Motivational Back to School Quotes for Students

Published

2 September 2025

Contents

A new school year offers a fresh start, but after a long summer break, mustering up enthusiasm can be hard.

To help you get into the back-to-school mindset, we’ve selected the most inspiring motivational quotes, specifically tailored to you as a student.

No matter what comes your way, we’ll show you how to approach the year ahead with a spring in your step.

Why Back to School Can Feel Overwhelming—And How Motivation Helps

Every student – even those who really enjoy school – experiences a mixture of emotions about starting a new academic year. Though you might look forward to catching up with friends, feeling nervous about new teachers, subjects, or exam pressure is completely natural. In fact, our research found that one in four students considered not going back to school due to anxiety.

Motivation is a great way to keep you focused on the positives that change can bring. If you don’t believe me, watch The Middle, a TV sitcom about an American family. My favourite character, Sue Heck, has an unwavering optimism that is reflected in her room: the walls are covered in motivational posters!

The best motivational quotes keep you going through the toughest times. They’re like having a wise, reassuring friend in your pocket, reframing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than impossible obstacles.

Find one or two quotes that really resonate with you, and remember to look at them every day for an extra boost.

Motivational Quotes for All Students

“We are what we repeatedly do… therefore excellence is not an act, but a habit” - Will Durant (interpreting Aristotle)

Everyday habits play a huge role in success. If your study habits aren’t the best right now, it’s okay; you can change them.

"The expert in anything was once a beginner" - Helen Hayes

When we see highly skilled people in action, we tend to forget the amount of work they had to put in to get there. Even the brilliant mathematician in your class once struggled with basic sums.

"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think" - A.A. Milne

You are your own worst critic. Sometimes it takes a good friend (or a quote!) to remind you that you’re more capable than you realise.

"Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself" - Chinese Proverb

I remember seeing a similar quote in the science block at my school: “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”. Teachers can give you the tools to succeed, but it’s up to you to use them.

“A new school year means new beginnings, new adventures, new friendships, and new challenges. The slate is clean and anything can happen” - Denise Witmer

Yes, change is scary, but it’s also exciting. A new year is a fresh start, and a chance to grow into an even stronger student.

Motivational Quotes for Exam Years

If you're facing GCSEs, A Levels, or any other important exams, remember the following:

"It always seems impossible until it's done" - Nelson Mandela

When you’re in the throes of revision, it can feel like you’ll never know enough for the exam. It’s only when you finish that you realise you managed it.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" - Nelson Mandela

It’s easy to forget the wider purpose of education during exam season. While your grades matter, the skills you learn along the way will stay with you long after you leave school. You can use those skills to make a real impact in the world.

“Strive for progress, not perfection” - Unknown

Maybe your latest revision wasn’t the best. Don’t try to cram everything in to make up for it – just make the next session a little better than the last.

“It’s better to do a lot with a little than a little with a lot” - Mr Forster and Mr Gallie, GCSE English RevisionPod (opens in a new tab)

Countless students often make the mistake of writing down everything they know about a topic instead of dealing with the exam task at hand. Including fewer points or facts, really looking at them in detail, and linking them back to the question is a much better way to go. This approach also takes the pressure off, teaching you to focus on the most relevant content instead of trying to learn absolutely everything!

“It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it/And that's what gets results” - song by Bananarama and Fun Boy Three

This one helped me during my university finals, and I still share it with my students now! Sometimes, especially for essay-based subjects, a strong answer is less about what information you include than it is how you present it and what you use it for.

How to Use These Quotes in Everyday Life

These quotes aren't meant to be read once and forgotten. Here are some ways to make them part of your daily routine:

Keep a notebook or scrapbook – remember to bring it with you to school!
Put them on your phone – you could have one as a wallpaper and another as your lock screen
Write one at the top of your planner – this will help you stay motivated during the school day
Read one out loud each morning or before a study session – a great way to give yourself a pep talk
Share them on social media – spreading positivity will also help your classmates feel more motivated
Stick them on your walls or mirror – Sue Heck-style. Just make sure you have permission first!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best quote to start the school year?

Everyone's different, so a quote that speaks to you might not have the same impact on someone else. Pick one that matches how you want to feel this year. For example, if you’re feeling low on confidence, quotes relating to self-belief might be best for you.

How can quotes actually motivate students?

Quotes challenge your thinking for the better. If you can change your thoughts, you can change your feelings and behaviours (opens in a new tab). Motivational quotes shift our mental focus from the negatives to the positives.

Quotes also make us feel more connected to one another. You might feel like the situation you’re in and the feelings you’re experiencing are totally unique, but quotes have a way of making us feel heard and understood.

Did you know that Stephen King – one of the best-selling fiction authors in the world – suffers from imposter syndrome? Quotes show us that even successful people experience similar struggles as everyone else, reminding us that we’re not alone.

Are these quotes suitable for primary and secondary school?

Absolutely! They can help anyone who's learning and growing. Finding a suitable quote is less about age and more about the challenges you’ll face in the year ahead, as well as what you personally connect to.

Can I use these quotes in school presentations or posters?

Yes! You can definitely use these quotes in school. Just make sure you attribute them to the correct author. Your teachers will appreciate you sharing these words of wisdom with your classmates.

Final Thoughts

Motivation doesn't have to be loud or dramatic. Sometimes all you need is a quiet, daily reminder of your capability.

Remember that going back to school is exciting, and while challenges are unavoidable, having a negative response to those challenges isn’t – especially when you have an inspirational quote or two to hand.

On that note, I’ll leave you with two quotes from two music legends:

“Storms make trees take deeper roots” - Dolly Parton
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” - Kelly Clarkson

References

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