As GCSE and A-level exams loom, Leeds Jewish Free School (LJFS) has rounded up some top tips for encouraging effective study habits.
As students begin to look ahead to their exams, parents often ask the same question: what can I do to help my child to build strong revision habits without adding pressure or conflict at home? School plays a crucial role in shaping effective learning behaviours, but parents are just as important in helping to establish routines, confidence, and a sense of balance.
As courses become more content heavy and assessments more rigorous, revision is no longer something that only happens in the final weeks. Research shows that students who revise ‘little and often’ – and those who understand how to learn, not just what to learn – perform better in high stakes exams. Consistency and well-practised strategies can significantly reduce anxiety and improve long term retention. Take a look at what parents can do at home…
Tidy space, tidy mind
A designated and organised area for study helps students focus and signals that learning is important. The space doesn’t need to be elaborate – a quiet table, reasonable lighting, and minimal distractions are enough. Help do this by:
- Keeping phones or social media out of reach during study blocks
- Checking that basic stationery and resources are available
- Encouraging an organised desk or folder system
Keep it consistent
Young people thrive on routine, even if they won’t always admit it! A revision timetable helps, but only if it’s realistic and flexible. A consistent routine reduces last minute stress and normalises regular study as part of daily life. Consider:
- 25-to-30-minute focused sessions followed by short breaks
- Predictable ‘study windows’ each day
- Avoiding marathon revision sessions, which reduce retention and motivation
Get active
Not all revision is equal. Students sometimes spend hours rewriting notes or highlighting textbooks, but this can give a false sense of security. Some more effective active learning strategies include:
- Retrieval practice: testing themselves on topics without looking at notes
- Spaced practice: revisiting topics over time
- Flashcards, quizzes, mind maps, and past papers
- Teaching the content back to someone else, which strengthens understanding
Promote wellbeing
Healthy habits support learning. Parents play a vital role in ensuring students:
- Get enough sleep (especially during stressful periods)
- Eat regular meals
- Have time for socialising and hobbies
- Take breaks from screens and academic pressure
Positive thinking
Students need encouragement, not pressure, and revision can trigger frustration or self-doubt. Parents can help build resilience by:
- Praising effort rather than innate ability
- Encouraging a growth mindset
- Helping to break down big tasks into manageable steps
- Avoiding comparisons with siblings, classmates, or predicted grades
The most successful outcomes occur when home and school work together. Parents provide encouragement, stability, and routine; schools provide expertise, resources, and structured learning. Together, they create the environment in which students can thrive, not only in their exams but in developing the independent learning habits they’ll carry into the future.
As GCSE and A-level preparation begins, the message for families is simple: small, consistent steps that are taken with encouragement and warmth can have a profound impact on a young person’s success and wellbeing.
