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When it comes to preparing for GCSEs, IGCSEs, and A Levels, students and parents often ask: should we go for structured revision resources or personalised tutoring? Two leading names that take very different approaches are Save My Exams and Study Mind.
Save My Exams is known for its expertly written, exam-board-specific resources designed for independent study, while Study Mind focuses on live tutoring and 1:1 mentoring from experienced tutors. In this guide, we’ll compare their features, costs, and suitability so you can decide which platform best fits your goals and budget.
Platform Overviews
What Is Save My Exams?
Save My Exams is a premium revision platform created for GCSE, IGCSE, IB and A Level students. Every resource is written by teachers and examiners, so the content is accurate and tailored directly to exam board specifications. The platform is built for independent, self-paced study and focuses on exam technique as much as subject knowledge.
Key features include:
Concise revision notes that summarise key topics clearly
Exam-style questions with model answers to practise applying knowledge
Past papers and walkthroughs to build exam confidence
Examiner tips that highlight common pitfalls and strategies
Our AI marking tool, Smart Mark, to help predict your exam grade
Mock exams to simulate real exam conditions
Flashcards to practice active recall for exam-aligned topics
Research shows that students using Save My Exams improve their results by an average of two grades, making it popular with learners who want affordable, structured revision that mirrors what’s expected in the exam.
What Is Study Mind?
Study Mind is a tutoring and mentoring platform offering personalised support for students from GCSE through to university applications. Instead of self-paced notes and resources, Study Mind provides live lessons, small group classes, and 1:1 tuition, usually delivered online. Study Mind’s tutors include Oxbridge and medical students, as well as graduates with specialist subject knowledge.
Key features include:
One-to-one or small-group tutoring tailored to individual needs
Mentoring for university entry, including Medicine and Oxbridge
Live classes with interactive teaching and direct feedback
Revision notes on a wide range of GCSE, IGCSE, and A Level subjects
Customised study plans based on each student’s strengths and weaknesses
Study Mind is aimed at students who want guided, premium support, either to boost confidence in tricky subjects or to aim for top grades with professional coaching.
Key Differences
Category | Save My Exams | Study Mind |
Level coverage | GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, IB and AP | GCSE, A Level, university admissions |
Subject coverage | Wide range with exam-board-specific pathways across GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, and IB subjects (sciences, maths, humanities, languages) | Academic subjects plus specialist support for Medicine, Oxbridge prep, interviews, UCAT/BMAT |
Resource variety | Revision notes, topic questions with worked answers, past papers, model answers, flashcards. | 1:1 tutoring, small-group classes, mentoring, live lessons, revision notes, university application coaching |
Content quality | Written by teachers & examiners; tightly aligned to exam boards. | Delivered by Oxbridge/medical student tutors and graduates; tailored to student needs |
Pricing | Affordable membership with free trial; self-paced resources.* | Premium pricing for live tutoring and mentoring; tailored packages available* |
* Always check current pricing on official pages, as offers can change. Information is correct at the time of writing.
Which Platform Is Best for You?
For Students
If you’re confident working independently and want affordable, structured resources, Save My Exams is a strong choice. Its exam-board-specific revision notes, exam questions, flashcards, and past papers make it easy to focus directly on what you need for GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, or IB success.
If you prefer more personalised guidance, Study Mind could be better. With 1:1 tutoring and small group classes led by Oxbridge and medical student tutors, it’s ideal if you struggle with tricky topics, need accountability, or are aiming for competitive courses like Medicine or Oxbridge.
For Parents
Parents often value Save My Exams for its reliability, affordability, and transparency. Because resources are written by teachers and examiners, you can trust that your child is revising the right content.
Study Mind may appeal if you’re looking for more hands-on support for your child. The tailored tutoring and mentoring come at a premium cost, but can be worth it for families who want extra guidance and personalised help to maximise results.
For Teachers
Save My Exams works well in classrooms as a source of exam-board-specific questions, past papers, and structured notes that can be set for homework or revision.
Study Mind is less about classroom resources and more about individual or small-group tutoring. However, teachers might recommend it to students who need extra support outside school, particularly those aiming for top-end goals like Medicine or Oxbridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SME and Study Mind together?
Yes. Many students do both, using Save My Exams for independent exam practice and revision, and Study Mind for personalised tutoring to tackle difficult topics or boost confidence.
Which platform is better for GCSE revision?
If you want structured, exam-board-specific notes and past papers, Save My Exams is usually the better option.
If you need more hands-on help, Study Mind offers tailored support through tutoring.
Is Study Mind worth the cost?
For students who benefit from personalised support and families who can invest in tutoring, Study Mind can be very effective, especially for those aiming for competitive pathways like Medicine or Oxbridge.
Does SME offer any live support or tutoring?
No. Save My Exams is a self-paced platform with expert-written resources, but it doesn’t provide live tutoring.
Which platform is better for A Level students?
It depends on your learning style. Save My Exams is excellent for structured exam preparation and independent revision, while Study Mind is best if you want extra help understanding complex material or need guided coaching.
Final Thoughts
Both Save My Exams and Study Mind can help students prepare effectively for exams, but they serve very different needs. Save My Exams is the go-to choice for affordable, structured, exam-board-specific revision resources written by teachers and examiners. It’s ideal for students who want independence, reliable content, and a clear route to exam success. Study Mind, on the other hand, is a premium option for students who need more personalised support, whether through one-to-one tutoring, group classes, or tailored coaching. It works best for learners who want expert guidance and can invest in a higher-cost service.
Many students find the best results come from combining the two: Save My Exams to cover the syllabus and practise exam technique, and Study Mind when extra help or mentoring is needed. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your learning style, goals, and budget.
Pricing and features can change; check websites for the latest details.
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