10 Tips to Help Prepare You for this Exam Season
If you’re living with your foster parents, you’ve already had more to deal with than most young people your age, so in this blog we’ve put together 10 straight-talking, no- fluff tips– just practical help to get you through your exams without losing your mind.
If you’re coming back from the Easter holidays to your GCSE’s, you’ve probably already heard tons of exam prep advice and hacks to help you revise.
If you’re living with your foster parents, you’ve already had more to deal with than most young people your age, so we’ve put together 10 straight-talking, no-fluff tips to help get you through your exams without losing your mind.
- Start Small— Really Small
You don’t need to spend hours locked away with a textbook to be “doing revision.” Set a timer and start with just 10–15 minutes. Pick one topic or question. That’s it. Once you’ve done that, take a break. Often times the hardest thing is getting started, and getting something done is always better than being perfect!
- Create Your Safe Study Space (Wherever You Are)
You can revise wherever you feel comfortable— a bedroom, the kitchen table, the library or in a quiet corner with headphones. Just make sure it’s somewhere where you enjoy spending time. Put your phone on silent (or airplane mode if possible), and give yourself permission to focus without feeling guilty.
- Use What Works for You
Some people love flashcards. Others? Not so much. If you like watching videos, check out some YouTube explainer content or GCSE channels. Prefer drawing? Mind maps are a winner. Hate writing notes? Try voice-noting yourself. The best method is the one you’ll actually use.
- Build in Breaks (and Treats)
Set a timer for 20–30 minutes of study, then take a 5–10 minute break. Do something nice—grab a snack, play some music, go outside, message a mate. Small rewards give you a dopamine hit, and will train your brain to want to come back and do it again.
- Talk It Out
If you’re stuck, don’t sit there stressing. Ask your foster parent, teacher, or a friend, even if it’s just to talk through a topic. Teaching someone else, even someone imaginary or talking to a teddy, is actually a great way to remember stuff. It’s the talking out loud that can help.
- Don’t Compare Yourself
It’s easy to feel like others are more prepared than you. We all compare ourselves to others sometimes, but keep your eyes on your own progress, not anyone else’s. Remember, no matter your results, the only person you’re in competition with is you!
- Let People Help You
There are so many people who want to see you win— whether it’s your teachers, parents, foster parents, social workers, friends or siblings. Let them in, and let them know when you’re struggling. Reaching our for help is not a sign of weakness— it’s smart, and strong.
- Look After You
Sleep, food, water— boring, but essential. You can’t revise well if you’re running on empty. Take a little self-care time out of your day to things that help calm you— this could be listening to music, walking, journaling, or gaming in moderation. Your mental health matters!
- See the Bigger Picture
GCSEs matter, but they don’t tell your whole story. Your results won’t define who you are or where you can go in life. They’re just one part of the journey. What does define you? Your resilience, your effort, and the fact that you’ve come this far, no matter what. That’s real strength.
- You’ve Got This
You’ve got strength, potential, and so much to offer. With the right mindset, you can achieve brilliant things— not just in your GCSEs, but in whatever path you choose next. Good luck!
Final Word?
Take one step at a time. Be kind to yourself. And remember: doing your best is enough. There’s a whole future ahead of you, and it’s not just about passing exams. It's about embracing becoming the awesome person you already are.
You've got this!