Top 10 Study Tips for Sixth Form Students

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

One of the most effective study tips for staying motivated and focused is to set clear, achievable goals. A Levels can sometimes feel overwhelming, but breaking down your overall goals into smaller, more manageable tasks will help you stay on track and measure your progress.

Start by setting long-term academic goals, such as achieving a particular grade in your final exams or mastering a specific subject area. Then, break these down into short-term goals for each term or month and further refine them into weekly or daily tasks. By setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals, you’ll give yourself direction and a sense of purpose, which can make your study routine feel more structured and less overwhelming.

2. Create a Study Plan

Having a study plan is essential for staying organised and on top of your workload. Sixth Form is a busy time, with many different subjects, assignments, and deadlines to keep track of. A well-thought-out study plan allows you to allocate time for each subject, prioritise tasks, and balance your study commitments with other activities.

Start by mapping out your entire academic calendar, noting down exam dates, assignment deadlines, and other important events. Then, create weekly or monthly study schedules that reflect your priorities and ensure that you are dedicating enough time to each subject. Be realistic about how much you can achieve in a session, and be sure to allow time for rest, social activities, and hobbies to avoid burnout. A good study plan not only helps you stay on track but also reduces anxiety by giving you a clear sense of control over your time.

3. Utilise Active Recall and Spaced Repetition

When it comes to remembering information for exams, traditional study methods like rereading textbooks or notes can be ineffective in the long term. Instead, active recall and spaced repetition are proven techniques that help strengthen memory retention.

Active recall involves testing yourself on the material you’ve learned, forcing your brain to retrieve information actively. This could be as simple as using flashcards or attempting to explain a concept in your own words. The more you actively engage with the material, the better your brain will remember it.

Spaced repetition complements active recall by encouraging you to review material at gradually increasing intervals. Instead of cramming all at once, you revisit information after one day, then three days, a week, and so on. This approach reinforces the material in your long-term memory, making it more likely that you’ll recall it when it matters most—during exams.

4. Create a Productive Study Environment

Where you study can have a huge impact on how productive you are. A cluttered or noisy environment can be distracting and hinder your concentration. On the other hand, a clean, organised space that is free from distractions helps you focus and work more efficiently.

Find a quiet, comfortable space to study that is well-lit and has all the materials you need. Try to limit distractions by putting away your phone, turning off social media, and letting others know when you need uninterrupted time to focus. Keep your study area tidy and organise your materials so that you can easily find what you need. A well-organised space can make studying feel less stressful and more productive.

For those looking for a dedicated, distraction-free environment, boarding at Luckley House can offer just that. Our weekly boarding provision is a great option for Sixth Form students, providing a supportive space to focus on your studies without the distraction of travel or outside commitments. With staff available to help with coursework and exam prep and a balanced schedule that includes both study time and downtime, boarding is an excellent way to ensure you make the most of your time and build the independence needed for life after school.

5. Master the Art of Note-Taking

Effective note-taking is an essential skill for Sixth Form students. It helps you process and retain information, provides a valuable reference for revision, and keeps you organised. But simply jotting down everything the teacher says is not enough. You need to learn how to take notes in a way that is clear, concise, and easy to review.

Try different note-taking methods to find the one that works best for you. The Cornell Method, for example, is a popular approach where you divide your page into sections for main ideas, details, and summaries. Mind mapping is another technique that helps you visualise connections between ideas. Whichever method you choose, focus on summarising the key points rather than writing everything down verbatim. This active process helps you understand and remember the material more effectively.

6. Ask for Help

At Sixth Form, you’re expected to take more ownership of your learning, but that doesn’t mean you should struggle in silence. Asking for help when you’re struggling with a concept or assignment is an important part of the learning process.

Don’t hesitate to approach your teachers or tutors for clarification or additional support. They are there to help you succeed. For students with learning differences, the Learning Support Department at Luckley House offers specialist support aimed at maximising opportunities and academic success. This dedicated team provides tailored assistance to ensure every student can achieve their potential.

You can also consider working with classmates or forming study groups to share knowledge and discuss complex topics. Whether it’s an informal chat or a more structured session, getting help when you need it ensures that you don’t fall behind.

7.  Find Your Learning Style

Everyone learns differently, so it’s essential to find the study methods and techniques that work best for you. Some students are visual learners, while others are auditory or kinesthetic learners. Understanding your learning style can help you tailor your study approach to maximise your effectiveness.

For instance, if you’re a visual learner, you might benefit from creating diagrams, colour-coded notes, or watching educational videos. If you’re an auditory learner, try recording yourself summarising key concepts and listening back. Kinesthetic learners may prefer hands-on activities or teaching the material to others. Experiment with different methods and pay attention to how well you retain and understand the material to determine what suits you best.

8. Review Regularly (And Don’t Cram!)

One of the most effective ways to retain information is to review it regularly. Instead of leaving all your revision until the last minute, make reviewing a part of your routine. This allows you to spot areas that need improvement and reinforces the material in your memory.

It’s also crucial to avoid cramming at all costs. Cramming may seem tempting when exams are just around the corner, but it’s proven to be ineffective for long-term retention. When you cram, you’re putting stress on your brain to process too much information in a short period of time, which can overwhelm you and make it harder to remember everything. Instead, break down your revision into manageable chunks over a period of weeks or months to allow the information to sink in gradually.

Set aside time each week to go over your notes and highlight key concepts. This will help you keep information fresh in your mind and ensure that you’re consistently progressing in your studies. By reviewing regularly, you’ll also feel more prepared when exam season rolls around, reducing last-minute cramming and exam stress.

9. Take Regular, Focused Breaks

It’s essential to remember that studying for long periods without breaks is not sustainable. Research shows that taking regular breaks improves focus, productivity, and memory retention.

Try the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break, or schedule longer breaks after more extended periods of study. During your breaks, get away from your study space, stretch, go for a walk, or do something enjoyable that helps you recharge. Avoid distractions like social media during breaks, as it can be harder to get back into study mode. Taking regular, focused breaks ensures that you stay refreshed and maintain your concentration throughout the day.

10. Enrol in a Study Skills Course

Learning effective study techniques can be challenging to figure out on your own. Luckley House’s Six Week Study Skills Course is designed specifically to help our Sixth Form students develop essential skills like goal-setting, note-taking, and exam preparation. The course covers techniques like spaced learning and active recall, all tailored to foster academic resilience and independence. By participating in this course, students gain structured, personalised support that builds confidence and equips them for A Level success. Planned and delivered by specialist teachers, the six-week course is offered on a one-to-one basis for all interested Year 12 students.