How Long is Study Leave for GCSEs?: Key Questions Answered

As the school year progresses and Year 11 students near the end of their GCSE journey, the thought of GCSE exams is uppermost in their minds. 

As a teacher and a tutor for over 30 years, I am frequently asked by students about study leave. "How long is study leave for GCSEs?" "What should I be doing during this time?" I’ll answer these questions and many more in this article. 

The article will also explore the common practices surrounding GCSE study leave in the UK, its importance, the best ways to use this time effectively, and the support systems in place for students.

How Long is Study Leave for GCSEs?

Study leave for GCSEs usually begins just before the start of the exam period. In schools where study leave is granted, it usually starts in mid-May which allows students two or three weeks to prepare before the bulk of their exams start.

However, the length of study leave varies from school to school. Some schools may offer more structured study leave, while others might require students to attend school for specific subjects or revision sessions. The exact dates and duration are decided by each school. Students need to check with their school for precise information.

When Does Study Leave Start for GCSEs in 2025?

In 2025, the first GCSE exams are timetabled for the 8th May. This means that students will only have two weeks after the Spring holiday break (Easter) before exams start, and schools are unlikely to grant study leave for this time. 

The specific dates of any study leave will vary by school, as each has its own calendar and policies. Where study leave is granted students can expect it to start around the 5th May and end after the final exam, which will usually fall in late June. In 2025, the last GCSE exam is timetabled for Thursday 19th June.

To find out exactly when your study leave starts, you should ask your teacher, tutor or check the school’s website for a more detailed calendar.

What Do Students Do During Study Leave?

During study leave, I expect my students to focus entirely on revision for their upcoming exams. Study leave allows students to have a more individualised approach to their revision, focusing on the subjects or topics that they find most challenging.

Study leave provides the space and time to focus solely on exam preparation, but it requires discipline and motivation to be effective.

Key Activities During Study Leave:

• Revision: The primary activity during study leave is revision. You should aim to revise each subject using a range of revision techniques. The Save My Exams learning hub has a range of articles on revision with expert advice on how to ace those GCSE exams.

• Past papers: As part of your revision, why not use practice papers? Completing past papers under timed conditions helps improve exam technique and boosts confidence. Save My Exams provides past papers for many subjects in an accessible and easy-to-use format.

• Group Revision: You could also form study groups with friends to discuss topics and share revision techniques. Group revision can help you clarify difficult concepts.

• Private Tuition: Additional private tuition or attendance at revision workshops provided by the school or external companies are additional ways you could use your study leave.

Is Study Leave Compulsory in the UK?

No, study leave is not compulsory in the UK. It is the decision of each school whether they offer study leave and the conditions under which it is given. Some schools may opt not to provide study leave, or may only offer limited leave, requiring students to attend school for certain subjects or to participate in revision sessions.

It is important that you check your school’s policy on study leave well in advance to understand what is expected of you. Even if study leave is not offered, schools often provide plenty of support through extra revision sessions, after-school study groups, and access to resources.

Can Students Go to School During Study Leave?

Yes, students can go to school during study leave, especially if their school has scheduled revision sessions, additional lessons, or study groups. Even if the majority of students are on study leave, many schools remain open for targeted support, such as:

• Subject-specific revision sessions

• One-on-one teacher support

• Access to study rooms or libraries

• Well-being resources and advice

Students who find it difficult to study at home or need additional help with specific topics may benefit from attending school during study leave for these sessions.

How Many Hours Should I Revise Per Day During Study Leave?

The number of hours a student should revise per day during study leave can vary, but a good general guideline is between 4–6 hours of focused revision per day. It is important to ensure that this is split into smaller chunks of revision spread over the day. Read all about the ways to stay focused in the excellent article on the Pomodoro technique or how to use spaced repetition to boost your memory.

It is essential to achieve a balance between doing sufficient revision to confidently tackle the exams without doing so much that you feel overwhelmed. For students who do feel overwhelmed or do not know where to start with revision, there is a lot of support available.

What Support is Available During Study Leave?

There are many forms of support available to ensure that students make the best use of their study leave and are well-prepared for their GCSE exams.

School-based support

• Revision sessions: These are offered by many schools and may focus on particular topics or subjects that you or other students find challenging.

• Teachers: During this time you can ask questions of your teachers or request additional support.

• Study materials: Schools may provide you with revision books, and access to websites like Save My Exams or other revision materials.

Online resources 

There are a wealth of resources online, and you can select the most appropriate ones depending on your preferred revision methods. Flashcards, concept maps and past papers are all great ways to revise. 

For a selection of subjects, Save My Exams now has Smart Mark, which will mark your answers to past papers and original exam questions. Fast and effective feedback on answers is a great way to improve your exam technique and gain the highest grades.

Well-being support

The build-up to exams can be stressful. I always emphasise to my students the importance of caring for their health and well-being at this time. For students feeling anxious or stressed, I recommend the Exam Anxiety Support Kit. There is also support offered within schools to help ensure the stress and anxiety is manageable.

Top Tips for Making the Most of Study Leave

1. Get organised with a revision timetable

It’s essential to stay organised during study leave. Set clear, realistic goals for each day and break your revision into manageable chunks. By planning your time in advance, you can ensure that you cover all topics and avoid cramming at the last minute. Learn more about how to make a GCSE revision timetable. 

2. Use active revision techniques

Revision is not just reading notes or watching videos. Recall in the exam requires the information to be in your long-term memory. Active revision techniques are the most effective for this, including flashcards, concept or mind maps or teaching the content to someone else.

3. Take regular breaks

Don’t forget to schedule short breaks to recharge. Studying for long hours without breaks can lead to burnout. Remember the Pomodoro Technique, or simply take a 10-15 minute break every hour to refresh your mind.

4. Get plenty of sleep

Sleep is crucial during the revision period. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep per night to allow your brain to consolidate information and stay focused during revision. Eating a balanced diet and staying physically active can also help maintain energy levels and reduce stress.

5. Ask for support if you need it

Schools, online resources and well-being services are all there to support you through exam season. Make sure that you seek help and support when you need it. This could be for particular subjects, topics, or for your well-being. You are not on your own, and using all the resources available will help you to ace those exams.

Ace Your GCSEs with Save My Exams

Study leave is an important time for Year 11 students to consolidate their learning and prepare for their GCSE exams. While study leave durations and policies may differ from school to school, it’s clear that you need to manage your time wisely and use the support available to you. 

Save My Exams offers course-specific revision resources, including revision notes, exam questions, flashcards and past papers. 

Explore Our GCSE Revision Resources

References

AQA, 2024. GCSE examination timetable: June 2025 (confirmed). [online] Available at: https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/admin/t_table_pdf/AQA-TT-GCSE-JUN25-CONFIRMED.PDF [Accessed 20 November 2024].

Department for Education, 2024. Working together to improve school attendance. [online] Available at:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf300da44f1c4c23e5bd1b/Working_together_to_improve_school_attendance_-_August_2024.pdf [Accessed 20 November 2024].