How to prepare for GCSEs in Year 10: A parent and student guide
By Atom | Aug 13, 2025, 3:50 PM
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GCSEs might still feel a long way off at the start of Year 10, but this is exactly when the foundations for success are being laid. The move into Key Stage 4 brings new subjects, more depth, and the beginning of real exam content.
For many students and parents, this raises an important question: what should GCSE preparation look like at this stage?
This guide will help you get to grips with what Year 10 is about. We’ll cover:
Why Year 10 is an ideal time to start building revision habits
Simple study strategies for students
How parents can support without adding pressure
Tips for making the most of school assessments and mocks
Advice on maintaining balance and avoiding burnout
Why Year 10 matters for GCSE success
Year 10 marks the beginning of Key Stage 4, the official start of GCSEs. Students begin studying exam content, with some subjects completing coursework or assessments that contribute to final grades in Year 10.
Starting preparation early allows students to:
Master key topics as they’re taught, not cram later
Use spaced retrieval, a proven learning technique, to strengthen memory over time
Build effective revision habits gradually
Reduce stress and avoid burnout in Year 11
Starting early gives students more control over their learning and takes the pressure off last-minute revision.
Revision isn’t just for Year 11; regularly reviewing and revisiting topics through low-stakes practice, feedback, and spaced repetition in Year 10 will help students to remember more and feel more confident in their knowledge ahead of exam time.
Build strong study habits early
Year 10 isn’t about intense revision; it’s about laying the groundwork. Exploring how different study strategies work best at this stage can make things much more manageable when demands increase in Year 11.
Here are a few low-effort habits that can make a big difference:
Get into review mode
After a topic’s been covered in class, spend 10–15 minutes looking back over it later that week.
Jotting down key points from memory or explaining the idea to someone else can help with understanding and long-term recall.
Use light-touch recall
There is no need to revise everything, but occasional self-quizzing with flashcards or short questions can support memory and understanding.
Build a routine (without overdoing it)
Aim for 1–2 short sessions a week to start with; 20 minutes is plenty.
It can be helpful to fit this around homework, hobbies, and downtime. The aim is to stay on top of learning without pressure, with time to revisit tricky topics.
Work with teachers (and ask for help!)
Teachers play a key role in supporting students through Year 10. They help ease the transition to GCSE-level learning and are there to guide progress as the year unfolds. If something isn’t clear in class, asking questions early can make a big difference - that’s what teachers are there for!
Taking advantage of extra sessions or support groups, and using assessment feedback can help identify areas that need more attention. Even a short review of recent classwork at home can reinforce understanding over time.
Parents can support by checking in regularly (without adding pressure), encouraging open conversations about school, and creating a calm, focused environment for learning. The aim isn’t to revise harder, but to build smart, consistent habits, one step at a time.
Make the most of mock exams and assessments
Many schools begin informal assessments in Year 10. These are key opportunities to:
Practise under exam conditions
Build exam technique and timing
Get feedback on knowledge gaps
These assessments aren’t designed to be high-pressure, they’re a chance to apply learning in a low-stakes environment. Teachers use them to spot where support might be needed, so each one is a useful stepping stone, not a final judgement.
Stay balanced: wellbeing matters too
GCSE prep doesn’t mean giving up hobbies or downtime. A balanced routine supports focus and long-term resilience.
Stick to regular sleep patterns
Build in time for sport, music, or creative outlets
Keep social time and screen time in check
Parents: watch for signs of burnout or anxiety. If it crops up, press pause and revisit your child’s schedule together.
Consistent, manageable revision paired with strong wellbeing habits gives students the best chance of thriving throughout Years 10 and 11.
Final thoughts
Year 10 isn’t about cramming or adding pressure; it’s a chance to build positive habits and become familiar with how GCSEs work. Small, consistent steps such as occasional review, staying curious, and seeking support when needed can have a big impact over time. Progress doesn’t need to happen all at once; there’s plenty of time, and steady effort makes all the difference.
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