5 Mistakes Students Make When Revising for GCSE Maths (and How to Fix Them)

Revising for your GCSE Maths exam isn’t just about how much time you spend — it’s about what you do with that time. Here are the top 5 mistakes students make during revision, and how to avoid them to boost your confidence and grades.

1. Not Using Past Papers

Why it matters: Past papers are your most valuable resource. They help you:

  • Get used to the style of questions

  • Practice under timed conditions

  • Learn how marks are awarded

Fix it: Start using past papers early. Don’t just save them for the final month. Try doing one topic at a time if full papers feel overwhelming.

2. Only Revising Topics You Like

It’s easy to spend hours on algebra if that’s your strong point, but avoiding topics like geometry or probability will cost you marks.

Fix it: Identify your weakest topics and prioritise them first. A good tutor can help you break down the hard topics into manageable pieces.

3. Passive Learning

Just watching YouTube videos or reading through a revision guide doesn’t mean you’ve learned the material.

Fix it: Actively engage with the content. Solve problems yourself. Use flashcards, teach a friend, or explain a method out loud. Active recall is proven to improve retention.

4. Ignoring the Mark Scheme

You might be doing all the right working but missing marks for not following exam conventions.

Fix it: After completing any question, check the official mark scheme. Learn how marks are awarded for methods, working, and accuracy.

Pro tip: Understanding how to “show your working” is often just as important as getting the right answer.

5. Leaving Revision Too Late

Cramming for Maths rarely works — there’s too much to cover and too many methods to master.

Fix it: Create a simple revision timetable 8–10 weeks before your exam. Aim for short, focused sessions. 30–45 minutes of solid revision is more effective than hours of distracted studying.

Quick Wins for Better Maths Revision

  • Use highlighters or a traffic light system to track confidence levels per topic

  • Break sessions into small tasks (e.g., “5 questions on trigonometry”)

  • Mix calculator and non-calculator practice

  • Take short breaks every 30–40 minutes to reset your focus

Resources to Bookmark

  • Corbett Maths – Videos, worksheets, and 5-a-day questions

  • Maths Genie – Sorted by grade and exam board

  • Your personal lesson notes and feedback from your tutor

Final Thought

GCSE Maths revision doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By fixing these five common mistakes, you’ll make your revision more efficient and see faster improvement. Don’t just work harder — work smarter.