Many parents want to help with secondary school work but feel they do not know the content any more. The good news: you do not need to. The most helpful things parents do are about routine, questions and calm, not teaching.
1. Help build a routine
- Agree a regular time and place for homework and revision.
- Keep the space quiet, with phones in another room.
- Short, regular sessions are better than long ones at the weekend.
2. Ask them to teach you
Ask: "What did you learn in Science today? Can you explain it to me?" Explaining something out loud is one of the best ways to remember it. If they get stuck, that shows what they need to revise.
3. Test them
Use their flashcards or quiz questions and ask them. You do not need to know the answers, because they are on the back of the card.
4. Know the key facts
- Find out which exam board each subject uses.
- For Maths and Science, find out whether they are likely to sit Foundation or Higher tier.
- Know the mock exam dates and the real exam season (usually May and June).
- GCSEs are graded 9 to 1: grade 4 is a standard pass and grade 5 a strong pass.
5. Look at results together, calmly
After a test, ask:
- Which topics went well?
- Which topics lost the most marks?
- What will you do about them?
Praise effort and good habits, not just the grade. A student who knows what to fix is on the right track.
6. Look after the basics
- Sleep: teenagers need plenty. Late-night cramming does more harm than good.
- Food and water: a proper breakfast on exam days.
- Breaks and exercise: fresh air helps concentration.
- Screen time: agree limits, especially before bed.
7. Talk to the school early
If your child is struggling, speak to their teacher or form tutor early. Small problems in Year 9 or 10 are much easier to fix than in the spring of Year 11.
In short
You do not need to teach the subjects. Help with routine, ask questions, test with flashcards, know the key facts and keep things calm. That support makes a real difference.
Notes, tests and papers for your exam board
AshACE® Revise is opening soon for Year 6 to GCSE.