One of our Oxbridge-educated tutors breaks down some tried-and-tested GCSE preparation methods to help you construct a GCSE revision timetable and understand how to prepare effectively for your individual needs.

We know the pressure can be intense, so grab your highlighters, prep your playlists, and let’s look at some tried and tested strategies that will help you improve your GCSE performance and pave the way for success.

Are you a high-performing student keen to know how to achieve the top grade at English GCSE? Our Oxbridge English Language and Literature graduate tutors will lead you through their key suggestions for students dreaming of 9s, including recommendations for wider reading and set text exploration, key skills and revision ideas.

Time and again studies have shown that children who read more perform better in examinations in all subjects: reading improves your comprehension and analytical skills, your vocabulary, your written expression and your ability to connect ideas.  These skills are invaluable across the board. With this in mind, have a look at this list of books to read before you turn sixteen; they are challenging, so don’t rush. However, enjoy them! Fiction promises to transport you to another time and place. It can provide solace, intrigue and wonder.

“If you’re interested in French, watch French films; if you love studying Pride and Prejudice, read Sense and Sensibility; if science is what excites you most, read scientific journals such as the New Scientist to stay up to date about new discoveries and technologies. In short, don’t assume that what you’re taught is all there is to know: be demanding, and push farther than the confines of the curriculum…”

Find out how to analyse the language and form of a poem, describe linguistic effect and understand how a poem functions, with Oxford English expert, Sarah. Ideal for students in early years of secondary education, Sarah teaches you how to be precise in your discussion of poetry and appreciate the poet’s craft in generating ideas through language.

The true keys to creative writing for the GCSE exam are imagination, content, and organisation. Find out how to use advanced linguistic devices and structural features to develop and succeed in the creative writing exam. This blog will teach you to enjoy taking the reader on a journey, learn to navigate the realms of description and experiment with tone for English GCSE success.

From 11 plus through to GCSE, students frequently find non-fiction writing more challenging to demonstrate their full written ability and hit assessment objectives than fiction. This is often because they are less exposed to non-fiction in reading and in writing tasks. Examinations for school entrance at 11+ and 13+ frequently assess students’ ability to write and respond to non-fiction: speeches, letters, reports, diaries, so it is crucial to address this. Georgia, full-time English teacher at Ibstock Place and 1st Class English Oxford Graduate, leads students through the ins and outs of formal letter writing.

Whether it is an exam, a musical performance or sports competition, a lawsuit or a political campaign, success can be achieved with the right preparation. Preparation allows you to relax, thrive and be confident, as if you have prepared properly you will know that you are going to succeed. Keep reading to find out what effective strategies & online tools you can use to maximise success in examinations.

Oxford Medical student, Rhea, discusses the benefits of exploring the advancing, fascinating world of science, alongside and beyond the science curricular syllabus through a range of scientific journals, books and magazines.

Many able kids continue to read young adult and teen fiction despite its simple level that doesn’t progress much despite the age range being 13-18. Rosie (Cambridge English student) gives book suggestions for teenagers that bridge the gap between YA and adult or classical novels. Check out her excellent recommendations categorised by genre, including fantastic dystopian, romance, coming-of-age and mystery novels.