THEY are the building blocks to securing a career.

With schools scrutinised for their pupils’ performances the pressure of examinations has never been greater.

Then, when the summer arrives, students find out if their hard work has finally paid off and they have achieved the grades they need to either secure their next step in education at the university or college of their choice, or set out on the pathway to a career.

Whatever the outcome, it can be a highly stressful and emotional time for youngsters and their families.

According to the children’s charity Childline, the number of worried teenagers receiving counselling about their GCSE and A-level exam results has increased by 20 per cent.

Mother-of-five Ruth Weston, who runs Aquabirths in Bradford, has a vested interest in the issue as two of her children are currently awaiting exam results.

“The pressure on young folk re exams is phenomenal,” says Ruth.

“GCSEs should be about what students have learnt – not about lateral thinking – that is for A levels.

“It is this sort of thing that makes students and parents feel that the exams are not fair and that adds another level of stress.

“I am glad places like Childline are available to support students and their mental health around this time.

“I think it is a shame that we are not a more caring and nurturing society in the way we educate and evaluate our children’s achievement.

“GCSE and A-level results are not about political fortunes but about the wellbeing of both our children and our country so we should nurture them with care and consideration.”

According to Childline, many of those who got in touch said they were worried about disappointing their parents, had a fear of failure or were suffering under the pressure linked to academic achievement.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, which runs Childline, said the increase in counselling sessions demonstrates that the pressure to perform well in exams can be difficult for young people to handle.

“We hear from lots of young people each year who are really worried about their results and what the future may hold. If they want to talk, Childline is always here to listen,” he said.

“It’s important to remember there is life beyond exam results. Disappointing grades are not the end of the world, even if it doesn’t feel that way at the time.”

One 15-year-old boy who contacted the charity said he felt like he would “explode” waiting for his GCSE exam results.

“I have really high expectations and want to do really well, but I’m scared that I was so stressed doing my exams that I might not have done my best,” he said.

Bradford businesswoman Terry King OBE, director of Chapter 3 Enterprise, says: “I think it is a youth thing, you think if you don’t do whatever you are supposed to do there and then it’s like the end of the world, like you have no choice,” says Terry, adding that they have many more years ahead of them to go to night-school or university later.”

With GCSE results due out next week, Anne-Marie O’Leary, Netmums Editor in Chief, says using a positivity/negativity ratio of about 8:1 is a valuable lesson parents and teachers can learn.

“One of the most effective things a teacher or parent can do is to use a positivity/negativity ratio of about 8:1. Nagging, punishment and pointing out what’s wrong means kids will only ever stick to what they know to be safe.

“Over time, this leads to a fixed mindset e.g. ‘I’m rubbish at maths. I’ll never be able to learn it’. Instead, if you mix in a healthy dose of positive reinforcement, you will be rewarded with more effort.

“And 8:1 is the positive to negative ratio we need to work to. It may seem a lot and it can be difficult to get it right, but if you focus on praising the things your child gets right, you’ll soon get the balance right.”

Praising effort rather than talent; giving your child a hug to ease the stress and chatter matters too, as well as celebrating strengths.

“Parents have a lot to answer for. Too much love and encouragement gives children an inflated idea of what they can do. Yet too little love and encouragement means we’re crippled emotionally. You can have the best voice on the planet but no confidence to get up there and belt it out. Be a strengths spotter,” says Anne-Marie.

l Young people can call Childline’s free, confidential helpline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk.