Blog

Exam, revision and parenting advice: page 2

Practical, evidence-led guides from Performance Learning's exam coaches, plus Dear Dr Tej, where founder Dr Tej Samani answers parents' questions.

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Exam coaching

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…

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Revision

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 …

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Exams

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…

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Exam coaching

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…

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Revision

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 ace your mock exams
Exams

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…

Dr Tej in virtual classroom for exam masterclass
Exam coaching

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…

student sat in front of school board that says 'never give up'
Exam coaching

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…

Dr Tej Samani sat at desk
Wellbeing

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 …

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Exam coaching

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…

child sitting GCSE exam at desk with pencil in hand
Exams

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…

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Guides

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…

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Exams

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…

Cartoon image of boy collecting GCSE grades with his parents
GCSEs

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…

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Exam coaching

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…

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A levels

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…

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A levels

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…

Exam results day 2025 survival guide
Guides

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…