Time to knuckle down: smart revision that actually works
October 2025

Time to knuckle down: smart revision that actually works

October 2025

October brings a shift, doesn't it? The honeymoon period of September is well and truly over, mock exams are looming on the horizon, and everyone's suddenly talking about "buckling down" and "getting serious." If you're feeling that familiar knot in your stomach when people mention revision, you're absolutely not alone.

I've worked with hundreds of students over the years, and October is when I see the one of the biggest shift—it's when reality kicks in, but it's also when the most powerful transformations begin. The difference between students who thrive and those who struggle isn't about natural ability or how many hours they can sit with a textbook. It's about working smart, not just hard.

Why long study sessions don't work (even though everyone does them)

Let's get one thing straight: sitting with notes for five hours straight isn't revision—it's pretty miserable and doesn't actually work. Your brain isn't designed to absorb information in marathon sessions, and the cognitive science behind this is clear.

Your working memory—the part that processes new information—can only hold a few items at once. When you try to cram everything in during those endless study sessions, you're overloading this system. Most of the information just doesn't stick.

What actually works? Short, focused bursts. Twenty to thirty minutes of active learning, followed by a proper break. This isn't being lazy—it's being strategic. Your brain needs time to process and file away what you've learned before it can take on more.

The retrieval method that works

Here's something that will genuinely improve how you revise: stop re-reading your notes over and over. Instead, try this—cover your notes and see what you can remember. Write it out. Test yourself without looking.

This is called retrieval practice, and every time you force yourself to recall information rather than just reading it, you're strengthening those memory pathways. It feels harder than passive reading—and that's exactly why it works.

Mock exams: your secret weapon, not your enemy

I know—mock exams feel pretty awful. But here's a perspective shift that might help: mocks aren't there to catch you out or make you feel rubbish. They're like practice runs that show you exactly what you need to work on, with time to actually fix it.

The students who do best in their final exams aren't necessarily the ones who ace their mocks. They're the ones who use their mock results strategically. Got a 4 in English when you need a 6? That tells you exactly where to focus your energy.

When you get your mock results back, don't just look at the grade. Look at the examiner's comments, identify the specific skills you need to develop, and create a targeted plan.

Building a revision timetable that works

Forget those colour-coded masterpieces that look impressive but fall apart after three days. A good revision timetable is simple, realistic, and built around how your brain actually learns.

Start with two to three subjects maximum per day. Mix up easier and harder topics—don't schedule your three most challenging subjects all in a row.

Build in buffer time for when things go wrong (and they will). Most importantly, schedule your breaks properly. They're not optional extras—they're when your brain actually processes and stores what you've learned.

Be realistic about your energy levels. If you're not a morning person, don't schedule your hardest subjects for 6am. Work with your natural rhythms, not against them.

For parents/carers: supporting without micromanaging

October can be stressful for the whole family. Here's how to help without driving everyone mad:

·       Create the right environment. This doesn't mean a perfect silent study space (some students work better with background noise), but it does mean minimising distractions. Make sure your child has decent lighting and keep healthy snacks accessible.

·       Focus on effort, not just results. Instead of "Did you get an A?" try "I can see you've been working really hard on that topic." Effort is something your child can control; results depend on lots of factors.

·       Help them break down big tasks. When your child says they need to "revise history," that's overwhelming. Help them get specific: "What exactly in history? Which topic? What format will you use?" Big tasks become manageable when they're broken down.

·       Respect their learning style. Some students need to pace while reading, others need complete silence, some need to explain things out loud. Don't impose your ideal study conditions on your child.

Managing study stress before it takes over

Let's be real—some stress around exams is normal and even helpful. It shows you care and can motivate you to work harder. But when stress starts interfering with sleep, appetite, or your ability to concentrate, it's time to do something about it.

Here are some tips,

·       Break tasks into smaller chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

·       Practice past questions and self-quizzing.

·       Teach the topic to a friend or read it out loud to yourself.

·       Sleep 7–9 hours—fatigue increases stress.

·       Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated.

·       Limit social media during study sessions (use “focus apps” if needed).

·       Listen to calming music or guided relaxation.

·       Write worries down in a journal to clear your mind.

When motivation disappears (and how to get it back)

Some days you'll feel ready to tackle anything. Other days, opening a textbook feels impossible.

This is completely normal. The secret is building systems that work even when motivation has disappeared.

Start small. Instead of "I'll revise for three hours," try "I'll read one page" or "I'll do five maths questions." Once you start, momentum often builds naturally. But even if it doesn't, you've still done something.

Change your environment when you're stuck. If your bedroom feels oppressive, try the kitchen table, the local library, or a coffee shop. Sometimes a change of scene is all your brain needs.

Connect with why you're doing this. Not the vague "for my future" but the specific, personal reasons. What do you actually want to achieve? What doors will these qualifications open? Make it real and personal to you.

Frequently asked questions

·       How long should revision sessions be? Twenty to thirty minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-10 minute break. This works with your brain's natural attention span rather than against it.

·       What should I do if I can't concentrate while studying? Check your environment first—remove distractions like phones. If you're still struggling, try changing location or switching to a different subject. Sometimes your brain needs variety to stay engaged. You might benefit from listening to 40Hz binaural beat music (there are lots of these on YouTube).

·       How do I know if my revision timetable is realistic? If you're consistently failing to stick to it, it's probably too ambitious. A good timetable should feel challenging but achievable. Build in buffer time and be honest about your energy levels throughout the day.

·       What's the difference between active and passive revision? Passive revision is re-reading notes or highlighting text. Active revision is testing yourself, explaining concepts out loud, or creating something new from what you've learned. Active revision is much more effective.

·       How can I use mock exam results to improve? Don't just look at the grade—analyse where you lost marks. Essay structure? Mathematical errors? Lack of detail? The examiner comments tell you exactly what to work on for your real exams.

·       When should i take breaks during revision? Every 25-30 minutes of focused work. Your brain needs time to process and store information. Breaks aren't wasted time—they're when learning actually happens.

·       Making this half-term count

October half-term is your chance to reset and refocus. Don't waste it, but also don't turn it into a revision boot camp that leaves you burned out before November starts. Use the first few days to catch up on anything you've fallen behind on. Then create a realistic plan for the remaining time—one that includes proper rest and targeted revision on your weaker areas.

This isn't about becoming a different person overnight. It's about making small, sustainable changes that add up to big improvements by exam time. You don't need to be perfect—you just need to be consistent.

Ready to make real progress?

The transformation I see regularly? October: "I'm behind on everything and don't know where to start." January: "I can see real improvement, and I feel prepared."

That change is possible for you too. It's not about being naturally brilliant or having perfect discipline. It's about working smart, being kind to yourself when things don't go to plan and remembering that every small step forward counts.

Need personalised support? Contact Bauhaus today for revision coaching, study skills support, and GCSE preparation that's tailored to how you learn best. We specialise in helping students who need a different approach—whether you're struggling with motivation, dealing with study anxiety, or just want to work more effectively.

Together, we can turn "I have to knuckle down" from a source of stress into a genuine opportunity for growth and success.

Tutu Alaka is CEO of Bauhaus Education. She's spent over 20 years helping students develop effective study strategies and achieve their potential. She believes that with the right approach, every student can learn to study smarter, not just harder.