Exam, revision and parenting advice: page 3
Practical, evidence-led guides from Performance Learning's exam coaches, plus Dear Dr Tej, where founder Dr Tej Samani answers parents' questions.
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…
10 sleep tips for children to help them doze off faster & stay asleep
To help children fall asleep faster and stay asleep, keep consistent sleep and wake times, encourage daytime exercise, limit screens before bed and av…
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 …
Exam confidence made simple: how to feel ready for your exams
To feel confident about exams, first understand what the exam expects: the topics, the paper structure and the time allowed. Start revising early so y…
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…