Back to School Tips From A Teacher

Every new school year is a chance for a fresh start, full of possibilities and opportunities. More than just a date on the calendar, this is a chance for everyone from teachers to students, and even parents, to set the tone for success, both academically and personally.  

The way you approach the first few weeks can have a big impact on the rest of the year. Coming back after a break also gives you the chance to reassess on your goals and your progress, to look at what you want to achieve and how you’ll get there. 

As a teacher who’s watched hundreds of students launch into September with a mix of excitement and anxiety, I’ve seen students start strong and stay strong, and others lose momentum quickly. The difference isn’t always about how “smart” they are. More often, it’s about how prepared they are, how they manage their time, and how they handle challenges along the way. 

From helping students get organised to encouraging them to speak up early when they're confused, these are the strategies I’ve seen truly help students thrive.

The best way to set your class up for success is to have you prepared and ready. 

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to prepare mentally and physically before term begins.
  

• Understand the importance of first impressions and early relationship-building.
  

• Discover practical strategies to stay organised and avoid falling behind.
  

• Gain insight into mindset tools that help students manage stress and grow academically.

Preparing Before The School Term Starts

Organising Your Supplies and Workspace

One of the best ways to hit the ground running in the new term is by setting up your space before school starts. A cluttered environment can quickly lead to a cluttered mind. 

You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy desk to be ready for school, but you do need a space that helps your brain switch into “learning mode.”

Here’s what I recommend:

• Designate a dedicated study space. It doesn’t have to be big, but it should be quiet, warm, welcoming, and free from distractions.
  

• Stock up on essentials. Pens, highlighters, sticky notes, folders: whatever it is that helps you work, make sure it’s ready.
  

• Create a filing system. I once had a student who used colour-coded folders for each subject. It sounds simple, but it made handing in assignments and keeping notes in order incredibly easy all year.
  

• Keep it tidy. Encourage a “reset” each evening. Five minutes to clear your desk and prep for the next day.

Getting Back into a School Routine

One of the toughest transitions? Waking up early again. Summer sleep schedules can drift, and suddenly those 7:00 a.m. alarms feel brutal. Trust me, it’s not just students adjusting to the morning alarm again. 

If summer has meant late nights and long sleep-ins, it’s time to reset your internal clock.

I usually advise students to start adjusting at least a week before term begins:

• Go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night.
  

• Set your alarm for the same time you’ll need during school.
  

• Practice your morning routine: getting dressed, eating breakfast, packing a bag.
  

• Go tech-free at least 30 minutes before bed to improve sleep quality.

This isn’t just about sleep. It's about getting your body and brain used to a school mindset again. You’ll thank yourself when that first Monday doesn’t feel like a shock to the system.

Reviewing Last Year’s Material

Summer learning loss is real. But it doesn’t take long to shake the rust off.

Don’t put any pressure on it, your teachers are more than prepared, and your memory will kick in, but a little review can refresh your mind and blow off the dust and cobwebs. 

Try these:

• Skim through last year’s notes
  

• Do a few practice questions in your weakest areas
  

• Take a look at our Learning Hub, which contains lots of study tips. 

Back to School: First Week Strategies

Making a Positive First Impression

All teachers want is students who try and students who show good manners. First impressions can make a big difference and set the tone with your classmates, too.  

Here’s what gets noticed:

• Punctuality (being on time shows respect).
  

• Preparedness (having materials ready says you're serious).
  

• Participation (even just nodding or writing notes shows engagement).

One thing I notice is the respect students show their classmates. A simple thing like turning to look at someone as they ask a question shows that you are actively engaged in your class, rather than listening to only the teacher. 

Building Good Relationships with Classmates

That, obviously, leads into the relationship you have with your peers. Making friends might feel daunting, especially in a new school, but small steps can go a long way.

Tips that work:

• Sit next to someone and say hi: everyone’s just as nervous as you.
  

• Be friendly! You don’t have to make a friend every day, but polite and kind people make a better classroom
  

• Join clubs or groups: shared interests are the best way to connect.

The classroom is for learning, but school is for growing as people, too. Relationships and bonds grow from consistency; be nice, be considerate. 

Asking Questions Early

I can’t stress this enough: If you’re confused about something, ask early.

Why? Because confusion rarely solves itself. Waiting too long can cause small misunderstandings to grow into big gaps.

I always tell my students: “If you’re unsure, someone else probably is too.” Your question might even help the whole class. Lacking confidence? Ask your first question discreetly, but no teacher minds answering any questions related to their teaching. Just make sure you don’t interrupt! 

Staying Organised Throughout the Year

Using a Planner Effectively

A planner isn’t just for tracking dates and deadlines. It can work as a way to manage stress and stay ahead. 

Pro tips:

• Colour-code by subject or priority.
  

• Break down big tasks into smaller steps with mini-deadlines.
  

• Review your planner every Sunday to get a sense of the week ahead.

One great thing about a planner is you can use it however suits you. For those of who aren’t organised naturally, a priority matrix can be useful. The Eisenhower Matrix works best for me, with tasks split into four quadrants: urgent and important; important but not urgent; urgent but not important; not important and not important.

Students who plan proactively do more than just hand homework in on time. With a clearer picture ahead of them, they are less likely to be overwhelmed, too. 

Digital Tools for Study and Organisation

Some people prefer apps to paper. Lucky for you, there are some fantastic free tools out there:

• Google Calendar: Schedule study sessions and reminders.
  

• Notion or Trello: Organise projects visually.
  

• Forest or Pomofocus: Help with time-blocking and staying off distractions.

The key is to pick one or two and use them consistently. Don’t overwhelm yourself: consistency is more important than complexity.

Managing Homework and Deadlines

It’s easy to fall into the trap of last-minute cramming. Avoid this by:

• Chunking tasks: Break work into smaller parts across several days.
  

• Starting as soon as it's assigned, even if just reading the instructions.
  

• Using timers (like the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focus, 5-minute break).

Give yourself a chance to do your best. Maybe you really do get better under the pressure of a deadline, but it’s more likely you’re being forced to think that, not thriving with it. 

Building the Right Mindset for Success

Setting Realistic Goals

Goal-setting gives students a sense of direction.

Good goals are:

• Specific (“I want to go from a C to a B in English”).
  

• Measurable (“I’ll write one extra practice essay per month”).
  

• Balanced — include academic and personal goals.

I encourage students to write their goals down and check in with them monthly. Adjust when needed; goals aren’t set in stone.

Include personal goals too: reading more, joining a club, or getting more sleep.

Learning from Mistakes

In my classroom, mistakes aren’t just accepted, they’re expected. It’s how learning works. It’s more of a mistake to never try than to get something wrong. 

I once had a student who would demand questions similar to problems she had struggled with in class, with a written example of how to complete the method attached each time. This way, she could practise, practise, practise, and turned weakness into strength. 

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about improving.

Balancing Schoolwork and Wellbeing

Burnout is real, even for younger students. Balance is essential.

Make time for yourself:

• Schedule breaks and downtime.
  

• Spend time with friends or family.
  

• Keep up with hobbies and exercise.
  

• Sleep. Very little is more valuable than getting proper sleep. 

Students who do well long-term don’t just study: they rest and recover. Wellbeing fuels learning.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Returning To School

Whilst many have the right intentions, aiming for a year of academic and personal progress, there are some common mistakes that students make that can get their year off on the wrong footing. Even the most well-meaning students can fall into these traps:

• Procrastination: Waiting until the last minute creates unnecessary stress. One delay may cause other tasks to be pushed aside. It can add up.
  

• Disorganisation: Not writing down assignments or misplacing materials adds up quickly.
  

• Not asking for help: Fear of looking “dumb” can hold students back. Teachers want to help, but we need to know there’s an issue.
  

• Overcommitting: Joining every club, sport, and activity might sound fun, but it can quickly become overwhelming.

The key is balance and communication. Check in with yourself (or your child) weekly. It is also important to forgive yourself for these mistakes if you make them. Many will be discouraged and give up when they can still correct and thrive. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Best Way to Stay Motivated All Year?

Set small, meaningful goals and celebrate progress. Motivation comes from momentum: when you start to see results, even small ones, it fuels you to keep going. Surround yourself with supportive people and remember your “why.”

How Do I Avoid Falling Behind on Homework?

Use a planner and break tasks into smaller parts. Aim to start homework the day it’s assigned, even if it's just reading the brief. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed; tackle it in manageable pieces.

How Do I Balance Going Back To School With Extracurricular Activities?

Prioritise and plan. Use a weekly calendar to block out commitments, including rest time. Choose activities that genuinely interest you and be honest about how much time you can commit. It’s better to give your best to a few things than spread yourself too thin.

The beginning of a new school year is an opportunity. Not just to get good grades, but to grow, learn, and enjoy the process. With the right strategies in place, students can step into the year with confidence and resilience. 

As a teacher, I can tell you this: We notice the effort. We respect the questions. And we believe in your potential, even on the days when you don’t yet see it yourself. 

Save My Exams has an incredible wealth of useful resources and articles to help get your brain set and ready for another year of growth. Whether you want a Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prepare for Your GCSEs, Glossaries for all the important terms in any subject you’re looking to study, there are plenty of resources to sharpen your focus and have you primed for the start of term.

Here’s to a successful year ahead!