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Become a better student · Module 5: Plan, monitor, review

Homework that counts

Homework can add months of progress in secondary school, if it’s purposeful and gets feedback.

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

The course unlocks one lesson at a time. You can read this now, but it only counts once you’ve finished Stop re-reading.

Key takeaways

1. What the evidence says

The Education Endowment Foundation’s toolkit reports that homework has a positive impact on average, about five months’ additional progress, with larger effects in secondary schools than in primary.[1]

The same evidence suggests that how homework is set and used matters more than how much is given. Short, focused tasks linked to classwork, with feedback, tend to work best.[1]

2. Make it purposeful

Know the why

Before starting, write one line: what is this homework practising?

Recall first

Try questions from memory before opening your notes.

Act on feedback

When it comes back marked, redo the questions you got wrong.

3. A routine that works

Same time, same place, phone in another room. Start with the hardest task while you’re freshest, and keep a list of anything you couldn’t do to ask about in the next lesson.

The best homework leaves you with a question to ask your teacher.

4. How parents can help

Help with the routine, not the answers: a quiet space, a regular time and interest in what they’re learning. If your child is stuck, ask them to explain what the question is asking before you help.[1]

For parents: “What’s this homework helping you practise?” is a better question than “Is it done?”

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. According to the EEF, where does homework have the larger impact?

  2. 2. What matters more than the amount of homework?

  3. 3. What should you do when marked homework comes back?

Your next steps

  • Write the purpose of your next homework at the top.
  • Try it from memory first.
  • Keep a “questions to ask” list.

Finished this lesson?

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Sources

  1. Education Endowment Foundation. Teaching and Learning Toolkit: Homework. educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/teaching-learning-toolkit/homework

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