Phonics: A Complete Guide for Parents

Image of the alphabet

Phonics is the method used in UK schools to teach children how to read and write. It works by teaching children the sounds that letters and groups of letters make, so they can blend those sounds together to read words. If your child is in Reception or Key Stage 1, phonics will be a central part of their learning — here is everything you need to know.

What Is Phonics?

Phonics is a way of teaching reading by connecting sounds (called phonemes) with the letters or letter groups (called graphemes) that represent them. For example:

  • The letter s makes the /s/ sound.
  • The letters sh together make the /sh/ sound.
  • The letters igh together make the /igh/ sound (as in “night”).

Children learn to decode words by sounding out each phoneme and then blending them together: c-a-t → cat. They also learn to encode (spell) by listening to the sounds in a word and writing the matching letters.

The Phases of Phonics

Phonics is taught in six phases, roughly aligned with the school year. Each phase builds on the one before:

Phase 1 (Nursery / Pre-school)

Before children learn letters, they develop awareness of sounds in the environment. Activities include listening games, rhyming songs, clapping syllables, and distinguishing between different sounds. This is all about tuning children’s ears to sound.

Phase 2 (Reception, first half-term)

Children learn 19 letters and the sounds they make. They start blending sounds to read simple words like sat, pin, and dog. They also learn to segment words for writing.

Letters taught: s, a, t, p, i, n, m, d, g, o, c, k, ck, e, u, r, h, b, f, ff, l, ll, ss

Phase 3 (Reception, second and third terms)

Children learn the remaining letters of the alphabet and begin learning digraphs (two letters that make one sound) and trigraphs (three letters that make one sound).

New sounds include: ch, sh, th, ng, ai, ee, igh, oa, oo, ar, or, ur, ow, oi, ear, air, ure, er

Phase 4 (Reception / Year 1)

No new sounds are introduced. Instead, children practise blending and segmenting longer words, especially those with consonant clusters (two consonants together) like stop, clap, and drink.

Phase 5 (Year 1)

Children learn alternative spellings for sounds they already know. For example, they already know the /ai/ sound from “rain,” and now learn it can also be spelled ay (day), a-e (cake), and ey (grey). This is also when they encounter more unusual or irregular words.

Phase 6 (Year 2 and beyond)

Children become fluent readers and start learning spelling rules, prefixes, suffixes, and how to tackle longer multisyllabic words. Phonics knowledge is now applied automatically as part of everyday reading and writing.

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check

In June of Year 1, all children in England take the Phonics Screening Check. Here is what it involves:

  • 40 words to read aloud, one at a time, to their teacher.
  • 20 real words (like “cat,” “fresh,” “train”) and 20 pseudo-words (made-up words like “terg” or “spron”) that test pure decoding ability.
  • The pass mark is typically 32 out of 40.
  • Children who do not meet the threshold are given extra support and retake the check in Year 2.

The pseudo-words are often called “alien words” and are presented with a picture of a monster or alien to show they are not real. Children simply need to sound them out using their phonics knowledge.

Key Phonics Terms Explained

  • Phoneme: The smallest unit of sound in a word. “Cat” has three phonemes: /c/ /a/ /t/.
  • Grapheme: The letter or letters that represent a phoneme. The grapheme for /sh/ is the two letters “sh.”
  • Digraph: Two letters that make one sound (e.g., sh, ch, th, ee, oa).
  • Trigraph: Three letters that make one sound (e.g., igh, ear, air).
  • Blending: Pushing sounds together to read a word: /s/ /t/ /r/ /ee/ /t/ → street.
  • Segmenting: Breaking a word into its sounds for spelling: “shop” → /sh/ /o/ /p/.
  • Split digraph: Two letters split by a consonant that still work together, like the a…e in “cake” or the i…e in “time.”

How to Help Your Child with Phonics at Home

1. Practise Sound Buttons

Write a word on paper and put a dot under each sound (not each letter). For “ship,” you would put dots under “sh,” “i,” and “p” — three dots for three sounds. Then ask your child to point to each dot and say the sound.

2. Play Sound-Spotting Games

“Can you find something in this room that starts with the /b/ sound?” or “How many things can you see that have the /ee/ sound?” These games make phonics feel like play rather than work.

3. Read Together Every Day

Shared reading is the single most powerful thing you can do. When your child encounters a tricky word, encourage them to sound it out rather than telling them the answer. Praise them for trying, even if they get it wrong.

4. Use Phonics Apps and Games

Free apps from Phonics Play, Teach Your Monster to Read, and the Oxford Owl website provide interactive phonics activities that children enjoy. Even 10 minutes a day makes a difference.

5. Say the Sounds Correctly

When practising phonics, say the pure sound — /s/ not “suh,” /m/ not “muh.” Adding an extra “uh” to the end makes blending harder for children.

6. Practise Pseudo-Words for the Screening Check

If your child is approaching the Year 1 check, practise reading nonsense words together. Explain that these words are not real — they just need to sound them out. This removes the temptation to guess based on what looks like a real word.

Related Reading

How StudyBox Can Help

At StudyBox, our English tutors build strong phonics foundations through structured, multisensory lessons. We work on decoding, blending, spelling, and reading fluency — whether your child needs extra support before the Year 1 check or wants to become a more confident reader. Our small-group setting means every child gets the individual attention they need.

Book a free trial lesson at one of our centres in Wallington, Sutton, or Croydon.

StudyBox opens a new centre in Battersea!

Image of the new StudyBox Centre in Battersea.

On the 21st October, StudyBox opens a new centre in Battersea!

StudyBox Battersea will be the latest addition to our other three centres, in Wallington, Sutton and Croydon.

With our new centre situated on the rear side of Riverside Nursery, it is ideal for parents who wish to drop their children off at nursery, or StudyBox for tuition!

StudyBox is an after-school tuition company established in March 2015, teaching children aged 5-16. We hire a wide range of enthusiastic tutors who adapt to the different learning styles and abilities of students.

At StudyBox, we believe it is important to build confidence. This encourages a love of learning that can help children to reach their full potential. We teach students in line with the National Curriculum and tailor each child’s lesson to meet their unique needs and to attain their learning goals.

Whether it’s assistance for GCSEs, SATs, the 11+ exam, or just additional tuition to be top of the class, StudyBox are here to help!

For a free trial at our new Battersea centre, or any of our other centres, apply here! Alternatively, call us on 020 7459 4110 for a chat.

The address for StudyBox Battersea:

Rear of Riverside Nursery,
Ensign House,
Battersea Reach
Juniper Drive,
Wandsworth, London,
SW18 1TA

Making learning fun for children

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Homework and studying are a constant in every child’s life. It may seem like a chore, especially when the subject area is challenging. That’s why making learning fun for children is an easy solution, in order to engage with content and making the workload enjoyable.

Try following one of these tips to make learning fun!

Hands-on activities

Doing creative and hands-on activities will help to engage children through interactive learning. Activities can be tailored to the child’s interest, turning a chore into a fun activity.

Let them take control

Letting children take control of the activity or task will help them become more invested. This will enable the child to create their individual approach to learning, with their own, unique style. Motivate them in the subjects they are interested in and guide them in the ones they are finding difficult.

A visual approach

Make learning more visual through integrating colours, felt tips, paint – various arts and crafts, for a more hands-on approach. This will make the tasks engaging and exciting, so the child will want to participate!

Additional tuition

Our tutors at StudyBox believe in making learning fun for children, through activities and tailored sessions to the child. We use a range of approaches and monitor progress, boosting those grades whist making learning that little bit more enjoyable!

Call us on 02086428884 for a chat with one of our friendly tutors. To book a free trial with StudyBox, sign up here!

GCSE Revision Schedule

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Why You Need a GCSE Revision Timetable

GCSEs are the most important exams you’ll face before sixth form or college. With 8–10 subjects to revise, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — but a structured revision timetable turns a mountain of content into manageable daily sessions.

Students who plan their revision consistently outperform those who don’t. A good timetable helps you:

  • Cover every subject systematically instead of cramming favourites
  • Identify weak topics early and give them extra time
  • Build a routine that reduces stress and procrastination
  • Track your progress and adjust as exams approach

When to Start Revising for GCSEs

There’s no single right answer, but here’s a realistic guide:

  • Year 10: Build strong notes and understanding as you learn. No intensive revision needed yet, but staying on top of homework and class content makes Year 11 much easier.
  • September–December (Year 11): Start light revision alongside coursework. Focus on consolidating topics you’ve already covered.
  • January–February: Begin structured revision for mock exams. Use mocks to identify your weakest areas.
  • March onwards: Full revision mode. Follow your timetable daily.
  • Final 4 weeks: Focus on exam practice, timed papers and gap-filling.

How to Build Your GCSE Revision Timetable — Step by Step

Step 1: List Your Subjects and Topics

Write down every subject you’re sitting, then break each one into individual topics. For example:

Maths: Number, Algebra, Ratio & Proportion, Geometry & Measures, Probability & Statistics

English Literature: Macbeth, An Inspector Calls, Power & Conflict Poetry, Unseen Poetry

Biology: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection & Response, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis, Inheritance, Ecology

Use your specification checklist (available on your exam board’s website — AQA, Edexcel, OCR or WJEC) to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Step 2: Traffic-Light Your Confidence

Go through each topic and rate your confidence:

  • 🔴 Red — don’t understand it, scored badly in mocks
  • 🟡 Amber — mostly okay but inconsistent
  • 🟢 Green — confident, just need maintenance

This tells you where to spend your time. A common mistake is revising green topics because they feel comfortable — but your biggest grade gains come from turning reds into ambers and ambers into greens.

Step 3: Set Your Daily Revision Hours

Be realistic. Burning out helps nobody. A good baseline:

  • School days: 1.5–2.5 hours of revision (after school)
  • Weekends: 3–4 hours total (with breaks)
  • One lighter day per week: rest or do something you enjoy

Split your time into 25–30 minute focus blocks with 5-minute breaks (the Pomodoro technique). After 3–4 blocks, take a longer 15–20 minute break.

Step 4: Allocate Time by Priority

Divide your weekly revision time roughly like this:

  • 50% Red topics — these need the most work
  • 30% Amber topics — consolidate and practise
  • 20% Green topics — quick review to stay sharp

Spread subjects across the week so you’re not doing all your maths on Monday and all your English on Tuesday. Variety keeps your brain engaged.

Step 5: Use the 4-Session Daily Structure

For each revision day, aim for four short sessions:

  1. Recall session: Flashcards, blurting or self-quizzing on a topic from memory
  2. Exam practice: Past paper questions or practice problems
  3. Fix session: Mark your work, review mistakes, fill gaps
  4. Spaced review: Revisit a topic from last week using spaced repetition

This gives you a complete learning cycle every day instead of passive re-reading.

A Realistic 4-Week GCSE Revision Plan

Week 1: Build Foundations

  • Complete a topic audit for each subject using the traffic-light system
  • Create flashcards or summary sheets for red topics
  • Do short past-paper question sets (not full papers yet)
  • Set up a tracker: Topic | Confidence (1–5) | Next Review Date

Week 2: Increase Exam Practice

  • Keep daily recall blocks
  • Start mixed-topic questions across subjects
  • Add one timed section per core subject (Maths, English, Science)
  • Study mark schemes and learn what examiners look for

Week 3: Timed Performance Week

  • Complete 2–3 full timed papers across the week
  • Simulate real exam conditions — no notes, strict timing, silent room
  • Track repeated mistakes by topic
  • Turn every repeated mistake into a flashcard

Week 4: Final Consolidation

  • Prioritise high-yield topics and remaining weak areas only
  • Do light daily mixed recall across all subjects
  • Complete final timed papers early in the week
  • Wind down revision 1–2 days before each exam — rest matters

5 Revision Techniques That Actually Work

Not all revision methods are equal. Research consistently shows these are the most effective:

1. Active Recall

Close your notes and try to write down everything you remember about a topic. This forces your brain to retrieve information, which strengthens memory far more than re-reading. Use flashcards, blank-page “brain dumps” or self-testing apps like Anki or Quizlet.

2. Spaced Repetition

Review topics at increasing intervals — today, then in 3 days, then a week, then two weeks. Spacing out revisits prevents the “I revised it but forgot it all” problem that comes from cramming.

3. Past Papers

Past papers are the single best revision tool. They show you exactly how questions are phrased, what mark schemes reward and where you lose marks. Aim to complete at least 3–5 past papers per subject before the real exam.

4. Interleaving

Mix different topics and subjects in each revision session rather than doing one topic for hours. Research shows interleaving improves your ability to distinguish between problem types and apply the right method under exam conditions.

5. Elaboration

Don’t just memorise facts — explain them. Ask yourself “why?” and “how does this connect to…?” For example, don’t just learn that photosynthesis happens in chloroplasts — explain why chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and how that relates to light absorption. Deeper understanding makes exam answers stronger.

Key Dates to Remember

Keep these dates visible on your revision timetable:

  • Mock exams: Usually January–February. Treat them like the real thing — they reveal your gaps.
  • GCSE exams: Main exam season runs mid-May to late June. Check your exam board for exact dates.
  • Coursework deadlines: Some subjects (e.g. Art, Design Technology) have coursework components with earlier deadlines.
  • Results day: Usually the third Thursday in August.

Common Revision Mistakes to Avoid

  • Highlighting and re-reading: Feels productive but is one of the least effective methods. Switch to active recall instead.
  • Revising only what you enjoy: Your best grades come from improving weak areas, not polishing strong ones.
  • Skipping breaks: Your brain needs rest to consolidate memories. A 5-minute break every 30 minutes is not laziness — it’s science.
  • Ignoring mark schemes: Understanding what examiners want is as important as knowing the content.
  • Starting too late: Cramming the night before rarely works. Consistent daily revision over weeks is far more effective.

Related Reading

How StudyBox Can Help with GCSE Revision

At StudyBox, we support GCSE students in Maths, English and Science at our centres in Wallington, Sutton and Croydon.

Our experienced tutors help students:

  • Create a personalised revision plan based on their target grades
  • Work through past papers with expert guidance
  • Master exam technique and time management
  • Build confidence in their weakest subjects

Book a free trial session and get your GCSE revision on track.

Adjusting from primary to secondary school

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Starting secondary school is a milestone in every child’s life. It signifies the path into adolescence and taking on more responsibilities. Adjusting from primary to secondary school can be daunting, as there are many large changes that a child undergoes. For example, they go from being the oldest to the youngest year group in school.

 

The major changes that children will adjust to are:

 

  • Larger classes

Secondary schools usually accommodate many more students than primary schools do. The average secondary school has 948 students, and primary schools 281. Therefore, the class sizes in secondary schools tend to be larger. Additionally, there are multiple, subject-specific teachers in secondary school. This can be daunting for new Year 7 students who are used to one teacher for every subject, especially those coming from smaller schools.

  • New Students

While there may be some familiar faces, there are hundreds of new students joining secondary school who will be unfamiliar. Making friends may be intimidating at first, with different students in every class, unlike primary school with one class throughout the whole time at school. Once students settle in and adapt to the changes, making friends should become easier.

  • Syllabus

The subjects will now become harder, moving up from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3. There will be more content, as well as tests and mocks to revise for. The reading and homework will also be more demanding.

  • Structure

Secondary school requires organisation in order to meet deadlines, therefore students will learn to be more independent when adapting to this change. Students will have multiple books and textbooks for each subject, and will need to pack their school bag daily for the following day.

 

How can students successfully adapt to these changes?

 

  • Organisation

In order to make the transition smooth, being organised is vital. This includes packing a school bag the night before, knowing key academic dates and staying on top of the  work load.

  • Routine

Establishing a daily routine will allow students to structure their day, as well as gain time management skills. Setting a time for completing homework, a time for bed and a time for relaxation, will make staying on top of everything stress-free.

  • Planning ahead:

There will be many important dates to remember, so why not purchase a planner or calendar to ensure they are all recorded and not forgotten?  Alternatively, make a poster or timetable and display it somewhere visible, like the kitchen or bedroom.

  • Stay up-to-date

The new academic year is a fresh start, so stay on top of the workload early on, to avoid falling behind. Do homework as soon as it is set, and complete additional learning exercises if possible! This will reduce stress and improve organisation.

  • Teachers and classmates

Get to know teachers and classmates in each subject. If additional help in certain areas is needed, it may be useful to find a study buddy to complete work with, or ask the teacher support. Sometimes teachers run after-school clubs in their subject areas, so find out the times and dates to attend, for that extra boost.

  • After-school tuition

If adjusting to the new secondary school workload is proving challenging, consider attending after-school tuition to stay on top and excel in school. StudyBox Tuition provides personalised lessons to students in maths, English and science, helping with confidence and tough subject areas.

 

To make adjusting from primary to secondary school that little bit easier, book a lesson with StudyBox today on 02086428884. Alternatively, sign up here for a free trial!

How to give your child an extra boost with learning

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A child’s most important role model and teacher is their parent. A parent takes on board many job roles, asides from providing for their child, they are also responsible for educating and eventually preparing their child for the real world. In order for parents to give their child an extra boost with learning, it is important that they are well acquainted with their child’s timetable, in order to support them academically throughout their time at school.

Follow these tips on how to keep up-to-date with your child’s learning:

  1. Monitor progress

Stay in the loop with your child’s progress at school. This will allow you to support them in difficult subject areas and encourage them with subjects they are progressing in. Ask them what went well with their day and what they are finding more challenging. Follow up on this by giving them an extra boost when needed and rewarding progress.

  1. Stay connected

Stay connected with your child’s school by getting to know their teachers and going to all parent-teacher conferences. Ask the school what you can do to help your child if they are struggling in any areas. Attending every parents evening will further keep you up to date, through discussing progress between the parents, teacher and child. Checking regular report cards will give an indication as to where your child is academically, based on mock exams and in-class tests.

  1. Keep up to date

Knowing their timetable and upcoming tests and exam dates is necessary for monitoring progress. This will ensure your child stays on top of revision and fully prepares for important exams.

  1. After school assistance

Helping your child prepare for exams is necessary for giving them that extra boost in school. Statistics show that you are 50 percent more likely to remember something you’re revising by saying it aloud. Perhaps try reciting the material together and testing your child on the syllabus through a question and answer format. Help with homework and ensure this is completed by the deadline. Also encourage extra-curricular activity, like leisurely reading, online educational activities and sports.

  1. Arrange additional help if needed

Being a parent is a full-time job; sometimes it is difficult to find the time to support your child whilst balancing everything else. Attending after-school tuition will establish a routine in a learning environment and free more time in a busy parent’s schedule, in order to give your child an extra boost with learning. StudyBox Tuition provides one-to-one support in maths, English and science, tailoring lessons to the individual and building skills and confidence.

StudyBox has centres in Croydon, Sutton and Wallington, with two new centres opening soon in Epsom and Battersea. You can book a free trial here. Alternatively, call one of our centres to find out more, on: 02086428884.

The importance of reading for pleasure

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The importance of reading for pleasure should be implemented from a young age. Reading has numerous benefits to health, concentration and learning.

Last week celebrated #NationalReadaBookDay and #InternationalLiteracyDay. It certainly honoured the importance of reading.

Here’s why you should encourage your child to read for pleasure:

  1. Studies show that reading makes a difference to educational performance

Reading expands vocabulary and increases general knowledge. Not to mention developing language and communication skills which are useful for life.

  1. Reading inspires imagination and creativity

When we read, we gain an insight into another fictional world. We follow the author’s thoughts and we use our own imagination to interpret characters and other worlds. It allows us to expand on our creativity and gain inspiration from other’s ideas.

 

  1. Reading improves empathy

A study called “Mind the Eyes,” by Dr. Oatley and Dr. Mar, found that people who read fiction are able to empathise with others more effectively. The study consisted of participants reading fiction and non-fiction, then examining a collection of photographs of people’s eyes. The aim was to identify the expression of each pair of eyes from a short list, including shy, guilty and worried. Those who read fiction were able to more accurately identify the expressions over the non-fiction readers.

  1. Reading improves focus and concentration

Reading involves the use of several brain functions, improving the brain’s connectivity. We are able to stop, think and process the story all at once. It is a form of escapism, allowing us to switch off and focus solely on one thing.

  1. It reduces anxiety and stress

A study from the University of Sussex found that six minutes of reading reduces stress by 68%, being more relaxing than listening to music or having a cup of tea. This is because reading is more than a distraction, Dr. David Lewis states that it is ‘an active engaging of the imagination.’

The importance of reading for pleasure links to educational benefits, creativity and stress-reduction. If your child needs extra support in English, encouraging reading for pleasure will help with vocabulary, concentration and focus, to name but a few. Additionally, StudyBox offer one-to-one support with maths, English and science tuition.

Book your free trial here. Alternatively, call one of our centres in Croydon, Sutton or Wallington on: 02086428884.

Start off the year right

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The academic year is upon us once again; it is important to start off the year right. The new syllabus is more challenging, so it is important to stay on top of the workload early on. It can be difficult for both children and parents to adapt to routine and get back into learning mode.

Follow these top tips on how to start off the year right.

  1. Encourage reading for pleasure.

Find a genre your child enjoys and help them choose a book. Set aside twenty minutes before bed to wind down from a busy day and read.

  1. Establish a routine.

Routine helps with organisation and time management. It starts from the minute your child wakes up until they go to bed. Set a time for breakfast, encourage them to pack their schoolbag the night before, a time for doing homework and for dinner. Once a routine is in place, days will be structured and tasks will be complete. Perhaps make a timetable and put it on display somewhere visible, as a reminder.

  1. Help determine your child’s plans and goals.

Setting goals early on will ensure time for reaching these goals. Whether it’s achieving top marks in mock exams, staying on top of the workload or improving on difficult areas, it will take time and dedication. That’s why setting goals is a step closer to achieving them.

  1. Create a working environment.

Dedicate an area for studying and completing school work, either at the kitchen table or in the study. Ensure this space is quiet and equipped with relevant supplies like stationary and paper. If there’s nowhere quiet in the house, find a local library or café to complete work.

  1. Try something new.

A break from academia is important for de-stressing, so find what your child is passionate about. Whether it’s drawing, sports or music, encourage them to pursue an extra-curricular activity.

  1. Attend additional tuition.

If your child is struggling in certain areas or needs an extra push, why not try additional tuition? StudyBox is a tuition company that offers one-to-one support in maths, English and science. Be one step closer to excelling in exams with StudyBox.

If you want to get a head start in September, sign up for StudyBox today! Book your free trial here. Alternatively, call one of our centres in Croydon, Sutton or Wallington on: 02086428884.

How to get a head start in September

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Are you wondering how to get a head start in September for your child?

Starting the new academic year can be stressful. Especially for students going into Year 10 and 11, about to start their GCSE preparation and exams. It can be daunting not knowing what to expect.

Beginning GCSE preparation as early as possible is essential for receiving good grades. Here are some useful tips for succeeding in exams.

Attend additional tuition

After-school tuition at StudyBox provides one-to-one support and customised lessons to each child. Therefore, our  tutors are able to evaluate and focus on which areas that the student finds difficult. The sooner the student starts revision, the better they are able to grasp the topic. StudyBox offers GCSE, SATs and 11+ tuition.

Short, regular study intervals

A study by Dr. Dave Haylock shows that regular revision in short intervals is the most effective way to revise. ‘Revise little but often,’ Haylock suggests, which will also reduce stress. This effect is known as “spacing,” which allows the material to be remembered again once revisited.

Start revision early

Dr. Cecile Brich says it is vital to ‘start your revision early.’ Keep up with the workload and make notes as you go. Remember to write clear notes in class and build on these notes using revision guides. ‘This is not something you can do well by cramming the night before. Working regularly and keeping notes up to date makes revision much more effective and much less stressful,’ Dr. Brich advises.

Set a timetable

A revision timetable is an effective way to keep organised and on top of revision. Dedicate a few hours per day for each subject and stick to it.

Find a method that suits you

Everyone learns differently. If you are unsure how to revise, test these different methods until you find what works best for you:

  • Mind map: Write the subject in the middle, then the topic coming off the first branch. Branching off from this, write keywords and bullet points to trigger the material.
  • Colour coding: Write the topic as the heading and subtopics underneath. Bullet point the material in short sentences. Use different colour pens or highlighters and colour code each topic.
  • Flashcards: Write each topic on a flash card. Bullet point the information underneath each topic. Read the cards throughout the day and take them with you wherever you go.
  • Reciting: Ask a relative or friend to test you on the material, having you repeat the information back to them.

Break down each subject

The GCSE syllabus consists of multiple subjects, each containing in-depth material to revise. In order to make the workload bearable, it is recommended to break each subject down into topics. This way, the workload seems less daunting and each topic can be ticked off a list once completed. It is also easy to return later to the topics that are more challenging.

If you want to get a head start in September, sign up for StudyBox today! Book your free trial here. Alternatively, call one of our centres in Croydon, Sutton or Wallington on: 02086428884

GCSE Results Day 2019

GCSE results day this year falls on Thursday 22ndAugust 2019.

This week, students across the country awake with anticipation to find out what grades they have received in their GCSE exams.

Students can collect results from their school on the morning, usually from 10am. Results can also be received via email from 8am, if requested from the school.

What is the importance of GCSEs?

GCSE results signify the end of secondary education and determine the next step. Whether it’s continuing higher education and starting A Levels, doing an apprenticeship, or going into full-time work, there are plenty of options.


What happens when my child receives their GCSE results?

On GCSE results day 2019, students will find out whether they’ve received their predicted grades and have been accepted into their 6th form or college of choice, should they wish to continue into higher education. They will also find out whether they are accepted onto their chosen A Level subjects.

Back-up options are also selected when applying for 6th form or college. This is in case a student doesn’t receive the predicted grades to get accepted into their first choice.

New GCSE Grading System

This is the second year that the numerical grading system has been implemented. Grades rank from 1-9, (where 1 is the lowest and 9 highest), in order to differentiate amongst the brightest students. Read more about it here.

What if my child doesn’t receive their predicted grades?

If a student doesn’t achieve their predicted grades, there is no need to panic – there are plenty of other options available. Contacting the 6thform or college and finding out about other options is advised. Sometimes, the institute will accept lower grades, or offer an alternative subject to study. Another option is requesting a paper remark from the exam board, at a charge. This comes with a risk of the grade being marked lower than the original received grade, however. If a student thinks they have been marked incorrectly, they can appeal an exam result. This can be done by asking the school to get the result looked at again, or requesting it from the board themselves.

Alternatively, exam resits take place in November 2019. Asking the school for information about exam resits is the best way of finding out the details. StudyBox offers tuition for GCSE resits in November, simply call one of the centres in Croydon, Sutton or Wallington to enquire.

If none of the above options are possible, it could be worth changing a career plan and exploring something new, like doing an apprenticeship or considering BTEC qualifications.

Good luck to everyone on GCSE Results Day 2019! But if the results were different to what was expected, don’t panic. There are always plenty of other options to consider.

Call StudyBox today on 02086428884 or sign up online for a free trial!

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