Skip to main content

Brainhub guide

New term, new habits: the GCSE countdown

From the first week of term, there are 18 weeks until the first GCSE exam. That is plenty of time, if the habit starts now.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 13 Oct 2026 5 min read

Key takeaways

1. Why now

Spring term starts in the first week of January. From Monday 4 January, there are exactly 18 weeks until the first GCSE exam on Monday 10 May 2027. Exams run until Friday 18 June, and results day is Thursday 19 August.[1]

New Year is when habits are easiest to start. A small routine begun now does more than a big push after Easter.

2. Little and often beats cramming

In a major review of study techniques, spreading revision out over time was one of only two methods rated highly useful. The other was testing yourself.[2]

Spacing means coming back to a topic after a gap: a day later, a week later, a month later. Each time it is a little harder to remember, and that effort is what makes it stick. Our guide Mock season: revision that actually works explains how to quiz your child at home.

Small and steady beats a big push in April.

3. A weekly routine to start with

This is our suggestion, not a rule. Follow your child’s school’s advice first, and fit it around clubs and family time.

When
What to do
Monday to Thursday
30 minutes a day: one topic, test yourself before opening the notes
Friday
A quick quiz: one question from each day
Saturday
One past-paper question, notes closed, marked with the mark scheme
Sunday
Rest, then 10 minutes to plan next week

4. How you can help

Help your child pick a regular time and place, and keep phones in another room during revision blocks. Ask what they tested themselves on today, not how long they revised. Notice the effort.

Want a plan to May?: Our teachers can build a spaced revision plan with your child in a free call.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. When is the first GCSE exam in 2027?

  2. 2. How many weeks is that from the start of spring term?

  3. 3. What does spacing revision mean?

Your next steps

  • Agree a regular revision time this week.
  • Pick the first topic to test on Monday.
  • Put 10 May 2027 on the family calendar.

Sources

  1. AQA. Exam timetable May/June 2027 and key dates. aqa.org.uk/exams-administration/dates-and-timetables
  2. Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J. and Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58. doi:10.1177/1529100612453266

This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.