How to Revise for GCSE Maths
Techniques to help you revise more effectively and build confidence
11/1/20251 min read
Remember confidence starts with clarity.
You can’t feel confident if you don’t know what you’re working on. The first step is getting clear on where you’re strong and where you need support. Without this, it’s easy to waste time on topics you already understand, or panic about the topics that really matter. Knowing exactly where to focus is like having a map for a journey — suddenly the path becomes clear, and confidence starts to build.
Print a GCSE Maths topic checklist https://thegcsemathstutor.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Revision-Checklist-Higher.pdf
Go through it honestly — mark topics green (confident), amber (okay), or red (need help).
Use past papers to identify areas you need to work on.
Create a revision plan based on your findings. Focus on your red and amber topics first, but sprinkle in green topics to keep all skills fresh.
Once you know exactly what to focus on, revision stops feeling overwhelming — you’ve got a clear map. That sense of direction instantly boosts confidence, because now you’re in control.
Confidence grows when confusion disappears.
You don’t build confidence by re-reading notes or watching endless videos — you build it by doing.
Every time you work through a question, your confidence grows a little more. In maths you can’t just memorise facts or definitions and expect to do well.
Understanding in maths only develops through active problem solving, because each question asks you to apply what you know in a slightly different way. The more you practise, the more patterns you start to see and those patterns make new problems feel familiar.
That’s why consistent practice isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Every question you tackle is a mini workout for your brain, strengthening the skills and reasoning you’ll rely on in the exam.
Here are some of my favourite websites you can use for revision:
