Disappointed with your GCSE mock results? Worried about getting bad GCSE grades? Need to retake a GCSE?
Whatever your situation, improving your grades is totally possible – you just need to want to do it!
Here, we’ll walk you through how to improve GCSE grades in 12 simple steps – so you can turn that 5 into a 9 (or reach whatever goals you’re aiming for!).
What to do to improve your grades: 12 steps
If you want to improve your GCSE grades, you’ll need to be committed to the process.
But with hard work, a solid plan, and the right support, we believe there’s nothing you can’t achieve!
Here’s what to do.
1. Start now!
Don’t put off the hard work until tomorrow (or the next day, or the next!). There’s no better time to start your revision than right now.
Remember, the earlier you start the process of improving your grades, the more time you’ll have to turn all those weaknesses into strengths – and the less stressful the process will be.
The last thing you want to do is burn yourself out.
But by starting revision early, you’ll be able to divide your learning into bitesize chunks with decent breaks in between. This way, you’ll be able to gain a better work-life balance and develop healthy habits.
Say goodbye to cramming the night before your exams!
2. Identify areas for improvement
Next, take the time to identify your weak areas.
Which subjects need the most improvement? What topics are you struggling with? Are there any particular things that let you down time and time again?
Comb back through all your mock exam and practice test papers to identify areas where you’ve lost the most marks.
This should give you a good indication of where you need to spend the most time when you’re revising.
3. Pinpoint goals
Setting goals is super important.
A goal gives you something to work towards, keeps you motivated and allows you to recognise and celebrate your successes.
But you’ll never be able to reach your goals if they’re not setting the right ones!
That’s why you should make sure your goals are SMART – meaning goals that are…
- S: Specific
- M: Measurable
- A: Achievable
- R: Relevant
- T: Time-bound
Plus, make sure to set a range of goals, both in the long and short term.
For instance, a long-term goal might be to reach a set grade in a certain subject. Meanwhile, a short-term goal might be to finish a specific topic by the end of the weekend.
Remember to reward yourself for reaching your goals too!
“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 GCSE tutor
4. Create a solid revision timetable
Before diving straight into revision, take the time to create a revision timetable.
A revision timetable is a great way to make sure you cover every subject and topic that could come up in your exams – and to keep your revision on track.
In particular, it will allow you to allocate time to each subject and topic based on where you’re currently at in your learning, as well as your goals. This way, you can make sure you get where you need to be by exam day.
- Check your exam schedule
- Calculate how much time you have to study
- Decide which subjects and topics you need to spend the most time on
- Allocate time to each subject and topic
Of course, it’s important to stick to your revision timetable as closely as possible once it’s created.
However, remember that things change. For instance, one topic might take a lot longer than you anticipated, while another might take less time.
With that in mind, be sure to keep tweaking your schedule to make sure it’s working with you, not against you.
5. Set up good habits
It’s easy to fall into unhealthy patterns when you’re studying – whether it’s staying up late, eating badly, or not getting any exercise.
So, be aware of this and try to create healthy habits from the get-go.
Look after yourself
Your revision won’t be productive if you’re tired, skipping meals, or lacking fresh air.
So, be strict with yourself.
Go to bed in good time, schedule regular breaks to get out of the house and eat good meals. Ask a family member or friend to hold you accountable if you’re struggling!
“I would say don’t cram, take 20-minute study sessions then take a break. Look after yourself and try to stick to regular bedtimes, no computers late at night etc.
“Get some fresh air and exercise to help with pent-up energy or nerves too.”
– Katherine R, English GCSE tutor
Find a balance
All work and no play isn’t healthy and could lead to you burning out.
Schedule in regular breaks and plan things that you can look forward to – whether it’s going to the cinema with friends or getting some ice cream to reward yourself for your hard work.
Remember, there’s only so much a brain can assimilate in a day!
Little and often
Marathon revision sessions aren’t productive for most students. And they’re certainly not fun!
Instead, revise little and often, and think about how you can build studying into your daily life. For instance, perhaps you can record your revision notes and listen to them on the bus or while you’re doing the washing up.
We also recommend taking 10 minutes to review what you’ve learned in class after each lesson. It’s a great way to check you understand what’s been covered and will save you a lot of formal revision time later down the line.
6. Know the specifications inside out
Knowing exactly what you can expect in each exam will mean you can prepare yourself fully and avoid any nasty surprises in the exam room.
Every exam board will work a bit differently.
So, find out which exam board you’re with for each subject – and check the specifications.
This way, you’ll know exactly what topics could come up in each paper, allowing you to make sure the right topics are at the forefront of your mind before each exam.
Checking the assessment objectives will also give you a clear idea of what you’ll be marked on, and which skills you need to demonstrate.
With all this knowledge under your belt, you can make sure to tick off every element in your preparation and on exam day.
7. Try different revision techniques
No two students are the same.
So, instead of relying on the revision techniques your siblings or best friends have used, take the time to find your learning style and pinpoint the revision techniques that work best for you.
Some tried and tested methods you might find useful include:
- Creating flashcards
- Sticking post-it notes around your home
- Making mind maps
- Speaking content back in your own words
- Recording your notes and listening to them back
- Getting someone to test you
- Teaching someone else
- Forming a study group
Often, students will learn best using a mixture of techniques.
After all, different techniques can be especially useful for helping you memorise or hone different types of content. Plus, mixing it up can help to keep you focused and engaged.
8. Utilise GCSE revision resources
On the topic of staying focused and engaged, utilising a range of GCSE revision resources can definitely help.
Your exam board’s revision guide (or those created by CGP) can be a fantastic way to distill all the different topics you need to wrap your head around.
However, different learners learn in different ways. And mixing up the resources you use can help to make revision more engaging.
To give you some ideas, you could explore resources on…
- YouTube channels
- Podcasts
- Revision apps
- Revision websites (like BBC Bitesize)
Your teachers or a tutor will also be able to point you in the direction of the best revision resources for your learning style and subjects. Which brings us onto…
9. Ask for help
If there’s anything you’re struggling with, it’s important not to struggle on alone.
Remember, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
A GCSE tutor will be able to help you overcome all sorts of hurdles to help you improve your GCSE grades – whether it’s explaining difficult concepts in a way that will click for you, or even helping you to stay motivated and on track with your revision.
They’ll give you one-on-one attention that you won’t usually get at school and will support you with tailored lesson plans that take into account your strengths, weaknesses and learning style.
In this way, they’ll be able to prepare you fully for the exams and guide you to the best marks possible.
In fact, 90% of Tutorful students improve by at least one grade!
10. Regularly attempt past papers
Past papers are key to improving your GCSE grades.
Not only will they familiarise you with the types of questions you might come across in the real thing. But when you answer them under timed conditions, they’ll also give you valuable practice perfecting your exam technique and dealing with exam pressure.
In this way, regularly attempting past papers can help to boost your confidence on the day.
But that’s not all!
Just like mock exams, past papers are a fantastic way for you to see where you’re at in your learning.
After you’ve completed a past paper (and had it marked – preferably by a teacher or tutor!), we’d always recommend going through it with a fine-tooth comb to see what went well and what areas let you down.
By doing this, you’ll be able to see how close you are to achieving your target grades. And you can also tweak your revision schedule to focus on those areas that need it most.
11. Get in the right mindset
It’s important to work hard and commit to improving your grades.
But it’s also important to keep things in perspective.
Why? Well, 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 on the day.
Instead, go into your revision – and your exams – with a growth mindset.
Be proud of yourself for each step forward that you make, and know that trying your best is the most important thing.
Whatever happens in the exam room, you’ve worked hard and should therefore have no regrets – 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 GCSE tutor
12. Plan for exam day
Last but not least, make sure to set yourself up for exam success on the day of each exam.
Don’t stay up all night revising.
Instead, fuel yourself for the day ahead – get a good night’s sleep and have a proper breakfast.
Make sure to get there early so you’re not stressing about being late. And try some calming techniques to get over the exam fear – like listening to a chilled playlist.
Once you’re in the exam room, don’t panic.
Work through the exam paper calmly and methodically and read each question twice to make sure you’re not making any silly mistakes.
Remember, you’ve worked hard so whatever happens, you can be proud!
Find a tutor to help you improve your GCSE grades
As you can see, with hard work, dedication and the right support, it’s totally possible to improve your GCSE grades.
But you don’t have to do it alone.
Our handpicked GCSE 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 GCSE grades and reach your full potential.
In fact, 90% of Tutorful students improve by at least one grade!
“With the help of Tutorful tutors, Edward achieved grades 6/7 in science, 6 in maths, 6 in geography and an 8 in history.
“This was an improvement on all his predicted grades but especially in maths where he was predicted a 4 at best”.
“Additionally, in history, he was predicted a 6 but smashed it with an 8!”
“I have no doubt this was directly down to the hard work and positive relationships built by the tutors.”
– Annette K, parent of GCSE student
FAQs
How to improve GCSE grades quickly?
The best way to improve GCSE grades quickly is to sit past papers or practice exams to identify your weaker areas.
You can then use the time you have available to improve those areas, in order to make the biggest improvements before exam day.
What are the 5 hardest GCSEs?
According to data from Ofqual, the hardest GCSE subjects include:
- Maths
- Art & Design (3D Design)
- English Language
- Citizenship Studies
- Geography
This is based on overall pass rates, as well as feedback from students and teachers.
Is 2 hours of revision a day enough for GCSE?
How much revision you need each day for GCSE will depend on what kind of learner you are and how much time you have left before your exams start.
Ideally, you should divide your revision time up into manageable chunks and spend no more than 4 hours a day revising.
Is a 7 at GCSE bad?
No, a 7 at GCSE isn’t a bad grade. It’s about equivalent to a traditional grade A.
That said, every student is different and will have different expectations and goals when it comes to GCSE grades.
