksheets for managing revision and exam nerves https://www.place2be.org.uk/
NHS Help Your Child Beat Exam Stress – Practical advice for parents that actually works https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/help-your-child-beat-exam-stress/
BBC Bitesize, Seneca Learning – Interactive lessons that don't send you to sleep. https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/
Corbett Maths, Cognito – YouTube channels that explain stuff clearly https://corbettmaths.com/
Ready to Make This Year Different?
This school year is your chance to start fresh, face challenges head-on, and turn obstacles into stepping stones. Whether you're dealing with exam stress, trying to find revision methods that work, or navigating school refusal, remember: you absolutely don't have to do this alone.
The transformation I see all the time? September: "I can't do this, what's the point?" July: "Look what I actually achieved! I'm ready for whatever's next."
That change is possible for you too.
Need personalised support? Contact Bauhaus today for guidance that's tailored to you—from revision coaching and GCSE support to managing exam stress and getting back to school when it feels impossible. We're here to help students and families find real confidence and clarity.
Together, we can make this year not just about going back to school—but about genuine growth, resilience, and success.
Tutu Alaka is CEO of Bauhaus Education. She's spent over 20 years helping students who need extra support discover what they're capable of achieving. She believes every young person can succeed, no matter where they start.