Dillon’s Journey to Success – Overcoming Exam Anxiety to Achieve Functional Skills Maths

Written by Laura Jones - Learner Support Tutor at Skills for Security

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Background

Dillon, a determined and hardworking learner, embarked on the challenging journey to achieve his Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths. While his determination never wavered, Dillon faced a significant barrier, exam anxiety, which impacted his performance and confidence in formal testing environments.

The Challenge

Despite a strong understanding of mathematical concepts, Dillon struggled to demonstrate his knowledge under exam conditions. His first five attempts at the exam reflected this, with his highest score being 41, just one mark short of a pass. The pressure of testing environments often overwhelmed him, leading to heightened stress and underperformance.

Support and Intervention

Recognising Dillon's potential and the impact anxiety was having on his performance, a bespoke support plan was developed. This included:

• One-to-one face-to-face support sessions, tailored specifically to Dillon’s needs.

• Focused strategies on managing exam stress and building confidence.

• Practice under low-pressure conditions to simulate the exam experience gradually.

• Continuous encouragement and feedback to reinforce his strengths.

  
  

Dillon remained committed throughout, engaging fully with the support offered and demonstrating resilience even when faced with setbacks.

The Breakthrough

After his fifth attempt, where he narrowly missed the pass mark, Dillon attended a final face-to-face session that helped consolidate both his subject knowledge and mental readiness on 8th April 2025, he sat the exam for the sixth time.

The result? A fantastic score of 53 - a clear pass!

Outcome

Dillon’s success is more than a number; it’s a testament to perseverance, the power of tailored support, and the importance of recognising individual learning needs. His journey highlights that exam anxiety can be managed, and with the right strategies, learners can overcome even the toughest of barriers.

Here's what his employer had to say: "As both a mother and an employer, I find Dillon’s journey incredibly inspiring. His determination in the face of exam anxiety is something many young people can relate to, and his perseverance is truly admirable. This story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about test scores - it’s about resilience, support, and recognising individual needs. Dillon’s achievement shows what’s possible when we believe in someone and provide the right encouragement. Well done, Dillon. You’ve set a brilliant example for others to follow. We are very proud of you!"

Reflection

Dillon’s experience serves as an inspiration to other learners facing similar challenges. His story reminds us that with patience, support, and belief in oneself, success is not only possible - it’s inevitable.