Schools are being urged to remind pupils that help is at hand when it comes to pre-exam nerves.

The NSPCC is calling on primary and secondary schools in Kent to make sure children and young people know that ChildLine is offering additional support on coping with exam stress via its new website.

Hundreds of children are sitting or are about to sit SATS and test this month, and the helpline has received numerous calls from children in recent weeks about feelings of stress and pressure to perform in regards to their school work.

Head of ChildLine Sue Minto said: “It’s vital that all children and young people feel that they can call ChildLine about anything that’s concerning them."

The charitable service's dedicated website for children launched this month, providing advice on typical problems children worry about, as well as a new guide called 'Beat the Exam Stress'.

The guide offers top tips on good revision, such as having your own revision timetable and getting tips on techniques from teachers and friends, and making sure you don’t avoid revising subjects you don’t like, or miss a night’s sleep in order to cram before the exam.

Mrs Minto added: “If you or someone you know is concerned about exams coming up, help is at hand and ChildLine is there for you. “

For youngsters getting ready for an exam, here are some top tips for keeping calm on the day:

• Have a good breakfast if you can.

• Make sure you know where the exam is being held and what time it starts, and give yourself plenty of time to get there.

• Take all the equipment you need for each exam, including extra pens and pencils, a drink, tissues and go to the toliet beforehand.

• If you feel really anxious, breathe slowly and deeply while waiting for the exam to start.

• Read through all the instructions and questions before you start writing, and make sure you are clear how many questions you are required to answer.

• Plan how much time you'll need for each question.

• If you are stuck on a question, go on to the next. You can always come back to it later. If you are really stuck, try to have an intelligent guess anyway.

• Leave time to read through and check your answers before the exam finishes.