Well I've just finished two days of accompanying exams as well as having several of my own pupils take exams so thought I'd write a few thoughts about this. I have a mixture of pupils - some enjoy working toward exams whereas others prefer to just learn for fun. Exams are useful as they give you a goal to work toward and a sense of achievement when you pass an exam. You will also get useful feedback from the examiner on the mark form. If you do plan on taking music further it is really essential to gain the different qualifications, but even if you don't the higher grades do give you UCAS points which can be useful for going on to university.
I think the real key to exam success lies in being well-prepared. Make sure you know the scales and pieces set for the grade thoroughly so that you can perform them in a way that demonstrates your playing at its best. Its a good idea to know the pieces from memory even though you'll probably use music in the exam. Also, don't just focus on playing the right notes and rhythm (although this is important) but play the pieces musically. Obey all the different dynamic and expression markings as this will really help you gain a good result in the exam.
A lot of candidates focus a lot on the pieces but can easily forget about the other parts of the exams. For most exam boards you are expected to perform some scales or technical exercises, do some sight-reading and also do some listening exercises or aural tests. Make sure you have practised all these parts of the exam and are comfortable with what to expect on the day. The more prepared you are on every part of the exam the better you are likely to do on the day. It is probably worth asking your teacher to give you a mock exam at some point before the exam so that you know exactly what to expect on the day.
Having said all this when it comes to the actual exam mistakes sometimes do happen even if you are really well prepared. The examiner will understand that pianists are playing on an instrument they are not used to and also that many people do get a little nervous in exam situations. It really isn't the end of the world if you make a mistake or slip! The key is to keep going. The examiner is on your side and wants to hear you PERFORM the pieces. If you're performing in a concert and you make a mistake you keep going (the audience may not even notice!). Do the same in the exam.
Above all be as prepared as you can and then try your best to enjoy playing the pieces to the examiner on the day! The examiner really is on your side and wants you to do your best!
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