THOUSANDS of students from across Gwent will flock to their schools tomorrow as GCSE results are released across the UK.

Secondary schools in Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Newport, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent will open their doors for the day, as students move on to the next stage of their careers and lives.

According to charity NSPCC, this can be a very stressful time for pupils with Wales Childline volunteers experiencing one of their busiest weeks as pupils prepare to receive their grades.

Last week, the NSPCC-run helpline revealed a 20 per cent rise in enquiries relating to exams, with 1,127 counselling sessions in 2015/16, up from 937 the previous year.

More than ten per cent of those calls were dealt with by volunteers at Childline’s two Welsh bases, in Cardiff and Prestatyn.

According to the charity, students contacted Childline over exam concerns, not wanting to disappoint their parents, fear of failure and academic pressures.

Head of NSPCC for Wales, Des Mannion, describes GCSE results day as a “extremely stressful and anxious time for students”.

“It’s clear the pressure to do well is being felt by more and more young people,” he said.

“It’s important to remember there is life beyond exam results. Disappointing grades are not the end of the world and there will always be a number of avenues open to students after GCSEs.”

Welsh Government education secretary, Kirsty Williams AM, also wished the best of luck to students ahead of the big day.

“I hope all your hard work pays off and you achieve the results you want,” she said.

“There are a range of options and support services out there to help you make the right decision as you look forward to further study or entering the workplace.”