Important Tips for Parents and Students During IGCSE & GCSE Exams 2025

Starting from May 5, 2025, thousands of students worldwide will sit for their IGCSE and GCSE examinations — a crucial milestone in their academic journey.
While exams can naturally bring stress and anticipation, with the right strategies, both students and parents can make this period smoother, healthier, and even empowering.
Here’s a comprehensive guide packed with important tips to help students perform at their best — and for parents to become pillars of support.

For Students: How to Stay Focused and Confident

Build a Realistic Study Plan
Success begins with planning. Create a revision schedule that covers all subjects, giving extra time to weaker topics.
Make the plan achievable — avoid overloading your days. Break sessions into manageable blocks and include regular breaks.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Solving past papers is one of the best ways to prepare. It familiarizes you with the exam format, marking schemes, and time management.
Challenge yourself: Simulate exam conditions — timed, quiet, and distraction-free!
Master the Art of Exam Techniques
- Read every question carefully — underline key terms.
- Answer strategically: Start with questions you feel confident about to build momentum.
- Review your answers if time permits.
Remember, examiners value clarity and structure over long-winded answers!
Prioritize Health and Well-being
No exam is worth sacrificing your health.
- Sleep: Aim for at least 7–8 hours each night.
- Nutrition: Eat brain-boosting foods like fruits, nuts, and whole grains.
- Exercise: Short walks, stretching, or yoga can refresh your mind.
Avoid excessive caffeine or energy drinks — they can cause anxiety and disrupt sleep.
Stay Positive and Believe in Yourself
Mindset is everything.
Visualize success, use positive affirmations, and remind yourself of your hard work and progress.
Remember: Exams measure performance on one day — not your intelligence or future potential.

For Parents: Being the Strongest Support System

Create a Calm and Productive Environment
Help your child find a quiet, well-lit place to study. Keep background noise minimal and discourage interruptions during study hours.
Small acts like preparing their favorite snack or tidying their workspace can make a big difference
Encourage Healthy Habits
Support regular meals, physical activity, and sufficient rest.
Check if they need help waking up early for revision or managing time without feeling overwhelmed.
Monitor Stress — Not Performance
Instead of asking, "How much did you study today?", try asking, "How are you feeling about your revision?"
Your empathy will lower their anxiety and encourage honest conversations.
Your belief in them is often more powerful than their belief in themselves.
Praise Effort, Not Just Results
Celebrate every small win — completing a chapter, improving on a practice test, or maintaining a study routine.
Focus on their efforts, not just grades.
This builds resilience, a skill far more important than a perfect report card.
Be Prepared for Exam Days
- Ensure your child has the correct exam gear: pens, pencils, calculator, ID card, etc.
- Double-check exam schedules and locations.
- Offer words of encouragement on the morning of each exam.
Punctuality and preparation can prevent unnecessary last-minute stress.

As IGCSE/GCSE exams come to a close, it’s a crucial time for parents to start thinking about their child’s next steps in education. Whether your child is planning to pursue higher education locally or abroad, the decisions made in the months following exams can set the foundation for future success.
Parents, this is the perfect time to explore higher education options for your child. Consider options that align with their passions, strengths, and career goals. From vocational programs to university pathways, there are many routes to take after these crucial exams.
At Explore Education, we offer a wide range of higher education programs designed to cater to diverse interests. Whether your child is passionate about Business, IT, or Creative Arts, we provide tailored courses that will help them succeed and reach their goals.

Explore our courses after IGCSE or GCSE:

- Pearson BTEC Diplomas in Business, IT, and Computing
- Foundation programs for students who want to further their studies
- Advanced Diplomas and Bachelor’s pathways for those looking to specialize in specific fields

For more information on these programs and how they can set your child up for success, visit Explore Education or get in touch with our expert advisors.
This exam season is just one chapter in a much bigger, beautiful journey. With calmness, planning, hard work, and positivity, success is within reach!
As exams end, the next step is just as important. Begin researching and planning for your child's future education at Explore Education, where we guide and support students in every step of their journey.

Good luck to all the amazing students appearing for their IGCSE and GCSE exams in 2025!