School Anxiety: How to Spot It and How to Help
It’s natural for children and young people to feel nervous about school—whether they’re starting a new year, moving to a different school, or facing changes in routine. For some, though, those worries can feel overwhelming and start to affect everyday life.
The good news? Anxiety is common, understandable, and with the right support, children and young people can learn to manage it.
More Information
Signs of School Anxiety
Children and young people might not always say “I’m anxious,” but there are signs you can look out for:
- Physical symptoms: stomach aches, headaches, feeling sick, changes in appetite, or poor sleep.
- Behaviour changes: being more irritable or tearful, avoiding school, or withdrawing from friends.
- Emotional signs: worries that feel “bigger” than usual, difficulty concentrating, or feeling overwhelmed by routine things.
Spotlight on Neurodiversity
Children and young people who are autistic, have ADHD, or other neurodiverse needs may experience school anxiety more intensely. Busy classrooms, sensory overload, or sudden changes in routine can be particularly difficult.
Parents can help by:
- Preparing children for changes ahead of time.
- Working with school staff on adjustments (e.g. quiet spaces, visual timetables, flexible starts).
- Encouraging their child to use tools that make school feel safer, like headphones or fidget toys.
What Parents and Carers Can Do
- Listen first: Give your child space to share worries without jumping in with solutions straight away. Sometimes, being heard is the most important step.
- Name the worry: Helping children find words for what they feel can make anxiety less overwhelming.
- Build routines: Predictable bedtime and morning routines reduce stress and help children feel prepared.
- Focus on strengths: Remind your child of what they enjoy about school—friends, favourite lessons, or clubs.
- Stay connected with school: Teachers, pastoral staff, and school nurses want to help, but they need to know what’s going on.
Spotlight on School Nursing
School nurses are a confidential, approachable source of support for both parents and young people. They can:
- Offer a safe space for children to talk about worries.
- Help parents understand whether their child’s anxiety is within the “usual” range or needs more support.
- Link families with extra services if needed.
- Work with schools to make adjustments, especially for children with neurodiverse needs.
Parents can reach out to their school nurse through our single point of contact on: 0300 247 0014
When Anxiety Becomes More Serious
Sometimes anxiety sticks around and starts to interfere with day-to-day life. Signs it may be time to seek more help include:
- Your child consistently refusing or avoiding school.
- Anxiety affecting sleep, eating, or friendships.
- Strong physical symptoms without a medical cause.
- Worries that seem out of proportion or unshakable.
If this happens, talk to your school nurse, GP, or another trusted professional. Support may include talking therapies, group sessions, or other wellbeing services.
Final Thoughts
Feeling anxious about school is something many children and young people experience—it doesn’t mean anything is “wrong” with them. With the right support at home and in school most children find their worries ease and confidence grows.
Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and able to learn in school—including those who are neurodiverse. Together, families, schools, and services can make that happen.
Quick Checklist for Parents
- Notice changes in sleep, appetite, or mood.
- Encourage your child to share worries (through words, drawings, or writing).
- Keep routines steady—especially around mornings and bedtimes.
- Celebrate small wins and remind your child of their strengths.
- Work with school staff and your school nurse to agree on strategies.
- Seek extra support if anxiety is persistent or getting worse.