Have you noticed some pupils seem more anxious, avoidant or dysregulated at this time of year - even when nothing obvious has changed in the classroom?

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why exams, transition days, new classes, secondary transfer and end-of-year changes can increase anxiety for pupils.

You’ll discover why some children aren’t just reacting to what’s happening now - they’re reacting to what they think is coming next. Plus we’ll look at how anticipatory anxiety can show up as behaviour, from reassurance-seeking and withdrawal to refusal, irritability, silliness or emotional outbursts.

Most importantly, you’ll learn a simple three-step approach to support pupils before anxiety reaches crisis point.

If you work with pupils who struggle around exams, transition or change, this episode will help you understand what’s happening underneath the behaviour - and what to do next.

Important links:

Get your FREE Beacon School Support guide to helping children manage their strong emotions

Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbook

Download other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.php

Podcast review competition 2026

For your chance to win a ticket worth £299 for the National SEMH Conference 2026, submit an honest written review of School Behaviour Secrets to your podcast app, then send me a screenshot showing your review to support@beaconschoolsupport.co.uk. Entries musy reach us before midnight on September 25th 2026. Full information, including terms and conditions, are available here.