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How to Prepare for GCSE and A‑Level Exams 2025-26: Key Dates, Tips & Strategy
Online Tutoring, Tutoring, Study Tips, For Parents, School, Exams

How to Prepare for GCSE and A‑Level Exams 2025-26: Key Dates, Tips & Strategy


Sep 18, 2025    |    0

The 2025–26 school year has officially begun, and while the GCSE and A‑Level exams may feel far away, now is the perfect time to get a head start. Whether you're entering Year 10, Year 11, Year 12 or Year 13, preparing early can reduce stress, improve performance, and lead to better outcomes next summer.

In this post, we’ll cover:

✅ Key academic milestones
🎯 Long-term and short-term revision strategies
🧠 Smart study habits for the modern student
🗓️ Tentative exam dates for summer 2026

Key Dates for the 2025–26 Academic Year

While official exam board schedules will be released later in the year, here are the expected milestones based on previous patterns:

 GCSE 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Exams Begin: Early May 2026
Exams End: Mid to Late June 2026
Results Day: Thursday, 20 August 2026 (expected)

A-Level 2026
Exams Begin: Early to Mid May 2026
Exams End: Late June 2026
Results Day: Thursday, 13 August 2026 (expected)

🗓️ 1. Set Up for Success from your first term

Autumn Term (Sept–Dec 2025): Build Strong Foundations
Stay up to date with coursework.
Identify weak topics early and seek help if needed.
Create a subject tracker to monitor your understanding.

Spring Term (Jan–Mar 2026): Start Structured Revision
Begin past paper practice in core subjects.
Attend school-led mock exams to gauge progress.
Use tutoring or group study to address recurring problem areas.

Summer Term (Apr–Jun 2026): Refine Exam Technique
Complete full timed papers.
- Review mark schemes to understand what examiners expect.
Focus on time management and accuracy.

🧠 2. Adopt Smarter, Not Harder, Study Methods

Forget marathon study sessions. Use techniques that actually work:

Method Why It Works
Spaced repetition Reinforces memory through repeated exposure over time.
Pomodoro technique Breaks study into focused sprints (25 mins on, 5 mins off).
Blurting Write down everything you know on a topic—then fill the gaps.
Teach it Explaining a topic to someone else shows you truly understand it.


🛠️ 3. Use the Right Tools

Modern revision is more than textbooks. Try these student-favourite resources:

Seneca Learning – Great for active recall & quizzing.
Quizlet & Anki – Flashcards that use spaced repetition.
BBC Bitesize – Concise summaries for all major exam boards.
Tutography – For 1-on-1 and group tutoring that aligns with current specs.

💬 4. Stay Connected and Ask for Help

Early support = less stress later on.

- Form study groups or revision partnerships.
Don’t be afraid to ask teachers or tutors for clarification.
Book tutoring sessions ahead of the pre-exam rush.

🧘 5. Prioritise Mental Well-Being

Academic success means nothing without balance. Stay healthy by:

- Getting 7–9 hours of sleep nightly.
Taking regular screen breaks.
Staying active – even short walks help focus.
Practicing mindfulness or journaling during exam season.

Remember: You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be consistent.

Prepare Now, Thank Yourself Later

The 2025–26 academic year is full of potential. By starting your preparation early, developing effective study habits, and seeking support when needed, you’ll walk into your GCSEs or A‑Levels with confidence.

At Tutography, we specialise in helping students stay on track all year long—offering tailored tutoring, revision planning, and exam prep grounded in the latest exam board changes.