A personal tutor can be very helpful with exam preparation and exam techniques. As well as supporting revision of key topics, tutors can help students create a clear study plan, practise with exam-style questions and develop techniques to manage time, stay calm and approach each paper with confidence. This support can be especially helpful for students who feel overwhelmed, don’t know where to start with revision or tend to leave exam preparation until the last minute.

One of the main ways tutors assist with exam preparation is by reviewing and reinforcing the material covered in class. They can identify any gaps in understanding, explain difficult concepts in a different way and focus on the areas that will make the biggest difference to exam performance. Tutors often use past papers, mark schemes and exam-board specifications so that revision is closely aligned with the actual GCSE, A-Level or other exam the student will be taking.

Tutors also teach practical test-taking strategies. This may include how to read questions carefully, highlight key words, plan longer answers and decide the best order to tackle questions. They can help students learn how to manage their time in the exam, avoid spending too long on one question and make sensible decisions about when to move on and when to return later.

Different exams require different approaches, and tutors can show students how to handle multiple-choice, short-answer and essay questions effectively. For example, they might teach techniques for eliminating clearly wrong options, structuring longer written answers or showing working clearly in maths and science so that students can pick up method marks even if they do not reach the final answer.

Mock exams and practice papers are another key part of effective exam preparation. Tutors can set timed practice under conditions similar to the real exam, helping students get used to working to a deadline, following instructions and managing their nerves. Afterwards, the tutor can mark the work, provide detailed feedback and highlight specific areas for improvement.

Many students experience exam anxiety or a lack of confidence. A personal tutor can offer encouragement, reassurance and simple strategies for managing stress, such as having a clear pre-exam routine, breaking tasks into smaller steps and focusing on what is within the student’s control. Over time, this support can help students feel calmer, more prepared and more positive about their exams.

Throughout the revision period, tutors can monitor progress, adjust the revision plan and introduce new strategies if needed. This personalised approach helps students make steady improvements, build exam skills and feel more confident walking into the exam room, whether they are preparing for GCSEs, A-Levels, entrance exams or other important tests.

If you’d like your child to receive one-to-one support with exam preparation and test-taking strategies, you can enter your postcode in the search box to request a free list of local and online tutors.