Why More Revision Hours Rarely Lead to Higher A-Level Grades
Jan 22, 2026
The instinct to push for more
After disappointing mock results, most parents respond in the same way.
They encourage more revision.
Longer hours. More papers. More content.
It feels logical.
Unfortunately, it often produces the opposite effect.
The problem with measuring revision in hours
Time spent revising is a poor indicator of progress.
Beyond a certain point, extra hours lead to:
- Cognitive overload
- Reduced quality of thinking
- Increased anxiety
- Burnout
Teenagers already revising heavily often need less, not more.
Why more revision can make results worse
When students are tired, stressed, and overwhelmed, their ability to think clearly declines.
A-Level exams punish poor decision-making far more than gaps in knowledge.
This is why pushing harder often leads to stagnation or regression.
What should replace the focus on hours
Instead of asking “How long are they revising?”, parents should ask:
- Is revision training exam decisions?
- Are mistakes being analysed properly?
- Is structure improving?
- Is confidence becoming more robust or more fragile?
Quality always beats quantity.
This blog is brought to you by
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