At The Education Hotel, we work closely with families during these final few weeks of GCSE preparation. Whether your child is aiming for straight 9s or just trying to steady the ship before exams begin, there are still meaningful steps that can be taken.

Here’s how you can help your child stay calm, focused, and productive — without anyone tearing their hair out.

1.⁠ ⁠Don’t Try to Revise Everything – Go for Strategy

With time limited, covering every single topic in full just isn’t realistic — and it doesn’t need to be. Instead, students should aim for strategic wins.

Help them spot their “quick win” topics — the ones they sort of understand but haven’t quite nailed yet. These are often the easiest to turn into solid marks.

Encourage them to revisit past papers to identify the topics that show up again and again. That’s where time is best spent.

2.⁠ ⁠Focus on How to Answer – Not Just What to Answer

Knowing the material is only part of the puzzle. A student might understand the French Revolution inside out but still miss marks by misreading the question.

Practise under timed conditions. Try one or two short bursts of past paper questions each day.

Talk about command words. “Explain” and “evaluate” are not the same. Understanding what the exam is actually asking is half the battle.

3.⁠ ⁠Keep Days Doable – Not Demanding

We often see families plan 10-hour revision marathons… and then wonder why motivation crashes on day two.

Aim for two or three focused sessions a day (60–90 mins max), ideally in the morning. Then pause. Eat. Walk. Rest. Add a light review session in the evening if needed.

Build a weekly rhythm. Help your child plot a plan on a whiteboard or planner. Tick-boxes help them stay on track and feel accomplished.

4.⁠ ⁠One-to-One Support Can Ease the Pressure

In the final few weeks, working with a tutor who understands the syllabus — and your child — can be a game changer.

At The Education Hotel, our GCSE tutors are experts in building confidence quickly. They focus on the exact gaps your child has, provide exam-specific feedback, and offer calm reassurance in the most pressured weeks.

‍ One session can tackle a single tricky topic.

A short course of tuition can tighten up technique and boost motivation.

5.⁠ ⁠Support Their Wellbeing – It’s Just as Important

Some of the most powerful things you can do as a parent aren’t academic at all.

Protect their sleep. No-one does their best thinking after midnight.

Encourage movement. A walk, a stretch, a game of football — it all helps the brain reset.

Keep your tone calm. Avoid saying “You must do well” or “There’s no time.” Instead ask, “What would help today?”

Final Thought: There’s Still Time

No matter how your child feels about their GCSEs right now, progress is still possible — and often, a little support goes a long way.

Whether it’s a single tutoring session to steady the nerves or a short revision plan tailored to them, The Education Hotel is here to help students feel in control again.