What to Focus On in Year 10: GCSE Strategy Starts Sooner Than You Think

At the start of Year 10, GCSEs can feel a long way off. But this is the year when good habits, confidence and clear routines begin to shape future results. The top mark students do not wait until Year 11 to start preparing; they build steady momentum now.

At Enjoy Education, we see Year 10 as the quiet turning point. It is a year to get organised, fill gaps and develop strategies that make learning manageable and rewarding.

3. Keep English, Maths and Science Secure

These core subjects underpin most GCSE results and later choices. Building a solid understanding now means fewer worries later.

Year 10 is the time to make these subjects feel secure, not stressful. The aim is steady mastery, not perfection.

• English: Build confidence through discussion, not just writing. Talking about themes, characters and arguments develops the analytical thinking examiners reward. Reading varied material (fiction, news, opinion pieces) also strengthens vocabulary and essay technique.
• Maths: Keep skills fresh through regular, low-stakes practice. Ten minutes of problem-solving a few times a week helps topics stay familiar. When a concept feels unclear, focus on understanding the “why”, not just the method.
• Science: Connect theory to real life. Watching short experiments, documentaries or news stories about science in action turns abstract ideas into something memorable. Use practice questions early to apply knowledge rather than memorise facts.

If any topic feels like a weak link, tackling it now prevents it becoming a barrier later. Focused one-to-one support helps students rebuild confidence quickly and maintain progress across all three subjects.

4. Look Ahead to Future Choices

By the middle of Year 10, many students begin to think about what comes next: A levels, the IB, or vocational routes. Exploring options early takes pressure off Year 11.

Ask: Which subjects spark genuine interest? What skills or careers could they connect to? Our Education Consultants can organise a pathway consultation to help students link their GCSE work to longer-term goals, including university or sixth-form plans.

5. Balance and Wellbeing

Strong GCSE performance depends as much on wellbeing as on study. Students who pace themselves, rest properly and know when to switch off are the ones who stay motivated through Year 11.

Encourage simple, sustainable habits:

• Structure, not pressure – keep a regular homework and revision routine but finish at a set time each evening.
• Movement matters – even short walks or sports sessions help focus and reduce anxiety.
• Digital downtime – put phones away during study and before bed to protect sleep and concentration.
• Small resets – five minutes of breathing, stretching or listening to music between tasks can recharge energy far more effectively than endless scrolling.

Parents can support by modelling balance themselves and celebrating effort as much as results. A calm, healthy routine now builds resilience that lasts well beyond GCSEs.