KCB hosted the final webinar in our Student Wellbeing Series on 3 November 2026, delivered by accredited coach and therapist Heather Connery.
Throughout the series, Heather has shared practical strategies to help students balance study, work and life, navigate the challenges of the mid-programme slump, and build sustainable resilience. In this final session, the focus turned to a topic that many students experience but rarely discuss openly: exam anxiety.
As students prepare for the November CGIUKI examinations, feelings of pressure, self-doubt and nervousness are entirely normal. The webinar explored why anxiety occurs, how it affects performance, and what students can do to manage it more effectively during the final stages of revision and on exam day itself.
Understanding why anxiety happens
One of the key messages from the webinar was that anxiety is not a sign of weakness, failure or lack of preparation. In many cases, it is simply the brain’s response to something that feels important.
For CGIUKI students, examinations represent the culmination of months of study alongside demanding careers, family commitments and everyday responsibilities. It is understandable that the prospect of demonstrating that knowledge under exam conditions can feel daunting.
Heather encouraged students to recognise anxiety for what it is: a natural response to challenge, rather than something that needs to be feared or eliminated completely.
Knowing the subject and performing on the day
A theme that resonated with many attendees was Heather’s reminder that knowing a subject and being able to demonstrate that knowledge under exam conditions are two different skills.
Students often focus entirely on revision, assuming that more study will automatically lead to greater confidence. While preparation is essential, mindset and exam readiness also play a significant role in performance.
The session explored how anxiety can affect memory, concentration and decision-making, and how students can use simple techniques to help remain calm, focused and present when it matters most.
Building confidence through preparation and practice
Rather than searching for a quick fix, Heather encouraged students to focus on what they can control in the days leading up to their examinations.
This includes maintaining realistic expectations, recognising how much progress has already been made, and trusting in the work they have put in throughout their studies.
Students were reminded that confidence is not about feeling completely fearless. More often, confidence comes from moving forward despite uncertainty and trusting that their preparation will support them when the time comes. Neill reminded students thar practicing exam questions on the Companion Examination Practice Tool will help increase confidence as you hone your examination skills and answers under timed conditions.
A final message to students
As our Student Wellbeing Series comes to an end, we would like to thank everyone who joined us throughout the programme.
Whether you attended one webinar or all three, we hope the sessions have provided practical tools, reassurance and perspective during your studies. Professional qualifications are challenging, and it is easy to forget just how much commitment, discipline and perseverance they require.
As you enter the final days before the examinations, remember to take care of yourself, trust in your preparation and acknowledge how far you have already come.
From everyone at KCB, and from Heather Connery, we would like to wish all students sitting the upcoming CGIUKI examinations the very best of luck. You have put in the work, developed your knowledge and earned your place in the exam room. Now is the time to take a breath, believe in yourself and give it your best.
Good luck. We’re rooting for you.
Watch the webinar recording here
If you missed the webinar, or just want a refresh, please watch the recording below