GCSEs are tough – there’s no doubt about it. But with the right mindset, strategy, and resources, achieving Grade 9s across the board is possible. I’m here to share exactly how I managed to get 16 Grade 9s, so you can apply these tips to your own revision and smash your exams too!
1. Start Early – But Smartly
I didn’t wait until Year 11 to start revising. Instead, I built strong foundations in Year 10 by: ✅ Taking notes that summarised key concepts. ✅ Completing homework properly instead of rushing it. ✅ Watching online lessons (YouTube, Physics and Maths Tutor).
By the time I started serious revision in Year 11, I already had a solid grasp of the content.
2. Use Active Recall, Spaced Repetition & Past Papers
📌 Flashcards & Questions Over Passive Reading I ditched passive reading and instead:
Created flashcards (Anki & Quizlet) with questions and answers.
Used blurting – writing everything I knew on a topic before checking notes.
Taught topics to friends, family, or even my pet (seriously, it works!).
📌 Past Papers Are Gold! I completed every past paper available for my exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) and actively analysed my mistakes. This helped me understand exam techniques and common question patterns.
📌 I used spaced repetition (blog post on this will be up!)
3. Master Exam Technique
It’s not just about knowing the content – you need to know how to apply it! Here’s what helped me: ✏️ Timed Practice – I trained myself to complete papers under real exam conditions. 📝 Mark Scheme Analysis – I didn’t just check answers; I understood what examiners wanted. 💡 Common Mistakes List – I kept a log of repeated errors and reviewed them weekly.
4. Prioritise Subjects Strategically
I didn’t revise every subject equally. Instead, I ranked them by difficulty and focused on my weaker subjects first. My schedule looked like this: 📚 Science & Maths – Daily practice (hardest subjects). 📖 English & Humanities – Essay plans and timed practice twice a week. 🌍 Languages – Speaking practice with apps and recordings.
This balanced approach prevented burnout and kept my revision effective.
5. Stay Consistent & Avoid Burnout
🚀 Small, daily efforts were key. I stuck to a realistic revision timetable, making sure to:
Take short breaks (Pomodoro technique – 25 mins work, 5 mins rest).
Exercise and get fresh air daily.
Sleep at least 7-8 hours a night – no all-nighters!
A well-rested brain remembers more than a sleep-deprived one.
6. The Secret Weapon: Predicted Papers
Using predicted papers was a game-changer. They helped me prepare for the types of questions that were likely to come up. If you want to gain an advantage, check out the 2025 GCSE Predicted Papers.
Final Thoughts
There’s no magic formula to getting all Grade 9s, but by using smart revision techniques, practicing past papers, and staying consistent, you can drastically improve your grades. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and remember – you’re capable of more than you think!
💡 What are your best revision tips? Drop them in the comments below!