How do I get started with revision?

This article was last updated on 5 May 2023.

We know you'd rather be watching the grass grow on the school field than getting started with your Nationals or GCSE revision, but once you make that leap and get started, it does get easier to make progress. Trust us.

In this short video, our Mind Set coaches have some advice about what really helped them get started with their revision. Once you've spent a couple of minutes on the video, scroll down for a recap of their useful advice.

It's important not to think too far ahead when you start your revision – it can be a long road! Our expert, Anxiety Josh, advises to set short-term, smart goals, and not to do anything too ambitious or plan too far in the future. During her mock GCSE exams, Millie says she started off really slowly with her revision, she wasn’t sure if she was doing it right or not, but once she got into it, she identified which revision techniques were really good for her. Mindset coach Lauren, decided to study her least favourite subject first, then treated herself by doing her favourite subject next.

Shay's top tip is to make your revision active. Retrieval practice using flash cards is one way to actively revise. You can find out more about how to do that in this video.

Daniel found English Literature to be one of the hardest subjects, so reading a little bit every night helped with his performance and grades. Nung recommends starting as early as you can and then gradually building up the amount of revision you do. Our Mind Set expert, Dr Radha, suggests that you build in rewards for your revision. It might be your favourite snack, using social media, or having a bit of fresh air – just make sure you take time to do something you enjoy!

For more stress-relieving tips on the road to your exams check out this guide

The Mind Set is two things: a series of films to help support you through your GCSEs and Nationals and a group of amazing young coaches who appear in the films.

Our coaches have been through their GCSEs or National Qualifications already. They come from all different backgrounds and all corners of the UK and they’ve all faced different challenges in getting to grips with exam revision. What they’ve got in common is that they all have heaps of exam revision tips, advice, helpful hints, hacks and wonderful words of wisdom they want to share with you.

In the series, we also hear advice from mental health professionals like Josh Fletcher (AKA “Anxiety Josh”) on how to look after your wellbeing and stay resilient during revision and exams season and we have top revision hacks from our very own memory expert, Dr Vanessa Loaiza!

Explore the Bitesize Study Support pages for more information and revision support.

This article was last updated on 12 October 2023.

You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.

If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.