Pupils studying for AS Levels are suffering from fatigue, stress and low morale due to heavy workloads, according to a new report out today.

Research published by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers indicates that although students have generally accepted their heavy workload many of them have found the pressure overwhelming at times, complaining of headaches, panic and episodes of depression.

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Gwen Evans, deputy general secretary of the ATL, told ePolitix.com: "We cannot ignore the important findings of this research. Sixteen-year-old students are becoming fed up with schoolwork and exams. Morale is low and some are even talking about leaving school to escape the stress and anxiety.

"Students are sacrificing enrichment activities in favour of part-time jobs. What effect is this having on the personal development of these children? Perhaps the availability of the Education Maintenance Allowance will be one of the issues the students will want on the agenda at the Government's 'Listen to Learn' consultation days.

"The continuing shambles of the AS exams doesn't help. The constant reports of timetable clashes, of students having nine hours of exams in a day and exam board errors are disheartening for both pupils and teachers."