Top 5 exam revision tips that actually work

Struggling to revise for exams or feeling overwhelmed by where to start?

In this video, we break down five proven revision techniques, backed by The Learning Scientists, to help students revise smarter, not longer.

Whether you’re revising for A Levels, GCSEs or other exams, these tips will help you improve focus, remember more, and boost your grades.

Thank you to Joe, Tobias, Ellen, Isaac and Holly for taking part in this video.

What you’ll learn in this video:

1️⃣ Make a plan (and avoid cramming)
Learn how to space out your revision over time so information sticks in your long‑term memory – far more effective than last‑minute cramming.

2️⃣ Break revision into short sessions
Discover how using short, focused study bursts (like the Pomodoro technique) with regular breaks can keep your brain sharp and motivated.

3️⃣ Test yourself (properly!)
Flashcards, blurting, and explaining topics out loud are powerful ways to check what you really know – not just what feels familiar.

4️⃣ Mix up your revision topics
Switching between subjects or activities (called interleaving) helps keep revision engaging and improves understanding, even if it feels harder at first.

5️⃣ Do past papers under exam conditions
The final and most important step: practising past exam questions to master timing, understand command words, and improve exam performance.

These revision tips are practical, realistic, and designed for students who want better results with less stress.

If you found this helpful, don’t forget to share with a friend who’s revising too.