Surrey Parents: Help Your Child Beat Back-to-School Anxiety

Why Back-to-School Worries Are Hitting Harder in Surrey

As the new school year approaches, parents across Guildford, Woking, Dorking, Horsley, and East Horsley are noticing their children’s anxiety levels spiking. It’s not just nerves—there’s a genuine backdrop to this worry. Mindworks Surrey, the NHS-led mental health service for young people, has seen the data firsthand. During autumn term 2025, Surrey pupils missed 5.8% of school sessions, with 15.1% classified as persistently absent. While these figures have improved since the pandemic’s peak of 7% in 2022, they remain above pre-pandemic levels of 4.3%. Cognitive behavioural therapist Aoife Kearney-Grieve explains that the pandemic fundamentally disrupted childhood development, robbing young people of critical socialisation and the chance to understand how school itself actually works. For many children, rebuilding confidence in the classroom environment remains a real challenge. Parents in our community shouldn’t dismiss these concerns as trivial—they’re rooted in genuine developmental setbacks that thousands of local families are navigating together.

Creating Space for Your Child’s Worries: Practical Steps

Kearney-Grieve emphasises that the first step parents must take is creating a safe, judgement-free space for children to express their anxieties. Too often, well-meaning parents minimise concerns or rush to “fix” them, when what children truly need is to be heard with care and kindness. This matters just as much whether your child attends school in Surrey’s bustling towns or quieter villages. Start conversations casually—during car journeys or meal times rather than formal sit-downs that can feel intimidating. Older children and teenagers may resist opening up, but Kearney-Grieve stresses that no young person is “too cool” for support. Even brief chats matter. Normalise the experience by sharing that many of their peers feel the same way. Compare it to an adult’s first day at a new job—the uncertainties about colleagues, expectations, and fitting in are remarkably similar. By validating their emotions rather than dismissing them, you’re teaching your child that seeking help and expressing vulnerability is strength, not weakness. This foundation will serve them far beyond September.

What Local Families Need to Know and Do Next

Here’s the reality for parents across our Surrey communities: the first day back isn’t a reliable indicator of how the year will unfold. Kearney-Grieve warns against judging the entire term based on opening-day jitters—it’s overwhelming for everyone as they’re “finding their feet.” Encourage your child to give themselves grace during this adjustment period. Equally important is maintaining balance: ensure they continue hobbies, see friends, and keep consistent sleep routines. These aren’t luxuries; they’re essential support structures. For pupils entering exam years, heightened pressure is normal, but that’s precisely when self-compassion becomes crucial. Mindworks Surrey and local schools have dedicated staff ready to support young people—encourage your child to reach out. The stigma around seeking help is fading, and your child needs to know that asking for support is always acceptable. If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health or school anxiety, contact Mindworks Surrey directly or speak with your school’s pastoral team. Resources are available through BBC Action Line for additional guidance. Starting strong mentally sets the tone for the entire academic year ahead.

Source: How to talk to your kids about back to school nerves