IT is one of the most stressful times of the year for students. Revision becomes a priority on the months approaching examinations which, ultimately, will count towards their future careers and, according to the national children's helpline - ChildLine - children are increasingly suffering from exam stress.

The helpline said it has seen a 200 per cent increase in youngsters mentioning the issue during counselling sessions.

NSPCC chief Peter Wanless said the figures show that the pressure to perform well is being felt by a rising number of young people.

The findings, which come just weeks before pupils across the country begin taking exams, including GCSEs and A-levels, show that for the first time, school and education problems were one of the top concerns among those contacting ChildLine in 2013/14.

In total there were 34,454 contacts made to the helpline mentioning schools and education problems as a main concern - this includes topics such as exams, not coping with school work, disliking school, truancy, problems with a teacher and worries about a new school.

In addition there were more than 87,500 visits to ChildLine's website about education issues.

Being stressed about exams can impact on children's ability to sleep, it can trigger anxiety attacks, depression and eating disorders.

Adds Mr Wanless: "The exam period can be a very stressful and anxious time for young people. 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."

Matthew Langley, deputy headteacher at Bowling Park Primary School in Bradford, whose Year 6 pupils had just finished their SATS when we spoke, says: "From our school's perspective they are obviously important because they are an indication of achievement and success of the children. Schools know they are important, the children know the test and the test results are important and they are very keen to do their very best," says Mr Langley.

"We are very aware of that as a school so we try to make the process as comfortable and as optimistic as it could possibly be."

Mr Langley talks about the 'Growth Mindset' the school strongly advocates. "The more you believe in yourself the better your performance will be. If you think you can do it you will do it," he explains.

He says the school creates an 'atmosphere of real calm' around their students during their exams and put in place a number of initiatives such as a special breakfast for pupils to enjoy with their peers and staff. They also have a running project to get pupils active and keep them focused.

While acknowledging the pressure exams often place on children, families and schools, Mr Langley says he also believes that youngsters are ambitious and want to do well.

"They want to succeed and that is really the key thing," he adds.

Frank Robinson, chairman of Bradford Retired Teachers Association which meets on the third Wednesday at Shipley Library, believes there is more pressure these days on pupils to go to university and become qualified in their careers than when he was studying.

"I think expectations are pretty high and if you are paying for your education there may be more pressure."

Frank, who taught at Eccleshill Upper and Fairfax community schools in Bradford, explains preparing for examinations is similar to those involved in sport. He believes if scholars put the practice in they should get the grades.

"If you do your homework you can go into the examination with confidence that you can do it," says Frank.

He also believes plenty of encouragement can help children achieve. "You need to build confidence up with a bit of hard work. I think children may be needing more encouragement to realise their potential. We all need a bit of encouragement."

ChildLine's tips to help cope with exams are to take regular breaks from revision and do some exercise; go to bed at a reasonable time and try to get some sleep; getting a good night's sleep will help more than trying to revise all night; try to think positively as this will help during revision and, if possible, take water into the test as staying hydrated by drinking water helps with concentration.