When Should I Start Revising for Year 10 Mocks?

If your Year 10 mock exams are drawing closer, you might be starting to feel a few butterflies kicking in. Don’t worry, you're not alone. There are loads of Year 10 students up and down the country in your position who feel anxious about the first practice run for their GCSEs. And, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

One of your first questions might be, “When should I start revising for my Year 10 mock exams?” Start revising 6-8 weeks before. This gives you enough time to cover everything properly without the stress of last-minute cramming. Getting your revision timing right can make all the difference to your results and help you build the study habits you'll need for your real exams.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about timing your Year 10 mock revision perfectly.

Key Takeaways

• Year 10 mocks allow you to get used to exam conditions and find out where the gaps are in your learning.

• Beginning revision 6-8 weeks before your mocks gives you plenty of time to cover everything properly without last-minute stress and cramming.

• Active revision techniques really work. Ditch passive reading and try flashcards, past papers, teaching others, and the blurting method instead of just highlighting notes.

Why Year 10 Mocks Matter

Year 10 mock exams are your first real taste of GCSE-style exam conditions. They’ll help you understand what real GCSE exams will feel like and you'll get familiar with exam timing, question formats, and the pressure of sitting in a silent exam hall.

The results of your mock exams will also help your teachers to track your progress. They'll identify areas where you need extra support and adjust their teaching accordingly. Mock exams are also a useful tool for you as they give you a clear idea of what you’ve nailed and the areas you need to work on.

Remember, Year 10 mocks are low-stakes practice. They're the perfect opportunity to make mistakes, learn from them, set realistic targets for your real GCSEs, and build confidence as you head into Year 11.

When Are Year 10 Mocks Usually Held?

Most schools schedule Year 10 mock exams during the summer term, typically in May or June. But some schools prefer to hold them at the end of the spring term, around March or April. Ask your teachers at school about exact dates. Your school will have its own schedule and will make an announcement well in advance.

Knowing when your mocks are scheduled is crucial for planning your revision timeline. The earlier you know, the better you can prepare by creating a revision timetable that you can stick to.

When Should You Start Revising?

No matter when your Year 10 mock exams are, it’s a good idea to start revising 6–8 weeks before. This gives you enough time to cover all your subjects without feeling rushed and feeling like you’re having to cram in too much information too quickly.

Here's a simple week-by-week timeline that you might want to follow:

Weeks 6–8 before mocks:

• Gather all your notes, keep out any useful textbooks for revision, and think about any weaker areas that you might need extra support with. The teachers at your school will be able to help.

• Create a revision timetable that allocates 30-45 minutes a day to revision. This gently gets you used to a schedule without feeling too overwhelming.

Weeks 4–5 before mocks:

• Now’s the time to ramp things up a little. Increase your revision to 1–1.5 hours per day.

• Begin practising past paper questions to get you used to the format of the mock exams, the content of questions. 

• Begin using flashcards to aid active recall and identify knowledge gaps.

• Focus on your weaker subjects by breaking down revision content into manageable chunks.

Weeks 2–3 before mocks:

• Turn your revision up to the max by committing to 2 hours a day.

• Complete full past papers under timed conditions so you’ll already be used to the more formal exam hall.

Final week:

• Now is not the time to cram so take it down a notch and opt for light revision only.

• Review flashcards, any key formulas, and have a go at some quick quizzes.

• Get plenty of sleep, enjoy some of your hobbies or extracurricular activities, and stay hydrated.

Remember, consistency beats cramming every time. Regular, shorter revision sessions are much more effective than marathon study sessions.

How to Plan Your Revision Time

Creating a revision timetable and developing a routine is really important. Here's how to build one that actually works:

Start small and build up gradually. Begin with just 30 minutes per day, then slowly increase as exams approach until the final week before your exams. Then it’s time for light touch revision.

Balance all your subjects. Don't spend all your time on one subject. Rotate between different topics to keep things fresh.

Include your regular homework time. Your revision schedule needs to work alongside schoolwork, not replace it.

Plan breaks and rest days. Your brain needs time to process information. Schedule regular breaks and at least one full rest day per week.

Be realistic about your other commitments. Factor in sports, hobbies, and social time. A sustainable schedule is better than a perfect one you can't stick to.

Use a weekly planner or diary to map out your revision slots and tick them off once you’ve completed them. You’ll feel a real sense of achievement as you see just how much effort you're putting into your revision.

What to Revise for Year 10 Mocks

Year 10 mocks typically test everything you've learned so far this year, so focus on the topics you’ve already covered in class. If you’re unsure where to start, do this:

• Check with your teachers about what's included. Each subject will have specific topics covered in the mock exams. There’s no need to guess - your teachers will be very willing to let you know the sorts of areas covered by the mock exams. Then you can head onto Save My Exams and check out the revision notes that match the topics you need to cover.

• Prioritise recent topics first. These are often fresh in your mind but need reinforcing. Then work backwards through older material.

• Review your class notes regularly. Your teacher's notes contain exactly what they think is important for exams.

• Look at past homework and test questions. These give you handy little clues about the types of questions that might appear.

Tip: Don’t try to learn brand new topics during revision time. Stick to consolidating what you already know.

Year 10 Revision Techniques That Work

Active revision techniques are far more effective than just reading notes. Here are the methods that really work:

Flashcards help you memorise key facts, formulas, and vocabulary. You could create your own, but Save My Exams has ready-made digital flashcards covering nearly every subject for you to explore online. 

Past paper practice is crucial for understanding exam format and timing, but knowing the content is only half the battle. You need to know how to apply it under exam pressure, and you can do that by exploring our past paper repository. 

Victoria Burton (opens in a new tab), a former English Literature GCSE examiner, is in full agreement. She says: “The students with the best results are the ones who understand what's required by the exam board and learn how to answer each section of the exam accordingly. This might sound a little soulless and uninspiring but in reality a lot of success at GCSE level comes down to this.”

So, set a timer, put your phone in another room, and actually complete the paper. It might feel a bit stressful, but this stress will ease the more you practice.

The blurting method involves writing down everything you remember about a topic without looking at notes. Then check what you missed.

Mind maps help you see connections between different ideas. They're particularly useful for subjects like History and English Literature. Victoria goes one step further. She says: “Get on a screen! Yes really. For literature, watch recommended film adaptations of Macbeth, An Inspector Calls – or whatever text you are studying. Knowing the story inside out and understanding its value as entertainment will help cement the info you need.”

Teaching someone else is one of the best ways to test your understanding. Explain topics to family, friends, or even your pet! Your cat or dog makes an excellent listener, and they won't judge your dodgy explanations of the water cycle.

Pomodoro Technique involves studying for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. This keeps your brain fresh and focused.

Avoid passive revision like just reading notes or highlighting textbooks. The key is mixing up the above techniques. Your brain gets bored easily, so develop your revision style and keep switching between methods to stay engaged.

What If I Start Revising Late?

If you're starting with only 2–3 weeks left, there’s no need to panic. You can still make significant progress with focused effort by doing the following things:

• Prioritise your weakest subjects first. These will give you the biggest improvement in marks for time invested.

• Focus on high-impact topics. Ask teachers which topics are most likely to appear in exams.

• Use active revision techniques only. You don't have time for passive reading. Instead, stick to flashcards, past papers, and practice questions.

• Increase your daily revision time. Aim for 2 per day, but include regular breaks to avoid burnout.

• Get help from teachers. Book extra sessions with subject teachers to clarify difficult concepts quickly.

Don’t worry. Even a few weeks of focused revision can make a real difference to your results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Year 10 mocks important for GCSEs?

Yes, but not directly. They don’t count towards your final GCSE grades, but they're incredibly valuable for preparation for the real deal.

They help you identify knowledge gaps early, get familiar with exam conditions, and build effective revision habits for Year 11.

Can I start revising just a few weeks before mocks?

You can, but 6–8 weeks is much better. Starting earlier reduces stress and allows you to revise more thoroughly. Start later, and you risk feeling overwhelmed and the pressure to cram.

But if you do only have a few weeks, try not to worry. Focus on active revision techniques and prioritise your weakest subjects to maximise the revision time you do have.

What subjects should I prioritise for Year 10 mocks?

It’s a good idea to focus on the subjects you find most challenging or where you've struggled in recent tests. And prioritise core subjects like English, Maths, and Science, as these form the foundation for Year 11 work.

How many hours a day should I revise in Year 10?

Start with 30–45 minutes daily, building up to 1.5–2 hours as exams approach.

Quality matters more than quantity. Focused, active revision for shorter periods beats long, unfocused sessions every single time.

Final Thoughts

Starting your Year 10 mock revision 6-8 weeks before your exams is your secret weapon to building confidence for your GCSEs.

Remember, these mocks aren't meant to catch you out. They're your chance to see what works, spot any wobbly areas, and get comfortable with exam pressure before the real thing. 

Don't try to be perfect from day one. Start small, build your routine, and be kind to yourself when things don't go to plan. Even the most organised students have days when revision feels impossible and that's completely normal.

Most importantly, remember that the good revision habits you build now will serve you brilliantly next year. So grab your calendar, work out when your mocks are, count back 6-8 weeks, and get started. You've got this!

References

Victoria Burton, former GCSE examiner - LinkedIn Profile (opens in a new tab)