Students are more stressed than ever with exams, according to data analysed by ChildLine. In fact, so bad is it, that “school and education” issues has emerged as the top concern of youngsters when contacting the helpline.

The service reported there has been a massive 200 per cent increase in the number of young people accessing its counselling services in 2014/14 because of concerns they have over exams.

It also noted that for this period, more than 87,500 people had visited its website to see what information they could find on the matter.

ChildLine has released these findings to coincide with exam season, urging youngsters to get in touch if they feel as though they are struggling to cope with academic demands.

Some of the major themes emerging from all this include a fear of failure, a desire to not let their parents down and “general pressures” associated with getting or not getting the best results possible.

"The exam period can be a very stressful and anxious time for young people,” commented Peter Wanless, chief executive of NSPCC, which delivers the ChildLine service.

“As these figures reveal, the pressure to do well is being felt by an increasing number of young people across the country.

“We hear from lots of young people each year who are anxious, worried or panicking about their exams and revision. We want to let them know that they are not alone and that ChildLine is here to listen to them."

Some of the advice the charity gives young people feeling strained includes taking regular breaks and doing exercise, getting the maximum amount of sleep possible, having a positive attitude during revision and taking water into exams.

It also has some recommendations for parents during exam season. It suggests they should not place “any unnecessary pressure” on their children to achieve certain grades, giving them support and being sympathetic to mood swings.