Student Services 

Managing Stress and Leaving Year 12: 

A Guide

As Year 12 draws to a close, thousands of students across Australia, are feeling a mix of excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty. It’s a huge milestone, but it can also be incredibly stressful. Managing that stress is key to finishing strong and preparing for whatever’s next.

The Pressure is Real

Let’s be honest: the pressure of Year 12 is intense. Final assessments, ATAR goals, external expectations, and the looming question of “what next?” can weigh heavily. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but it’s important to know you're not alone, and you’re not defined by a single score or outcome.

Tips for Managing Stress

1. Take Breaks That Actually Work

   Studying non-stop can backfire. Try the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes study, 5 minutes break) to stay focused without burning out. During breaks, get outside, stretch, or do something enjoyable, not just scroll TikTok.

    https://www.pomodorotechnique.com/ 

    

1. Stick to a Routine

   A daily routine can bring structure when things feel chaotic. Prioritise sleep, eat well, and carve out time to rest. A tired brain doesn’t perform well.

    

2. Talk It Out

   Don’t bottle things up. Chatting with a friend, family member, teacher, or school counsellor can be a huge relief. Chances are, others feel the same way.

    

3. Limit Comparison

   It’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing, especially with ATAR chats floating around. But everyone’s path is different, your future isn’t tied to someone else’s timeline.

    

4. Use Support Services

   Services like Kidshelpline, Headspace, and Beyond Blue offer mental health support for young people. If stress becomes unmanageable, these are great places to start.

    

Kidshelpline: 1800 55 1800

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 

Headspace Knox - https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/knox/

Life After Year 12

Leaving school can feel like a big step, but it’s also the beginning of something new. 

Whether you’re heading to Uni, TAFE, an apprenticeship, work, or taking a gap year, your journey is valid.

It’s ok if you don’t have it all figured out right now. Many people change direction later, and success looks different for everyone.

 Take time to reflect on what you enjoy, what you're good at, and where you'd like to grow.

Finishing Year 12 is a huge achievement in itself—so take a moment to recognise how far you've come. 

You’ve navigated a challenging year (and probably a few disrupted ones before it), and that resilience will serve you well.

Whatever comes next, trust that you’ve got the tools to handle it—and remember: there’s no one “right” path after school. Just yours.

Need help? Reach out to support services like Kidshelpline, Beyond Blue or Headspace. You can also talk to someone you trust.

All the best on the journey ahead!

Ms Alicia Alpuim, 

School Counsellor