Josie O'Brien
Writer and editor, Performance Learning. Josie writes and edits Performance Learning's guides for parents and students, and edits the Dear Dr Tej column.
Why is my daughter underperforming in A Level Economics even though she’s totally capable?
Dr Tej Samani’s advice is that a capable A Level student who understands the content but scores poorly usually has an exam skills problem, not a knowl…
5 study habits to build in the new year that’ll supercharge your grades
The study habits that make the biggest difference for GCSE and A Level students are writing every deadline and plan in one planner or calendar, studyi…
My daughter works so hard for her GCSEs but exam anxiety is ruining everything
Dr Tej Samani’s advice is that exam anxiety triggers a fight-or-flight response that temporarily blocks memory retrieval, so reassurance alone rarely …
How to include GCSE revision in the Christmas holidays without overwhelming yourself
GCSE revision over the Christmas holidays should feel light and manageable, not exhausting. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes on most days rather than whole re…
What is academic burnout and how to deal with it
Academic burnout is a state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion caused by sustained pressure to do well, not simply tiredness from homework. …
My son, 16, is scared to leave school but won’t admit it – how do I support him?
Dr Tej Samani’s advice is that a 16-year-old who avoids college or apprenticeship applications is usually afraid, not lazy. School feels safe because …
My daughter is super bright but does the bare minimum at school – how can I motivate her?
Dr Tej Samani’s advice is that a bright child who does the bare minimum is rarely lazy. Coasting still earns a pass, and low effort can protect them f…
When do schools break up for Christmas 2025? A complete guide
Most schools in England break up for around two weeks at Christmas, usually finishing a few days before Christmas Day and returning a few days after N…
My child refuses to go to school and I have no idea why – help!
Dr Tej Samani’s advice is that school refusal is almost always a sign a child feels overwhelmed by something they cannot yet put into words, such as a…
My son failed his mock exams but is refusing help – what should I do?
Dr Tej Samani’s advice is to treat mock results as feedback, not fate, and to separate the grade from the child. A defensive teenager is often protect…
Is your child refusing to go to school? Here’s what you can do
A child refusing to go to school is rarely being stubborn; their behaviour is a form of communication. Common causes are anxiety about not coping, bul…
My child is always on their phone and I worry it’s rotting their brain
Dr Tej Samani’s advice is that constant phone use is a sign of habits, not a damaged brain, and attention can be rebuilt with patience and structure. …
My teen is constantly revising but keeps failing exams – what’s going wrong?
Dr Tej Samani’s advice is that a hard-working teen who freezes in exams is usually using revision strategies that build familiarity, not recall. Re-re…
Parents, listen up – this is how we’re reforming the education system to better serve your child
Performance Learning welcomes the Curriculum and Assessment Review led by Professor Becky Francis but argues it does not go far enough. Dr Tej Samani …
My child shuts down whenever I ask about school – what can I do?
Dr Tej Samani’s advice is that a teenager who shuts down about school is usually struggling with how they feel, not what they can do. Parents should f…
The truth about cramming revision and why all-nighters never work
Cramming and all-nighters rarely work. Without sleep, the brain cannot consolidate what you studied into long-term memory, and stress hormones like co…
What to do when you feel overwhelmed by GCSE revision: step-by-step guide
If GCSE revision feels overwhelming, pause and take 10 minutes away to reset. Break big goals into small, specific tasks, study somewhere calm and dis…
What to do if you fail a mock exam: a step-by-step guide
If you fail a mock exam, don’t panic: mocks are practice designed to expose gaps while there is still time to fix them. Read the feedback, look for pa…
How is exam coaching different to tutoring?
Tutoring focuses on explaining subject content, usually one subject at a time. Exam coaching works on the strategy, mindset and habits behind exam suc…
How to build a revision timetable that actually works
A revision timetable that works is simple, flexible and realistic. Start by blocking out fixed commitments such as school, meals and clubs, then plan …
How sleep, diet and exercise affect exam results
Sleep, diet and exercise directly affect how well the brain works in exams. Sleep strengthens memory of what has been revised, a balanced diet with sl…
The ultimate parent’s guide to GCSE coaching
GCSE coaching helps students build learning strategies, study skills and exam techniques they can use across multiple subjects, while also managing st…
The ultimate guide to building study skills that last beyond school
Study skills boost exam results and carry into university, apprenticeships and careers. Performance Learning highlights seven: learning how to learn, …
How to stay motivated during mock exams – and then ace them
To stay motivated during mock exams, set realistic goals that focus on effort and progress, balance study with rest, and find the motivators that work…
What are exam masterclasses – and what to expect from them
An exam masterclass is a structured, interactive group session that teaches proven exam strategies while building confidence and reducing stress. Perf…
How coaching can help students overcome exam stress – and supercharge grades
Exam coaching helps students overcome exam stress by working on three areas: mindset, strategy and wellbeing. Coaches help students reframe fear of fa…
I’m an exam coach – how to help your child focus on school in our increasingly distracted world
Attention, memory and motivation can be built like muscles, says Dr Tej Samani, so the answer to screens is training rather than banning. Parents can …
What is exam coaching?
Exam coaching is support that supplements revision by focusing on how a student learns rather than what they learn. It teaches exam technique, study s…
How to prepare for your GCSEs: a teenager’s guide to success
To prepare for GCSEs, start revising at the beginning of the school year with short, regular sessions. Build a realistic, flexible timetable by workin…
The ultimate back to school guide for student success
To make a strong start to the school year, Performance Learning recommends setting up a tidy study space, easing back into earlier bedtimes and a pred…
10 exam skills every student needs to ace any test
The 10 exam skills that help students ace any test are active recall, spaced repetition, mind maps, the Feynman technique, focus training, time manage…
What to expect on GCSE results day: a complete guide
On GCSE results day, most schools open from around 8am, so check your school’s times in advance. Bring photo ID and a charged phone, and decide how yo…
How exam coaching can help you after grade disappointment
Exam coaching can help after grade disappointment because it looks beyond subject content to how a student learns, revises and performs under pressure…
What to expect on A Level results day: a complete guide
On A Level results day, students can collect results from school or college, usually from 8am, while UCAS Hub confirms whether firm or insurance choic…
A complete guide to thriving with your increased A Level workload
To cope with the bigger A Level workload, students should accept that they will study fewer subjects in more depth with more independent learning, the…
Results day survival guide: what to do next if you passed, failed or were borderline
After results day, take time to breathe and reflect, then talk to family, friends and teachers. If you failed or were borderline, work out where you l…
The key school term dates every parent needs to know for the 2025–26 academic year
UK school term dates are not set nationally, so they vary by local authority and sometimes by school. Most schools in England and Wales start in early…
Charity shop challenges to home cinemas – 10 budget ways to keep kids entertained in summer holidays
You can keep children entertained over the summer holidays on a budget by making the most of home and free local options. Try a home cinema afternoon,…
Keep your child learning over the school holidays: 12 fun and kid-approved activities
You can keep your child learning over the school holidays without losing the rest they need by building learning into everyday fun. Reading challenges…
Why your revision plan isn’t working – and 10 tips to fix it
Most revision plans fail because they are built on hope rather than strategy. To fix yours, prioritise low-confidence topics, start with realistic 25-…
How are GCSE and A Level grade boundaries set? Everything students and parents need to know
GCSE and A Level grade boundaries are set by exam boards after exams are taken and marking is nearly finished. Boards compare this year’s marks with p…
10 signs your child needs exam coaching rather than tutoring
Your child may need exam coaching rather than tutoring if the problem is not subject knowledge but confidence, stress, revision structure or exam tech…
What are UCAS points and what do they mean? Your guide to university entry
UCAS points, officially UCAS Tariff points, convert post-16 qualifications and grades into a single score so universities and colleges can compare app…
The most popular GCSE subjects revealed: what are students choosing and why?
Beyond the compulsory core of English Language, maths and science, the most popular GCSE options in 2024 were History (325,437 students), Geography (2…
How to build school confidence over summer break: 10 easy tips for parents
Parents can build a child’s school confidence over the summer with small, steady steps: keep a regular routine, review last year’s learning, set small…
How to prepare for university: a parent and student guide to thriving, not just surviving
Preparing for university goes beyond grades, UCAS forms and open days. Students need to learn independently, manage their own time and be emotionally …
Goal setting for students: how to set academic goals that actually stick
Students set goals that stick by starting with what they value, then turning target grades into specific behaviours they control, such as writing one …
Understanding GCSE grades: everything you need to know about the 9-1 grading system
GCSEs in England are graded 9 to 1, replacing the old A*–G letters. Grade 9 is the highest, viewed as above an A*. Grade 5 is a strong pass that some …
A Level grades explained: Everything you need to know
Reformed A Levels in England are linear, so grades come from exams at the end of the two-year course, with coursework used only where essential. AS Le…
5 hidden mindset blocks that hurt GCSE success – and how to overcome them
Five mindset blocks commonly hurt GCSE success: low confidence, fear of failing, not knowing how to study, stress outside school and lack of motivatio…
School improvement planning: why emotional data should lead the way
School improvement plans should start with emotional data, not just academic performance. Emotional data captures how students feel, think and respond…
When is the last GCSE exam in 2025?
In the summer 2025 series, the last GCSE exams were scheduled for mid-to-late June, depending on the exam board: Wednesday 18 June for OCR, Eduqas and…
What is the national curriculum and why does it matter?
The national curriculum is the framework that sets out the subjects and content pupils must learn at each stage of school. It is split into four key s…
How to support a child with exam anxiety
Dr Tej Samani says exam anxiety is less about the exam than the identity and meaning a child attaches to it. Parents can help in two steps: reframe ex…
How many GCSEs do you take – and what subjects can you pick?
Most students in England take between 8 and 10 GCSEs. English, Maths and Science are compulsory, with Science taken either as three separate sciences …