Heading back to school after the holidays can stir up a mix of emotions - excitement, nerves, and sometimes anxiety. Whether you're starting a new year, moving up to secondary school, or just feeling overwhelmed by the thought of homework and social pressures, you're not alone.

Here are five ways to help ease those back-to-school jitters.

1. Prep Ahead

Getting organised can help you feel more in control. Pack your bag, lay out your uniform, and review your timetable the night before. A calm morning starts with a prepared evening.

2. Open Up

Talking about how you feel can help ease the pressure and make things feel more manageable. Whether it’s a friend, parent, sibling, or teacher, sharing your thoughts can help you feel heard and supported.

3. Breathe & Reset

Try simple breathing exercises or short mindfulness breaks. Even a few minutes of deep breathing can help calm your nerves and clear your mind.

4. Focus on the Good Stuff

Think about what you're looking forward to, seeing friends, joining clubs, learning something new. Thinking about the good things can help you feel less worried.

5. Take It One Day at a Time

You don’t need to have everything figured out on day one. Give yourself permission to ease in gradually. Every day is a fresh start.

Need More Support?

If anxiety feels overwhelming, it’s okay to ask for help. Speak to a trusted adult at school, like a teacher or counsellor. You can also reach out to organisations such as our team at Off the Record, where we provide free, confidential mental health support for young people in Croydon, Merton and Sutton.

Off the Record: Call us on 0800 980 7475. Our Support Line is open Monday to Friday from 3-6pm. If you would like to make a self-referral and register for in-person, telephone or zoom counselling, please visit here and fill in the form.  

Childline: 0800 11 11 for 24-hour confidential support to children and young people up to the 19th birthday.

Shout: 85258 for 24/7 confidential support via text. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258

Our Schools Wellbeing Teams

Our Schools Wellbeing Teams work directly within schools in Croydon and Merton to offer accessible, timely, and compassionate support to young people and their families, as well as supporting schools to implement a whole school and college approach to wellbeing.

Find out more about the Croydon Schools we are based in here.

Find out more about the Merton Schools we are based in here.

Remember, you're not alone, and you've got this!

Back to School? Feeling Anxious? You're Not Alone.