Norfolk counsellor urges GCSE students to remember they're "more than their results"
More than 77% of teachers said there had been mental health issues related to exam anxiety among their Year 11s
A counsellor from South Norfolk is urging those picking up their GCSE results today to remember that they're not defined by their exam marks.
Today teenagers across the county will be finding out how they did - with their results shaping decisions on their future like whether they'll attend sixth form.
It's as research from The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) shows that some pupils didn't complete their exams this year due to anxiety, with more than 77 percent of teachers said there had been mental health issues related to exam anxiety among their Year 11s.
The ASCL has called it "unacceptable" and says changes need to be made to the curriculum.
"Whatever is inside that envelope, you're going to be okay"
Ruth Noble works in Diss and has this advice for those feeling nervous: "Sit down and feel the ground or the seat supporting you. Remember to focus on your breathing and know that whatever is inside that envelope, you're going to be okay."
She says parents have an important role to play: "It's important to let them know that they're going to be okay, you have faith in them and that you value them for who they are.
"These results are just their achievements and who they are is much bigger and more important than that."