Overcoming the Fear of Maths - and What It's Really About

Many of the students I work with come to me absolutely terrified of Maths.

It’s not just the sums, equations, or exams that scare them — it’s what they believe about themselves. They’re scared of GCSEs in general, scared of failing, scared of the challenge ahead. Some are so paralysed by this fear that they can hardly take a step forward, trapped in the belief that “I just can’t do it.”

They say this out loud to me — and, far more damagingly, they repeat it endlessly to themselves:
“I can’t do it.”
“I’ll never be able to do it.”
“I just hate Maths.”

It’s a pattern any experienced maths tutor would recognise — a quiet inner voice that’s been repeating these fears for years.

The Power of Changing the Story

One of my favourite lessons from a brilliant coach of mine is this:
When you say, “I can’t do it,” you’re absolutely right.

It’s so true — and so clear. What we believe shapes what we do. So the first step is to talk about it differently.

My job — whether I’m working 1:1 or in my small online Maths communities — is to help students build a new culture of belief, fearlessness, and quiet conviction that they can do it. That we can do it — together.

There’s nothing to be scared of once you have the right support and the right environment. The fear begins to loosen its grip. Little by little, the “I can’t” becomes “Maybe I can.” And “Maybe I can” turns into “I am doing it.”

This is what overcoming maths anxiety really looks like — not just mastering formulas, but gently challenging the deep-seated belief that they’re not good enough.

Until that shift happens, there’s no room for self-belief — in Maths or anything else. So they borrow my belief in them first. They lean on my confidence until they find their own.

And safety is everything. Safety to reopen their relationship with the subject. Safety in a group of supportive peers. Safety with a teacher who genuinely sees them and won’t let them sink back into fear and hiding.

“Why Do I Even Have to Do This?”

If your child is scared to death of Maths — or English, or any subject that’s come to symbolise all their self-doubt — this is not something to brush aside. In fact, I’d say this is the whole point of the GCSE journey.

Because here’s the thing: the content often isn’t what matters most.

Over the years, so many students have asked me:
“What’s the point of this?”
“Why do I need to know this?”
“Why is school like this?”

I love these questions! They show a spark of life. They show they’re ready to think for themselves. My answer is always the same: It’s not about the content. It’s about you.

It’s about finding out what you’re made of. It’s about discovering grit, resilience, and the satisfaction of doing something you once thought impossible. That’s the real win — that’s what they carry into life.

And underneath all this, it’s about love.
No subject truly matters to us unless we can find a way to love it — or at least feel it loves us back. Then even the most “irrelevant” subjects become a perfect playground for growth.

For me, my favourite subjects at school were Latin and Ancient Greek — dead languages! But I loved them because I loved my teacher. Nick Aldridge was one of those rare people who could make anyone love learning anything. He made it come alive.

Seeing Fear Turn Into Confidence

I’ve seen this same magic happen when students find the courage to step up to Maths again — to settle their panicking hearts with my support and just look at it. One topic at a time, they chip away at what used to scare them until, unbelievably, they start to look forward to those questions on the test instead of dreading them.

That’s the switch:
A lifetime of subtle fear and self-doubt swapped for golden threads of proof — I can do this.

I see it every year. And every year it makes me excited to gather the next group of brave students who are ready to turn fear into belief and belief into success — in exams and far beyond.

If you’d like to talk about how this could happen for your child — whether they’re frozen with fear or just quietly struggling — my calendar is open.

Book a free 15-minute chat with me here.

Let’s help them leave fear behind and step into the best version of themselves.

Wishing you all the very best,

Henry

If you’re not already a member of our awesome Young Fire Academy Parent Community Group on Facebook, come join us! Get support from me and other like-minded parents who are on this journey too.

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Henry Dingle

Henry Dingle is the founder of Young Fire Academy and an expert teen and parent coach, as well as a specialist tutor. He helps exasperated parents and their demotivated teens reconnect and thrive by fostering authentic relationships, trust, and accountability. With over 20 years of experience working with teens, Henry’s approach ignites motivation, leading to greater self-confidence and real-life satisfaction.
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He empowers students to take charge of their learning through mindset coaching, effective essay-writing techniques, and Maths, helping them build confidence and enjoy their academic journey. As a parent coach, Henry supports families in restoring trust, improving communication, and creating a more harmonious home environment.