GCSE Exam Checklist: Everything You Need For Exam Day

Introduction

GCSE exam season can feel stressful, especially when you’re trying to balance revision, equipment, and exam dates. Using a simple exam checklist may not remove that feeling of dread completely. But it will help you to stay calmer, organised, and more confident in the weeks leading up to your exams.

This guide explains everything you need to include in your GCSE exam checklist, from last-minute revision tasks to what to bring on the day. It’s designed to help you feel focused, prepared, and ready to do your best.

Key Takeaways

• A GCSE exam checklist keeps you organised, confident, and ready for every paper.

• Plan your revision early and make sure you have all your materials prepared.

• Pack your exam essentials such as pens, a calculator, and ID the night before.

• Look after your wellbeing. Sleep, good food, and calm focus help you perform your best.

Why a GCSE Exam Checklist Matters

When you’re revising for several subjects at once, it’s easy to forget small but essential details. Using an exam checklist helps you stay on top of everything, from organising your notes to remembering your calculator. 

It can help you:

• Stay focused on what matters most each week.

• Avoid panic by ticking off tasks as you go.

• Feel confident that you haven’t forgotten anything.

Your checklist provides you with a clear plan to follow, so you don’t have to rely on memory when things get busy. You’re already trying to remember enough! 

Every time you tick off a task, you’ll feel more in control and ready for what comes next. It should reduce your anxiety, especially in those final days leading up to your final exams.

4 Weeks Before Exams: Get Organised

In the month before your GCSE exams, good planning makes everything feel more manageable. Creating a good revision routine now means less stress once exams begin.

• Finalise your revision timetable
  Make sure you’ve built in time for every subject, including review days and rest breaks. Try using spaced repetition and active recall to strengthen memory.

• Gather all your materials
  Make sure you have access to revision notes, past papers, flashcards, and exam questions for each of your subjects.

• Identify weak topics
  Use Smartmark and any feedback from your mock exams to identify areas that need extra attention.

• Set up your study space
  Choose a quiet area, keep distractions away, and stock up on stationery. There’s plenty of advice in our guide to setting up a perfect study space.

• Look after yourself
  Eat well, rest properly, and give your mind regular breaks. They’re part of effective revision too. 

Get used to using your GCSE exam checklist now to make sure it feels like second nature by the time the first paper comes around.

The Night Before an Exam

The evening before an exam is the time to prepare calmly and focus on rest. 

Here’s a checklist to guide you through these final steps, so you can wake up ready to perform your best.

• Double-check your exam details
  Confirm the time, location, and paper you’re sitting. Check your timetable and set an alarm that gives you plenty of time in the morning.

• Pack your bag
  Lay out your clothes, exam equipment, and ID. Make sure your calculator works and that you have spare pens.

• Avoid last-minute cramming
  Glance through your notes or flashcards, but avoid starting new topics. Keep it light and confidence-building.

• Put your phone away
  Give yourself time to switch off. Spend the evening doing something relaxing, such as reading, stretching, or listening to music.

• Get a good night’s sleep
  Go to bed early and aim for at least seven hours of rest. Feeling refreshed will help you stay focused and calm during the exam.

Consult our detailed guide to help you through what to do the night before an exam.

Exam Day Essentials

Before you leave for your exam, check you have everything you need. Packing the night before helps you avoid any early-morning stress.

Here’s your GCSE exam checklist of essentials to bring to every exam:

If you’re sitting an exam in a subject that allows specific materials, such as a set text for English Literature, make sure they meet the exam rules. Books must be clean and free from notes or markings.

Having everything ready means you can focus on performing your best once you sit down to start the paper. After the first exam, you’ll get into the rhythm of bringing the right items each time. But do keep this checklist handy to remind you of the essentials.

Oh, and always pack spare pens. You’ll thank me later.

Looking After Yourself During Exam Season

Exams can feel intense, but looking after your wellbeing helps you stay focused and perform better. Your GCSE exam checklist should include time for rest, food, and relaxation as well as revision. 

Here’s what to remember:

• Sleep well: Aim for seven to nine hours each night. Rest helps your brain remember what you’ve studied.

• Eat balanced meals: Choose foods that release energy slowly, such as oats, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. Avoid too much caffeine or sugar, as they can affect concentration.

• Take breaks: Move around every hour or so. A short walk or stretch refreshes your mind.

• Talk it out: If stress builds up, speak to someone you trust, such as a teacher, friend, or family member. Spend time around people who make you feel calm and supported.

• Be kind to yourself: Not every exam will feel perfect, and that’s okay. Focus on doing your best, then move on to the next paper.

If you find stress building up, try breathing exercises or use our exam anxiety relief kit for plenty of ideas to help you.

Consult our Learning Hub for further advice on developing positive study habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do the night before a GCSE exam?

Check your GCSE exam checklist, pack your bag, and go over any final notes. Try to relax, get a good night’s sleep, and avoid last-minute cramming.

Can I bring a calculator to all my GCSE exams?

No. Calculators are only allowed for certain papers, such as Maths (Papers 2 and 3) and some Science exams. Always check with your teacher or exam timetable to be sure.

What if I forget something on the day?

Stay calm and tell your teacher or the invigilator straight away. 

Most schools keep spare equipment for emergencies, such as pens or rulers. But you’ll feel much calmer if you bring your own.

How can I stop feeling so anxious before exams?

Prepare early, use relaxation techniques, and focus on what you can control. Deep breathing, stretching, or short walks can all help you feel calmer.

Stay Calm, Stay Prepared

A GCSE exam checklist helps you stay calm and focused when it matters most. Knowing that you’ve prepared everything in advance gives you the confidence to walk into each exam ready to do your best.

You’ve put in months of effort and learning, and that hard work will show. Take time to breathe, trust your preparation, and walk into each exam knowing you’ve got this.

When you need extra support, Save My Exams is here to help. 95% of members say Save My Exams makes their revision less stressful*. Explore our GCSE revision notes, past papers, and learning hub revision tips to help you stay organised, calm, and confident throughout exam season.