Making the Most of Study Leave: Practical Tips for Year 11 & Year 13

Study leave has officially begun — which means your time is finally your own.

No bells, no uniform, no more form time or assemblies. Just you, your notes, and a growing sense that the exams are really here.

For some, this time feels like freedom. For others, it feels like pressure. Either way, it’s normal to feel a bit unsure about how to structure your days or keep your motivation going.

This post is here to help you make study leave work for you — with practical, realistic tips that will help you feel prepared, focused and confident in the final run-up to your GCSE or A-Level exams.

Give Your Days Some Structure

You don’t need to plan every hour, but having a simple daily routine can make a huge difference.

• Balance revision and rest. Plan 3–5 focused sessions per day depending on your energy, and schedule time off guilt-free.

• Aim for a consistent start time. You don’t need to wake up at 6am — but getting up by 8 or 8:30 helps your body stay in exam mode.

• Break your day into chunks. Try 40–50 minute revision blocks, with short breaks in between and a longer lunch break.

Focus on Exam-Smart Revision

Now’s the time to be strategic — not to rewrite every single page of your textbook.

• Work on timing. Can you finish questions within the time limit? That’s just as important as knowing the content.

• Use exam questions. Past papers and practice questions are your best friend right now.

• Mark your own work using mark schemes (ask a teacher or friend for help if needed).

• Focus on what’s hardest. It’s tempting to revise what you like — but give time to the topics you avoid.

Use All the Resources Around You

Even though you’re not in school every day, support is still there.

• Create mini-goals. For example: “Complete 2 essays today” or “Master electrolysis by 5pm.” Tick them off — it helps motivation.

• Ask your teachers. Email them, pop into revision sessions, or send questions via Teams/Google Classroom.

• Use revision websites and videos. Try BBC Bitesize, Physics & Maths Tutor, Cognito, Seneca, Mr Bruff, and others.

• Create mini-goals. For example: “Complete 2 essays today” or “Master electrolysis by 5pm.” Tick them off — it helps motivation.

Don’t Neglect the Basics

Studying is important. But so is your health.

• Take guilt-free breaks. An hour watching Netflix or seeing a friend doesn’t “waste” your day — it recharges it.

• Sleep properly. All-nighters hurt more than they help. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality rest.

• Eat like you care. Balanced meals (plus snacks!) fuel your brain — and help concentration.

• Move your body. Walk, stretch, play football — anything that gets you out of the chair and away from the screen.

Tame the Stress (Not Eliminate It)

A little stress is normal — it means you care. The key is to stop it from taking over.

• Avoid the comparison trap. Everyone revises differently — do what works for you.

• Talk to someone. Friends, teachers, parents — share how you’re feeling.

• Write things down. If your head feels full, offload it onto paper.

• Breathe. Try 4-7-8 breathing or a short mindfulness video if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Exam Days: Small Wins Matter

Study leave doesn’t mean staying home 24/7 — exams are still coming thick and fast. On those days:

• Don’t do last-minute cramming. It rarely helps and often just increases nerves.

• Pack your bag the night before. Calculator, pens, water bottle — sort it so your morning isn’t a rush.

• Eat breakfast. Even something small is better than nothing.

• Arrive early and calm. Give yourself space to breathe before you walk into the exam hall.

Trust the Work You’ve Done

Study leave gives you time. But don’t let it become pressure to do everything, perfectly, all the time. You’ve already done months — years — of work. This is about consolidating, not cramming.

• You don’t need to feel confident to perform well — you just need to be prepared.

• Progress beats perfection.

• Consistency beats intensity.

Good luck — and take care of yourself too.

These next few weeks matter, but they are not the whole story. Keep perspective, keep going, and remember: you’re closer to the finish line than you think.

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