Barnaby Lenon, Chairman of the Independent Schools Council and retired Headmaster of Harrow School, has advised that students should revise for 7 hours a day over the Easter holidays, if they wish to succeed in the looming summer exams!

He says that “The best GCSE and A-level results don’t go to the cleverest students – they go to those who revised in the Easter holidays.”

A summary of his 5 revision tips are below:

• Ensure your revision materials are complete before you begin revising.  Organised and complete notes will ensure no time is wasted!
• Ensure each point is revised 3 times between now (Easter) and the exams in Summer: Easter revision, once during the summer term, and once a day or two before the exam.  Just once is not enough!
• Aim for 7 hours of study on most days during your holidays.  Plan your revision schedule from the outset ensuring you leave enough time (approx 2 hours) per topic.
• Test yourself!  Revision works by making the brain recall information.  It is not enough just to read your notes over and over.
• Start revision early: 9am.  With 30 minute breaks inbetween 1.5-2 hours per topic, you’ll be finished by 6pm.  You can then relax and get a good night’s sleep which is also very important!

For the detailed advice, please visit the ISC website: https://www.isc.co.uk/media-enquiries/news-press-releases-statements/good-exam-results-are-made-in-the-easter-holidays/

What do we think?
As guardian to thousands of students over the past 20 years, we have seen that revision over the Easter holidays can make a significant difference in the grades a student achieves.  Sacrificing the Easter holiday will be worth it when you receive the results you’ve worked hard for, and it will make the long summer holiday all the sweeter.

Although regular breaks and doing other activities is important during your holidays, 7 hours per day of revision is not unrealistic, and still provides plenty of opportunities to pursue other interests or simply have a brain break to let the revision soak in.

Getting enough sleep is key.  Read our guest blog on Why Sleep is Important for Revision

…so, put the chocolate eggs away and get the revision notes out!

Worried about your exams? Contact Study Links and we will provide the support you need.