As parents, we often view exams as the ultimate measure of our children’s academic success. For many years, we’ve believed that exams are a necessary part of education—proof of knowledge and a gateway to future achievements. But what if we’re wrong? What if, instead of helping our children, exams are actually harming them?
There was a Year 9 student whose struggle with exam pressure nearly broke his spirit. His story mirrors that of countless students across the world who suffer under the weight of endless assessments. For him, it wasn’t just about the grades—it was about surviving the stress, anxiety, and emotional toll that exams imposed on him. It wasn’t until his parents transferred him to Fairview International School, the No. 1 IB Programme in Malaysia, where the focus shifted away from rote memorization and high-stakes testing, that he finally rediscovered his love for learning.
Let’s explore why our reliance on exams might be more harmful than helpful, and how the exam-driven education system affects students’ academic development, mental health, and long-term success.
The Impact of Exams on Academic Development
The education system, particularly in many traditional schools, has long favored exams as the ultimate assessment tool. But is this approach truly developing critical thinkers and problem solvers? iSAMS reports that 83% of teachers feel that exam stress negatively impacts student performance in the exams themselves, proving that the pressure of the exam environment actually hinders, rather than enhances, academic achievement (iSAMS, 2023).
In his previous school, he spent most of his time cramming for exams, memorizing formulas and facts, only to forget them shortly after the test. There was no emphasis on understanding or critical thinking—just passing the next exam. At Fairview International School, the best international school in KL, the shift towards project-based learning and continuous assessments allowed him to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. Instead of focusing on short-term retention, the school encouraged deep learning, critical thinking, and creativity—skills he now uses every day, thanks to Fairview’s prestigious IB Program in Malaysia.
The Mental Health Toll of Exam Stress
Exam stress is a growing epidemic, affecting not just academic performance but also the mental health and well-being of students. According to a survey conducted by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), 77% of Year 11 students reported experiencing mental health issues related to exam anxiety (ASCL, 2024). More alarmingly, 47% of students were reported to have arrived at or left the exam hall in distress, with 65% avoiding school altogether due to exam-related stress (ASCL, 2024).
As for the student his anxiety around exams became so severe that he began missing school days, unable to face the pressure. He felt trapped in a system that prioritized grades over well-being, and it took a toll on his confidence. But when he joined Fairview, the environment changed. There were still assessments, but they came in the form of projects, presentations, and collaborative tasks. This shift not only reduced his stress but also improved his mental health and engagement with school.
The Emotional and Social Cost of Exams
It’s not just academic stress that exams create; they also impact students’ emotional and social lives. Research from Teenage Mental Health highlights that the most common mental health issues faced by students include anxiety (89%), stress (85%), and depression (80%), all directly tied to exam pressure (Teenage Mental Health, 2023). During exam season, students often feel isolated, spending long hours studying and losing opportunities to develop critical social and leadership skills.
His previous school didn’t offer much in the way of extracurricular activities or opportunities for leadership. His life revolved around exams, and he rarely had the chance to develop socially or emotionally. At Fairview, however, he was encouraged to participate in team-based projects, debates, and creative arts—activities that allowed him to develop leadership and communication skills alongside his academic growth. It was this balance that helped him find joy in learning again.
The Long-Term Effects of Exam-Centric Education
Beyond the immediate effects of exams, the long-term impact on student mental health is a cause for concern. The NSPCC reported that referrals by schools in England for student mental health treatment increased by more than a third between 2015 and 2018, largely due to exam-related stress (iSAMS, 2023). Students are not just struggling during exam season—they are carrying the emotional weight with them long after the exams have ended.
For students like him, who experienced intense exam-related anxiety, the emotional scars can last years. At Fairview International School, recognized for offering the No. 1 IB Programme in Malaysia, the focus is on preparing students for the real world—not just for the next test. By shifting away from high-stakes exams and focusing on holistic development, schools like Fairview help students grow into well-rounded, emotionally resilient individuals, better equipped for the challenges they’ll face in life.
10 Statistics YOU need to know!
- 77% of Year 11 students reported mental health issues related to exam anxiety (ASCL, 2024).
- 47% of students arrived at or left the exam hall in distress (ASCL, 2024).
- 65% of students missed school due to exam anxiety (ASCL, 2024).
- 89% of headteachers reported anxiety as the most common mental health issue among students (Teenage Mental Health, 2023).
- 83% of teachers believe exam stress negatively impacts student performance (iSAMS, 2023).
- 94% of secondary school teachers agreed that students suffer from stress-related conditions during exam periods (iSAMS, 2023).
- 80% of young people said the pandemic made their mental health worse, with exam stress being a significant factor (Teenage Mental Health, 2023).
- The number of referrals by schools in England for student mental health treatment increased by more than a third between 2015 and 2018 (iSAMS, 2023).
- Students can sit up to 28 exams in just two or three weeks, causing overwhelming pressure (Tes, 2024).
- 47% of students reported feeling distressed before or after exams (ASCL, 2024).
Conclusion: It’s Time to Rethink Exams
Dylan’s journey shows that exams are not the best—or only—measure of a student’s potential. Instead of fostering creativity, critical thinking, or emotional well-being, they often lead to stress, anxiety, and a narrow focus on grades. As parents, it’s time to rethink the role exams play in our children’s lives. Schools like Fairview International School, one of the best international schools in KL, provide a holistic, balanced approach to education, focusing not just on academic success, but on the emotional, social, and intellectual development of students.
If you’re looking for an international school in Malaysia that values your child’s well-being as much as their academic success, explore Fairview International School, where the IB curriculum programme prepares students for success without the crushing pressure of exams.
