It’s easy to get overwhelmed by revision advice; timetables, colour-coding, 10-hour study days… most of it sounds impressive but doesn’t actually help. What you really want to know is what worked for someone who’s already been through GCSEs and come out with top grades.
In this video, a former GCSE student (Amanda) who achieved five Grade 9s shares the five habits that genuinely made the difference. No overcomplicated systems. No unrealistic routines. Just practical advice you can actually use - especially if you’re feeling stressed, tired, or stuck. Watch this before you change your revision plan again.
I did my GCSEs two years ago and I got five Grade 9s - so here are the five things that actually helped me.
The biggest thing is staying organised - but not with a massive, overwhelming to-do list.
Condense your revision into small, manageable tasks.
For example, instead of writing "revise Jekyll and Hyde," say: "make flashcards on one theme from Jekyll and Hyde."
When tasks feel achievable, you're far more likely to actually do them.
Don't struggle in silence.
Ask your teachers questions if you're unsure, and use tools that give you feedback on your work.
Getting feedback helps you understand what you're doing well and what needs improving - which is way more effective than guessing.
You genuinely do not need to revise for ten hours a day.
Two focused hours is enough - as long as you're revising efficiently.
Experiment with different methods and work out what actually helps you remember and understand content.
Practice makes a huge difference.
The more exam questions you do, the more familiar everything feels - and the more confident you become.
Over time, you start to recognise patterns in questions and know how to respond without panicking.
This one is really important.
Make sure you're eating properly and staying hydrated.
If you're exhausted, stressed, or running on no energy, revision just won't stick - no matter how hard you try.
These habits don't just help with grades - they make revision feel calmer, more controlled and far less overwhelming.