How To Get Better Grades: A Level Guide

A Levels are challenging, and it is normal to feel pressure about your grades. If you’ve been searching for advice on how to get better grades at A Level, you’re definitely not alone. As teachers, and former students ourselves, we know that feeling. You might be aiming higher after your mocks or working towards a university offer. You may simply want to feel more confident in the exam hall. 

Whatever your situation, improving your grades is possible with the right approach. This guide gives you clear, practical steps that work across all subjects. You’ll learn how to understand your weak areas, use mark schemes properly, revise using proven techniques and build stronger exam skills. Stay consistent with your revision and try these strategies to boost your confidence and prepare for success.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding where you lose marks is the first step to improving your A Level grades. Use past papers, mock results and teacher feedback to spot patterns.

• Learning how examiners award marks helps you write stronger answers. Mark schemes and examiners’ reports show you what top-level responses include.

• Active recall and spaced repetition are the most effective ways to revise. These methods help you remember more in less time.

• Practising exam-style questions under timed conditions builds confidence, improves technique and helps you avoid common mistakes.

Step 1: Understand Where You're Losing Marks

Before you can improve your grades, you need to know exactly what is holding you back. Start by reviewing your mock papers, class tests and teacher feedback. Look for patterns, not one-off mistakes.

Ask yourself questions like:

• Which topics do I lose marks on most often?

• Do I run out of time or leave questions unfinished?

• Are my mistakes caused by knowledge gaps or exam technique?

• Do I struggle more with short answers, essays, or data questions?

Try breaking your mistakes into small, clear categories. For example:

• Topics you do not fully understand

• Misread or rushed questions

• Weak structure in long answers

• Lost marks for missing key terms or not showing working

Be honest with yourself. Once you know where the problems are, you can create a focused plan to address them. This approach is far more practical than trying to revise everything at once.

Save My Exams features several tools to make this process easier:

• Target Tests help you spot weaker topics in seconds.

• Mock Exams show how you perform under real pressure.

• The new Strengths & Weaknesses tool reveals the skills and topics that need the most attention.

Learn more about how Save My Exams is a great A Level study resource in our Learning Hub.

Step 2: Master Your Subject’s Mark Scheme

A Level exams reward very specific skills. Even if you understand the content, you may still miss marks if you are not giving examiners exactly what they expect. Learning how the mark scheme works is one of the quickest ways to improve your grades.

Start by studying three key documents:

• Past papers, to see how questions are phrased

• Mark schemes, to understand how each answer is judged

• Examiners’ reports, which explain common mistakes and what high-scoring responses include

As you revise, look for patterns in the way marks are awarded. For example:

• In essay subjects, examiners often want clear argument, analysis and evidence.

• In the sciences, you may need to include specific command words or key terms.

• In maths, method marks are essential, even if the final answer is wrong.

Try marking a few of your own answers using the official mark scheme. It may feel strict, but it helps you see where marks are gained or lost. Pay particular attention to the top-level criteria and ask yourself:

• Have I answered the command word correctly?

• Have I shown the steps, reasoning or analysis the question requires?

• Have I included enough detail to reach the top band?

The more familiar you are with the mark scheme, the easier it becomes to shape your answers in the way examiners want. This alone can lead to quick and noticeable grade improvements. Consult our guide on how to use past papers in your revision.

Step 3: Use Active Recall and Spaced Repetition

One of the biggest differences between students who make fast progress and those who stay stuck is how they revise. Simply rereading notes does not strengthen your memory. 

To get better grades at A Level, you need revision methods that train your brain to retrieve information quickly and reliably. Two techniques make the most significant difference: active recall and spaced repetition.

Active recall

Instead of re-reading notes, test yourself. Try:

• Flashcards or quizzes

• Writing down everything you remember without looking

• Answering past paper questions from memory

Read more in our guide to active recall.

Spaced repetition

Revisit topics at regular intervals so they stick long term. For example:

• Day 1: learn it

• Day 3: review it

• Day 7: test it again

• Day 14: another quick check

Spacing out your revision helps the information move into long-term memory so that you can recall it more easily in the exam. Learn more in our guide to spaced repetition.

Combine both methods by turning each topic into quick questions and testing yourself often. Even short sessions make a big difference when done consistently.

Step 4: Build Strong Revision Routines

You don’t need marathon study days. Cramming is rarely effective. Instead, you need to find your way to a steady, focused revision that fits around your life and keeps you moving forward.

How to Balance Your Subjects

Some subjects naturally need more time than others. Try to:

• Prioritise topics or subjects where your marks are lowest

• Give extra attention to exams that are scheduled first

• Mix harder tasks with easier wins to keep momentum going

Review your plan every week. If a subject is improving, you can shift time towards other areas that need more support.

The Importance of Downtime

Rest is part of revision, not a break from it. Your brain processes information when you sleep, relax and switch off. Make time for:

• Proper sleep

• Short breaks between tasks

• Light exercise or fresh air

A rested mind remembers more, concentrates better and avoids burnout. Find more advice on taking breaks when studying.

Step 5: Practice Under Exam Conditions

One of the fastest ways to improve your A Level grades is to practise the way you’ll be assessed. Timed, exam-style practice helps you:

• Get used to the pressure of working against the clock

• Build confidence with real question styles

• Spot where you run out of time or lose marks

• Learn how to structure answers without relying on notes

Try single questions under timed conditions, then build up to full sections or full papers. By the time you walk into the final exam, it should feel like something you’ve done many times before.

After each attempt, mark your work honestly using the official mark scheme. Be strict with yourself and look for patterns in your mistakes. If you’re not confident to do this, ask a teacher to check them for you. 

Step 6: Improve Exam Technique

As your teachers have undoubtedly said countless times, strong exam technique makes a huge difference. That’s true even if your subject knowledge stays the same. 

Examiners are following strict marking schemes that reward clarity, precision and well-structured answers. Even small changes to how you approach questions can have a big impact on getting better grades.

Long-answer questions

Take 30 seconds to plan before you write. Use clear paragraphs, stay focused on the command word and link back to the question throughout. Examiners want to see logical reasoning, not just everything you remember about the topic.

Data or source-based tasks

Slow down and read the graph, table or extract carefully. Identify trends or key points before jumping into your response. Use data as evidence in your explanation — this is an easy way to pick up extra marks.

Essays

Build a clear argument rather than listing facts. Use a simple structure: point, evidence, explanation. Show balance where needed, and use subject-specific terminology accurately to reach the higher bands.

Always read the command words

Words like ‘evaluate’, ‘analyse’, ‘compare’ or ‘justify’ require different skills. If your answer does not match the command word, you can lose marks even if your knowledge is strong. Look at past paper questions and ensure you recognise exactly what each type of question requires from you.

Step 7: Use Feedback and Ask for Help

Use feedback

Feedback is one of the fastest ways to improve your A Level grades. Every marked test or mock offers valuable clues about where you need to improve. Use this information to guide your next steps. Use our Smart Mark tool to give you instant personalised feedback. 

Ask for help 

If you’re unclear on why you lost marks, ask. Your teachers will explain what examiners expect and show you where your answers went off track. They can offer advice to help you improve quickly. A short 1:1 conversation can clear up something you’ve been struggling with for weeks.

Use peer support wisely

Studying with a partner or group can help you spot gaps you didn’t know you had. Teaching someone else is also a brilliant way to check whether you truly understand a topic. Learn more in our guide to this process, known as the Feynman Technique.

Apply feedback straight away

Rewrite one weak paragraph, redo a question you struggled with or try a similar task under timed conditions. The quicker you act on feedback, the faster you’ll improve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to improve A Level grades?

It depends on where you are starting from, but many students see progress within a few weeks once they use targeted revision. Bigger grade jumps usually take a term or more. 

What matters most is consistency. Small improvements add up quickly when you follow a clear plan.

Can I turn a D into an A in one year?

Yes, it is possible. Students do it every year. You will need a focused revision routine, regular practice with past papers and clear feedback on your work. 

The sooner you start, the easier it becomes to build strong exam skills and close knowledge gaps.

What’s the best revision method for A Levels?

Active recall and spaced repetition are the two most effective methods. 

Testing yourself, answering questions from memory and revisiting topics over time helps you remember far more than re-reading notes. These techniques work for every subject.

How can I stay motivated while revising?

Set small goals, track your progress and break tasks into manageable chunks. Mix up your revision methods to keep things interesting. 

Remember your reasons for wanting better grades and give yourself credit for the effort you’re putting in. Motivation grows when you see progress, even small wins.

Final Thoughts

Improving your A Level grades is a steady process, and every small step you take helps you build confidence. With the right revision habits and a clearer understanding of what examiners look for, you can make real progress in any subject.

Focus on consistency, keep track of what is working for you and give yourself time to grow. 

If you’d like structured support along the way, Save My Exams helps you get the best possible grades—with less effort and no overwhelm. 97% of Save My Exams members report getting better grades.*

Our A Level revision resources are written by real examiners and expert teachers, and designed to match your exact exam board. We’ll help you to stay focused and feel fully prepared for your exams. Good luck with your A Levels!

References

• * 1917 Save My Exams students were surveyed in September 2025