Back-to-School Anxiety: What Parents and Educators Need to Know

Back-to-school stress doesn’t just affect kids — it also affects parents at work. Here’s how to spot the signs and support your child with calm and confidence.

For many students, the start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement and nerves. It’s normal to feel a little anxious about new teachers, unfamiliar classmates, or the challenges ahead. However, for some, these worries can feel overwhelming and get in the way of enjoying the learning process. The good news is that back-to-school anxiety is common—and there are healthy ways to manage it. “Almost 30% of UK secondary pupils avoided school last year because of anxiety.” (The Guardian)

As an education consultant, I often see how back-to-school anxiety affects students and families. I’ve written this piece with simple checklists and strategies to make the transition smoother for both parents and educators.

Why Students Feel Anxious

Students can feel worried about school for different reasons:

☐ A change at home.

☐ A change in routine after the long break.

☐ Pressure to achieve good grades and keep up with homework.

☐ Worries about fitting in socially, making friends, or facing peer pressure.

☐ Carrying over difficult experiences from the previous year, such as bullying or struggles in certain subjects. ☐  Major transitions such as starting secondary school.

How parents can engage: Parents can help by opening up calm, everyday conversations about these worries. Instead of asking “Are you anxious?” try gentle, specific questions such as, “What are you most looking forward to this year?” or “Is there anything you’re nervous about?” Listening without rushing to solve the problem often helps children feel safe to share. Maintaining a focus on curiosity and reassurance can help ease the transition back to school.

Recognising the Signs

Anxiety doesn’t always come out in words. Sometimes, it shows up in the body or in behaviour. A child might complain of feeling unwell, act more irritable, or suddenly avoid activities they once enjoyed. Noticing these patterns early can help adults step in with support.

Checklist of possible signs:

☐ Frequent headaches, stomach-aches, or trouble sleeping.

☐ Sudden mood swings—irritability, tears, or restlessness.

☐ Avoiding conversations about school.

☐ Withdrawing from friends, siblings, or favourite hobbies.

☐ Reluctance or refusal to go to school.

Strategies for Students

There are practical steps students can try to reduce anxiety and build confidence.

☐ Prepare early: set up school supplies and reset sleep routines as soon as possible.

☐ Use calming techniques: try five slow breaths, gentle stretches, or a short walk.

☐ Stay organised: use a homework diary or planner to track tasks.

☐ Break big tasks into smaller steps to make them feel manageable using the 20-5-2 ratio

☐ Talk it out: share worries with a parent, teacher, or friend.

☐ Keep balance: join a club, play sports, or spend time outdoors for relaxation and confidence.

How Parents and Teachers Can Help

Parents and teachers play an essential role in supporting students with anxiety. Simple actions, such as listening with patience, reassuring children that many of their peers feel the same way, and encouraging healthy routines—good sleep, regular meals, and exercise—make a real difference.

Sometimes extra support is needed. If anxiety continues to interfere with daily life, parents and teachers should reach out to a school counsellor, GP, or mental health professional. Early guidance can provide practical strategies, reassurance, and a pathway forward. If you found this helpful, share it with parents or colleagues. At LearningClubs, we specialise in building student confidence through tailored educational support — book a free consultation today.

Reference Sources 1. NHS (UK) – Anxiety in Children“ (2021). Reassure them that anxiety is like a wave that builds up and then goes away again.”This metaphor helps children understand that anxiety is temporary and manageable. nhs.uk.

2. YoungMinds – Tools for Understanding Worry“Using an anxiety iceberg with your child” helps them open up about underlying worries. This visual tool encourages children to explore thoughts and feelings beyond the surface. YoungMinds 3. LSCFT - NHS Foundation Trust (2024) – Build Routine Before Term Starts“Start early with a routine... gradually reintroducing a school year routine before the first day.” Establishing routines ahead of time helps support a smoother emotional adjustment. Verywell Mind+6Midland Daily News+6The Sun+6 4. Mayo Clinic – Gradual Exposure and Practice suggests visiting the school, meeting teachers, and doing short “practice separations” can reduce worry. Midland Daily News 5. OurMidland – Strategies for calming back-to-school anxiety (2025) ourmidland 6. Gransnet forums - Separation Anxiety helpful real-world tip:“Get mum to leave her cardi or jacket or something special… It’s a link for the child … It’s a phase she’ll get over it.”Using a comfort object can soothe separation stress. gransnet.com+1

Carol Railton

Education Consultant

LearningClubs.com