Your child’s final push before GCSEs: 5 revision tips to remember

Isobel Townsley

Client Services Lead, Birchwood Tutors

As the final month of GCSEs approaches, many parents-especially those in busy, fast-paced areas like London are beginning to feel the pressure. With over seven years in the tuition industry, I’ve seen firsthand how the right revision strategy can make a world of difference. The last month can be stressful, but it’s also full of opportunity. Whether your child is aiming for top grades or just trying to refine their skills, the final stretch is vital: but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

At Birchwood Tutors, we’ve supported numerous families through GCSEs and I’ve put together five proven revision tips to help your child thrive in these crucial final weeks.

1. Stick to a structured revision plan

Routine brings calm, especially when preparing for such a big exam. In the last month, it's crucial that your child follows a clear and manageable revision timetable. Focused, short sessions (25–45 minutes) are much more effective than long, drawn-out study periods.

I always recommend the Pomodoro Technique:

25 minutes of intense focus followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, they get a longer 15–30-minute break. This method helps keep concentration high without feeling burnt out. And don’t forget to balance easy topics with more difficult ones, so your child doesn’t get discouraged.

Tools we recommend:

MyStudyLife (great for scheduling)

Trello (perfect for managing tasks)

Google Sheets (create your own personalised plan)

2. Make recall fun

Revising isn’t just about reading and highlighting notes-it’s about actively recalling the information. Testing yourself (and your child) helps lock the information into their memory.

My personal favourite revision tools are Anki, which uses spaced repetition, and Quizlet, which offers pre-made flashcard sets, ideal speedy, quick-fire practice in the run up to exams. 

Try:

Anki (application for flashcards that use spaced repetition)

Quizlet (application for interactive, ready-made decks for GCSE subjects)

Seneca Learning (application for interactive learning with built-in memory techniques)

3. Practice papers are key

When it comes to final exam preparation, nothing beats practice. Past papers give your child a true feel for exam day-timing, question format, and the type of content they need to focus on. Encourage them to complete papers under timed conditions and review their answers carefully.

For the best results, combine practice with feedback. At Birchwood Tutors, we provide detailed, exam-board-specific feedback, which has helped many of our students get the final push they need.

Some excellent resources for past papers include:

BBC Bitesize

Revision World

Your school’s past papers and resources

4. Stick to their exam board

It’s crucial to tailor your child’s revision to their specific exam board. Whether they’re studying for AQA, Edexcel, OCR, or Eduqas, the specifications (syllabi) will outline exactly what they need to know. I’ve seen many students waste time revising material that isn’t even relevant to their exam board!

At this point in the year, I would suggest a quick “traffic-lighting” method-marking each topic as Green (confident), Amber (okay), or Red (needs more work). This helps your child focus on the areas that need the most attention.

Check out the most common examination boards here:

• AQA

• Edexcel

• OCR

• Eduqas

5. Support their wellbeing

GCSEs are a test of endurance as much as they are a test of knowledge. The pressure can be overwhelming, and it’s important to remind your child that it’s normal to feel stressed. In my experience, managing stress is half the battle.

Encourage good sleep habits (7-9 hours) and brain-boosting foods like eggs, fish, and blueberries. Physical activity is also key-whether it’s a quick walk or stretching, a little movement goes a long way in improving focus and reducing anxiety.

And most importantly, talk. Make sure your child knows it’s okay to feel nervous. It helps to check in and offer emotional support, especially during these intense final weeks.

At Birchwood Tutors, we know how to help students navigate this stressful period with a mix of structure, support, and expert guidance. If your child needs a bit of extra help in these final weeks, we’re here to assist with personalised revision plans, practice papers, and one-on-one tutoring.

Warm wishes,

Isobel Townsley

Client Services Lead, Birchwood Tutors