The IGCSE May/June 2026 exams are a significant milestone—often your child’s first formal board exams. Here’s how you can support them effectively without adding pressure.

1. Create a Supportive Environment

• Quiet space – A dedicated area for study, free from distractions.
• Routine – Regular sleep, meals, and study times.
• Resources – Past papers, textbooks, and stationery within reach.
• Technology – Reliable internet and device for online revision or tutoring if needed.

2. Encourage Without Pressuring

• Praise effort – “You’ve worked hard on that topic” matters more than “You must get an A*.”
• Set realistic goals – Focus on progress, not perfection.
• Listen – Let them share worries and frustrations.
• Avoid comparison – Every child’s journey is different.

3. Help With Organisation

• Timetable – Help them build a revision schedule, but let them own it.
• Deadlines – Remind them of registration and exam dates without nagging.
• Practical tasks – Transport to exams, packing bags, healthy snacks.
• Calendar – A shared family calendar can reduce last-minute surprises.
• UAE/Gulf families – Ramadan: Ramadan 2026 (17/18 February – 19/20 March) falls during revision, not during exams. Support your child with flexible scheduling around suhoor and iftar, and ensure they stay rested and hydrated. Exams begin 23 April, well after Eid al-Fitr.
• UAE/Gulf families – Hajj and Eid ul Adha: Hajj runs 21–31 May 2026, with Eid ul Adha on 26 May 2026. This does overlap with exams (23 April – 9 June). Check your child’s exact exam dates during this period—plan family celebrations around their timetable and avoid travel that may conflict with exams.

4. Watch for Signs of Stress

• Sleep problems, irritability, loss of appetite, or withdrawal.
• Respond with care – Reassure, encourage breaks, suggest talking to a teacher or counsellor.
• Avoid minimising – “Don’t worry” is less helpful than “Let’s figure this out together.”

5. Know When to Seek Extra Help

Consider tutoring if your child:

• Is stuck on specific topics
• Needs more structure or motivation
• Would benefit from one-to-one support
• Is re-sitting and needs targeted revision

Tutopiya helps students prepare for IGCSE exams through expert one-to-one online tutoring and offers the world’s largest AI-powered IGCSE resources bank to support revision and exam success.

6. Exam Day Support

• Ensure they have everything they need (see our “What to Pack” article).
• Help with travel and arrival time.
• Be available afterward without interrogating them about the paper.
• Keep a calm, positive tone at home.