A SCHOOL Head has spoken passionately about the extreme exam pressure facing young people.

Seaford Head School is taking part in a pilot scheme with a new organisation, The Youth Counselling Project,.

The school is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a considerable factor in this was its awareness of the need to identify any youngster who might be miserable and self-harming.

This could be because of bullying on social media or concerns about their physical appearance or problems at home.

Head Bob Ellis said: “Speaking to other East Sussex Heads, it’s apparent that GCSEs and A Levels are putting increasing demands on our children.

“The number of exams that students sit has increased by 40 per cent.

“We invest in activities to develop students’ resilience.

“Exams are extremely important so you have to give them the skills to be able to approach the assessments with confidence and not fearful of failing.

“We emphasise the importance of making good choices.

“It’s about academic success and also about engaging with your community.”

From from a school roll of 1,250, 11-to 18-year-olds have been referred for extra support.

So far 67 students have had one-to-one counselling, 45 of these in the past year, over a series of 10 sessions, with therapists from The Youth Counselling Project.

Mr Ellis said: “We have trained a number of our support staff to intervene and support students who are facing challenges.

“There is some anxiety and self-consciousness about being a teenager and young people here are better equipped to know where to go for support.

“Our ‘Outstanding’ judgment reflects our drive to make the community aware and to ensure that all our students receive the best possible provision.”

Schools, he said, were having to do more and more because outside agencies were doing less and less.

He said: “This project is focused on our school.

“We have good transition arrangements with primary schools to make sure young people are supported from starting at primary until they leave us at the age of 18.

“Resources are very tight.

“Although there’s a cost, there’s a bigger one in not dealing with the issue.”

The Youth Counselling Project offer specialist counselling to students in primary and secondary education.

All therapists work in a non-judgemental, accepting and positive way to help young people realise a more productive and happier future.

Go to www.tycp.org.uk