Week 1: Find the gaps
Ask the school which topics and papers each mock will cover. Then list the topics for each subject and rate them honestly: confident, unsure or not yet understood. One timed past paper per main subject is the quickest way to check those ratings are accurate.
Week 2: Fix the biggest gaps
- Start with the topics rated 'not yet understood' that come up most often.
- Work in short, focused sessions of 30 to 45 minutes with breaks.
- Test recall with flashcards and practice questions rather than rereading notes.
- Ask teachers or a tutor about anything that still doesn't make sense.
Week 3: Practise under timed conditions
Switch to past papers for your exam board, sat in one go with a timer. Mark them with the official mark scheme and keep a short list of recurring mistakes. Showing working and answering the exact question asked often makes the difference between grades.
Week 4: Review and rest
- Go back over the mistakes list and the topics that are still shaky.
- Keep sessions shorter and lighter as the mocks get closer.
- Check the mock timetable, rooms and equipment the night before each exam.
- Protect sleep. A rested student recalls more than a tired one.
How parents can help
Help with a simple weekly timetable, a quiet place to work and regular breaks. Ask what went well each day as well as what was hard. If your child would like an extra rehearsal, our GCSE mock exams are matched to the exam board and marked the way examiners mark, with a graded result and improvement targets.
