Worried about failing your A Level exams? Got disappointing A Level mock results? Or need to resit an A Level?
No matter where you are in your journey, improving your A Level grades is totally possible.
Here, we’ll walk you through how to improve A Level grades in 10 achievable steps – so you can turn that C into an A* (or reach whatever goals you’re aiming for!).
How to get better A Level grades
If you’re disappointed in your current performance, it’s easy to get disheartened.
But don’t give up!
Improving your A Level grades is oh-so-doable. It just needs commitment, hard work and the right support behind you.
Here’s what to do.
1. Start revising now!
It’s easy to put off the hard work until tomorrow – or the next day, or the next. Don’t!
Starting is the hardest step. But the earlier you do it, the more time you’ll have to turn all those weaknesses into strengths – and the less stressful the process will be.
Think about it. If you start your revision with plenty of time to spare, you’ll be able to divide it up into manageable chunks and tackle it little and often – instead of cramming right before each exam.
There’s no better time to start than now!
2. Pinpoint your weaknesses
Take some time to work out where you have the biggest room for improvement.
Do you need to improve grades in all your A Level subjects? Or are there some that you’re on track with?
Similarly, are there any specific topics or areas that are letting you down?
Comb through any mock exam or practice test papers to identify the areas where you’ve lost the most marks – there are the areas you’ll want to focus the most time on during your revision. Which brings us onto…
3. Make a rock-solid revision schedule
Now that you know which areas require the most attention, you can start putting together a revision timetable.
Make sure you divide up your time appropriately between all the subjects and topics you need to cover – but leave the most time for those areas where you’re furthest from where you need to be.
This way, you’ll be able to maximise your time to make the biggest improvements to your grades.
A revision timetable will help you to stay on track and you’ll also be able to stress less knowing everything is under control.
It’s important to do your best to stick to your timetable, but don’t panic if you get behind either – sometimes, certain topics will take longer than you expect. Just make sure to tweak your schedule to keep it up-to-date.
4. Identify goals to work towards
Setting goals will help you to stay motivated.
So, take the time to outline SMART goals – meaning goals that are…
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
In particular, make sure to set short-term goals as well as long-term ones. That way, you can more easily track your progress and understand where you’re at in your learning journey.
Oh, and remember to reward yourself too!
Whether it’s a trip to the cinema or a tasty snack, giving yourself a pat on the back when you deserve it most will help you to feel engaged and positive about your progress.
“Incremental steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day!
“If you’ve remembered something that you didn’t know last week then you’re one step further along your journey than you were last week.”
– Matthew B, English and Maths tutor
5. Know exactly what to expect
It’s important to make sure you know exactly what you can expect in each exam and assessment (including any coursework elements still to do!).
This way, you can…
- Prepare yourself fully
- Make sure the right topics are at the forefront of your mind when you need them
- Ensure you meet all the assessment objectives
- Avoid any nasty surprises in the exam room!
Every exam board will work a bit differently.
So, take the time to check your exam board’s specifications for each of your subjects – and check the assessment objectives that you have to meet in each paper too.
6. Find the right revision techniques for you
Every student is different.
So, don’t just use the same revision techniques that have worked for your friends or family members. Instead, pinpoint your learning style and find the revision techniques that work best for you.
Some methods you could try include…
- Making flashcards
- Sticking post-it notes around the home
- Creating mind maps
- Teaching someone else
- Getting someone to test you
- Speaking content back in your own words
- Recording your revision notes and listening to them on the go
- Forming a study group
- Exploring revision resources (eg. apps, podcasts, YouTube videos and websites)
Remember, you don’t just have to use one or two. Rather, mixing it up can help to keep you focused and engaged!
7. Make sure you fully understand everything (and ask for help if not!)
At A Level, you won’t access the top marks by simply regurgitating the content you’ve learned.
Instead, you’ll need to demonstrate that you thoroughly understand all the material you’ve covered.
Depending on your subject, you may need to apply your knowledge to unfamiliar situations – or develop your own arguments based on the evidence you’ve learned.
So, if there are any gaps in your understanding – any at all! – it’s vital to ask for help.
That might mean asking your teacher to go over things with you outside of the classroom.
Or, it may mean getting an expert tutor onboard who can give you much more one-to-one attention and explain things in a way that will truly click for you.
An A Level tutor will tailor sessions to take into account your strengths, weaknesses and learning style to help you make the biggest improvements possible in the smallest amount of time.
Plus, as a cross between a teacher and a mentor, they’ll be like your own personal cheerleader, supporting you every step of the way.
It’s no surprise that 90% of Tutorful students improve by at least one grade!
8. Leverage practice tests and past papers
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘practice makes perfect.’ And it’s oh-so-true if you want to improve your A Level grades.
That’s where past papers come in.
Regularly attempting past papers – especially under timed conditions – will give you so many benefits.
- Get familiar with the types of questions you might come across in the real thing
- Perfect your exam technique
- Get used to dealing with exam pressure
- Improve your time management skills
- Boost your confidence ahead of exam day
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses
- See where you’re at in your learning – and how close you are to reaching your goals
After completing a past paper (and preferably having it marked by a teacher or tutor!), make sure to go through it with a fine-tooth comb to understand what went well and what areas let you down.
Then, use this intel to tweak your revision timetable so that you can focus on the areas that need it most.
9. Look after yourself
It’s important to work hard, but it’s also important to find a good balance between work and play.
The last thing you need is to burn yourself out!
So, avoid falling into bad habits when you’re studying. Get plenty of sleep, eat good meals, keep exercising, and get lots of fresh air.
In particular, make sure to schedule in plenty of breaks where you can take time away from your desk.
There’s only so much your brain can assimilate in a day!
10. Plan for exam day
Last but not least, make a plan for exam day so that you’re setting yourself up for success.
Staying up all night revising will usually do more harm than good.
Instead, make sure you have the right fuel for the day ahead…
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Have a proper breakfast
- Organise what you need the night before
- Get to the exam venue early
- Try calming techniques to combat exam fear – like listening to a relaxed playlist
Once you’re in the exam room, work through the paper calmly and methodically, and read each question twice to make sure you’re not making any silly mistakes.
And perhaps most importantly, go in there with the right mindset.
Placing too much importance on achieving specific grades can just ramp up the pressure and lead to even more stress – which can actually make it harder for you to perform at your best.
Instead, know that you’ve worked hard and tried your best – so, you can be proud of yourself no matter what the outcome. Life will go on, whatever the result!
“Talk to family and friends and manage your expectations but don’t focus on over criticising yourself. Watch those negative little voices in your head!
“Know that you have worked hard and therefore tried your best.”
– Katherine R, English tutor
Get expert help with improving A Level grades
As you can see, with hard work, dedication and the right support, it’s totally possible to improve your A Level grades.
But you don’t have to do it alone.
Our handpicked A Level tutors are experts in their subjects and will know how to help you reach your goals.
From week-by-week plans to practice exams, they’ll give you the one-to-one attention you need to help you improve your A Level grades and reach your full potential.
In fact, 90% of Tutorful students improve by at least one grade!
FAQs
What are good A Level grades?
Good A Level grades will vary from student to student, depending on your level of attainment and goals.
However, As and A*s are generally considered very good grades at A Level.
How to get good A Level grades?
Getting good A Level grades requires significant time and effort.
- Start revising early
- Make sure you know what to expect
- Make sure you fully understand all the content
- Get help from a tutor if there are areas you’re struggling with
- Identify your weaknesses by regularly attempting past papers
- Plan your revision schedule to focus on areas where you have the biggest room for improvement
Is 86% an A* in A Level?
Not usually. As a rough guide, you’ll typically need around 90% to get an A* at A Level.
That said, this can vary based on factors like your exam board, the difficulty of the exam that year, and the performance of your cohort.
In this way, grade boundaries can vary from year to year. They’re usually only released by each exam board after all papers have been marked.
Is 3 weeks enough to revise for A Levels?
No! You’ll usually need much longer than 3 weeks to revise for your A Levels.
We always recommend starting A Level revision at the beginning of Year 13 – or in January or February of that year at the latest.
This will allow you to revise little and often, and it’ll also give you time to put what you’re learning into practice in class.
How to get straight As in A Levels?
If you’re aiming to get straight As in your A Levels, there are certain things you can do to increase your chances.
- Stay engaged in class
- Recap what you’ve learned after each lesson
- Get a tutor’s help in any areas you’re struggling with
- Start your revision as early as possible
- Prioritise your weaker subjects
Remember, an A Level tutor can help you to improve your grades.
