How to Support Your Child’s GCSE Revision After Mocks: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
How to Support Your Child’s Revision After Mocks: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Now that mock exams are over, your child has a clearer picture of their strengths and weaknesses in each of their GCSE subjects. This is a valuable checkpoint—and it will allow you and your child to now plan their revision effectively. With four months to go until the final exams, it’s so important to take a steady, structured approach to revision rather than cramming at the last minute, which is stressful and also those late nights are not sustainable.
This is a marathon, not a sprint, and the key to success is a steady routine of revision without burnout. Here’s how you, as a parent, can support your child in preparing for their exams. This will help them gain confidence, reduce anxiety and stress and therefore do their best this summer.
1️⃣ Get Organised: Make a Revision Timetable
Most students have around 10 GCSE subjects, with at least 2 papers per subject, meaning they’re facing around 20 exams which start after the Easter holidays. That’s a lot to balance, which is why starting now with a manageable and well-planned revision timetable can help spread the workload and ensure that those final few exams get the same attention as all the Paper 1s.
Encourage your child to prioritise weaker areas, which they will not find easy, but it’s always best to tackle the harder areas head on while your child has the space and time to work out how to improve.
Mix up subjects to ensure your child does not have all the heavy writing subjects together or those which require a lot of memorising like the humanities and languages —switch between science, maths, and essay-based subjects.
Factor in breaks and downtime to keep energy levels high. It is so important that they still go outside and have that game of football with friends or meet up for a shopping trip or just walk around the park with their friends. A healthy child also has good relationships with those around them, and this still needs to be nurtured.
2️⃣ Use Past Paper Questions Effectively
One of the best ways to prepare for exams is to practice past paper questions. You can support your child by:
✔️ Downloading past papers electronically or printing them for easy use.
✔️ Timing their practice sessions to help them build exam stamina.
✔️ Reviewing answers together, identifying areas where marks were lost and focusing revision on these topics. You may feel you need help in working out a mark scheme as they are written for examiners, so do reach out to the other parents in your community to find out how they manage, they can be your strongest network and support throughout this exam season.
3️⃣ Create the Right Study Environment
Every child is different when it comes to revision. Some are independent learners who thrive in their room with minimal interruptions, while others may need more structured support in the kitchen or communal space.
➡️ For independent learners: Allow them to work in their room but ensure they are staying productive. Some may use their phone for revision apps or background music—this can be helpful, as long as it's not a distraction.
➡️ For those needing more structure: Encouraging them to revise at the kitchen table or in a communal space can keep them accountable. Removing their phone during revision sessions can also help maintain focus.
➡️ You know your child best, so help them make the right decisions about their study space to not help make their revision effective, but also to keep them relaxed and at home with this different pace of study. Revising is a very different technique from just going to classes and completing homework set by a teacher. Revising requires your child to consider which subjects they find challenging and to shine a spot light there.
4️⃣ Keep the Momentum Going Without Burnout
With four months left, it's vital to keep a sustainable and manageable pace. Your first revision timetable will probably not be your last. Keep reviewing how your child is managing and don’t be afraid to try something different or tweak the routine to make it suit your child:
➡️ Encourage breaks – short, regular breaks improve focus and prevent exhaustion.
➡️ Prioritise sleep – a tired brain struggles to retain information.
➡️ Celebrate progress – acknowledge small wins to keep motivation high.
Final Thoughts
Mocks are just the beginning. The real preparation happens now, and with structured revision, the right resources, and a balanced approach, your child can enter their exams feeling confident and prepared. Let them know that you are on their side, and reward them for their hard work in revising, instead of waiting for the results. You make your own luck, and the more your child revises the luckier they will be in their exams.
By supporting them with a solid revision plan, the right study environment, and encouragement, you’ll help them achieve their best possible results this summer.
The countdown is on – so get organised and make these next four months a focused and rewarding GCSE revision season – and then your child will achieve their best this summer. Good Luck to everyone revising for their GCSE this year.
