Petition · past parliament
Stop exams. They’re pointless and shouldn’t determine our futures.
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
As students we feel being judged on our knowledge in the form of exam papers, does not show off our intelligence to the maximum. It can also make us feel like we won’t succeed if we don’t get the number we need, which can lead to many more affect.
Childline delivered 3,135 counselling sessions on exam stress in 2016/17 – a rise of 11% over the past 2 years. Young people contacting for help have told us that exam stress can lead to:
depression and anxiety
panic attacks
low self-esteem
self-harming and suicidal thoughts
worsening of pre-existing mental health conditions.
depression and anxiety
panic attacks
low self-esteem
self-harming and suicidal thoughts
worsening of pre-existing mental health conditions.
Why it was rejected
It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.
We understand you're concerned about exams and exam stress, but we can't accept your petition because the UK Parliament and Government aren't responsible for all exams.
If you're worried about exams, you can find out how to deal with exam stress here:
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/exam-stress/
The UK Parliament and Government are responsible for some exams, for example, GCSEs, but not all exams, for example, private school entrance exams or exams to qualify in a profession.
You could start a new petition asking for something that the UK Parliament and Government are responsible for. For example, you could start a new petition asking the UK Government and Parliament to ensure that all GCSE and A-level results are based on coursework instead of exam results, if that's something you'd like to happen.
You'll need to give your full name to start a petition.
If you're worried about exams, you can find out how to deal with exam stress here:
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/exam-stress/
The UK Parliament and Government are responsible for some exams, for example, GCSEs, but not all exams, for example, private school entrance exams or exams to qualify in a profession.
You could start a new petition asking for something that the UK Parliament and Government are responsible for. For example, you could start a new petition asking the UK Government and Parliament to ensure that all GCSE and A-level results are based on coursework instead of exam results, if that's something you'd like to happen.
You'll need to give your full name to start a petition.
Timeline
| 23 Apr 2018 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 30 Apr 2018 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
30 Apr 2018
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.