How to Make an A Level Revision Timetable

A Level exams can feel overwhelming, but a good revision timetable can turn that pressure into progress. The key isn’t just to create a timetable, it’s to make one that’s realistic, sustainable, and tailored to your life. 

Many students overload their schedules or follow generic plans, only to burn out or fall behind. A smarter approach blends structure with flexibility, and uses proven study techniques to help you remember more in less time.

In this guide, we’ve simplified the process to show you how to make an effective revision timetable into straightforward, practical steps, so you can knuckle down.

Making an A Level revision timetable in 8 steps

Step 1. Start with the big picture

Before you even think about daily revision slots, map out your full exam season. Write down every subject and paper you’re sitting, along with the dates. Then, work backwards from the first exam to see how many weeks you have to prepare. 

This gives you the framework for your timetable.

Next, plot in your non-negotiable commitments. This can be things like sports training, part-time work, family events, and social plans. Many students skip this step and end up with a timetable that looks perfect on paper but impossible in reality. 

Remember that a realistic plan fits around your life, rather than ignoring it.

Step 2. Break subjects into topics

Avoid vague blocks like “Biology revision” or “English Lit.” Instead, break each subject into specific topics or chapters. For example, split Biology into 

• “Photosynthesis”,

• “Nervous System”,

• and “Cell Division”.

Smaller chunks make revision far less intimidating, and give you a clear sense of progress as you tick them off. If you are studying A Level Biology, here’s how to revise for A Level biology.

For timing, aim for 30–45 minutes for smaller topics, and 60–90 minutes for bigger ones. If you’re tackling a large topic, try splitting it into two shorter revision sessions to help you stay focused and prevent fatigue.

Step 3. Use memory science to your advantage

Not all revision is equal. There are two proven revision techniques that can make your study sessions far more effective.

The first is spaced repetition, where you review a topic several times with increasing gaps in between—say, after 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks. This strengthens long-term memory and prevents last-minute cramming. We go into more detail about the workings of this method in our spaced repetition guide.

The second is interleaving, which means mixing different subjects or topics in a single day rather than focusing on one for hours. For example, revising Chemistry followed by English and then Biology forces your brain to retrieve information in varied contexts, which improves recall under exam conditions.

You can learn more about this technique in our student guide for the interleaving study method.

Step 4. Set a realistic daily workload

You should aim for three to five hours of focused study, broken into manageable chunks with regular breaks. Contrary to common revision myths, a productive day of revision isn’t about chaining yourself to your desk for eight hours straight. Quality is far more important than quantity.

A balanced structure might look like this:

• two focused sessions on different subjects in the morning

• one or two more in the afternoon

• a lighter review session in the evening. 

A tip from us to you: past paper questions and flashcard reviews work really well for those shorter evening slots.

Step 5. Build in buffer days

Make sure to include at least one buffer slot per week. A ‘buffer day’ is an unassigned session where you can catch up on anything you’ve missed. Creating a safety net keeps your timetable realistic and prevents a single bad day from completely throwing you off course.

One of the biggest mistakes students make is packing their timetable so tightly that there’s no room for disruption. Illness, extra homework, or unexpected plans can easily derail a rigid schedule, so, allow some room for the unexpected. 

Step 6. Adapt if you fall behind

Falling behind isn’t failure, it’s part of the process. The important thing is to adjust rather than abandon your plan. That might mean you shift non-urgent topics to your buffer days, combine smaller topics into a single session, or reduce time spent on strong subjects so you can focus on weaker ones. 

Your timetable should be a flexible guide, rather than a strict rulebook.

Example A Level revision timetable

Here’s an example of how you might structure your week:

This format mixes subjects, allows for breaks, and ends with lighter review sessions. You can expand it to include all your subjects, and rotate topics across the week.

Step 7. Keep yourself motivated

Motivation to revise effectively typically comes from visible progress and small wins. Something as simple as physically ticking off topics as you finish them creates a sense of momentum and, therefore, motivation. 

You can use digital tools like Google Calendar, Notion, or Trello to keep your timetable flexible, and easy to adjust. Or, you can opt for the trusty pen and paper, writing and highlighting in co-ordinated colours to keep your revision visually interesting and easy to understand.

Most importantly, reward yourself after completing a tough topic or a productive day. Rewards could be watching your favourite show, meeting friends, or simply taking time to relax.

Step 8. Use top-class revision materials

Even the best timetable needs high-quality resources to make every session count. That’s where Save My Exams comes in. Our A Level revision resources cover every major subject with clear, exam-focused notes, topic-by-topic questions, and fully worked solutions.

By pairing your timetable with these resources, you can:

• Quickly recap topics with concise revision notes

• Test yourself with past paper questions

• Make your revision stick with interactive flashcards

• Access your own AI exam coach, giving instant feedback on your answers based on real A Level mark schemes.

The combination of structured planning, plus top-class materials, ensures you’re revising smarter, not just harder. If you want to get the most out of every study slot, Save My Exams has got you covered.

FAQs about A Level revision timetables

When should I start my A Level revision timetable?

Most students start a structured revision timetable about three months before exams. However, earlier is better for high-demand subjects or if you want to spread revision out more gently.

How many hours a day should I revise for A Levels?

When it comes to how many hours you should be revising for A Levels, quality beats quantity every time. Aim for 3–5 hours of focused revision per day, broken into chunks. Overloading can lead to burnout and poor information retention.

Should I revise one subject per day, or multiple?

Revising multiple subjects per day is better for memory, but don’t go over the top. Interleaving topics keeps your brain active and improves memory and recall in the long-run.

What’s the best way to stick to my timetable?

The best way to stick to your timetable is to keep it realistic, update it regularly, and include flexibility. Tick off completed topics and reward yourself for milestones.

Do I need to revise every day?

You don’t necessarily need to revise every day without fail. Rest days are important for recovery and long-term productivity. Build them in if you can.

Final thoughts 

A successful A Level revision timetable is personal, practical, and adaptable. It works with your life, not against it, and uses evidence-based techniques like spaced repetition and interleaving to make your study time count. 

With the right balance of structure and flexibility, you’ll approach exam season feeling prepared, confident, and in control.

If you need any support along the way, Save My Exams has all the A Level revision resources you need to get the grades you want.