How To Get Better At GCSE Maths
If you’re Googling “how to get better at GCSE Maths”, you’re probably either stressed, frustrated, or sick of feeling behind. Here’s the good news: maths isn’t a talent, it’s all about training.
I’ve taught thousands of students and I’ve watched the same pattern over and over: the ones who improve aren’t “naturals”. They just practise the right way.
So this is the exact system I’d use if I were sitting GCSE maths again tomorrow.
1. Stop “revising” and start practising
Reading notes feels productive. It isn’t.
GCSE Maths is a skill. Like with any sport, you don’t get better by watching highlights, you get better by practising.
Your new rule:
Every revision session ends with questions.
Even 20 mins of practice beats 2 hours of “going over stuff”.
2. Use the 80/20 topics
Some topics show up constantly. If you master these you’ll fly up the grades:
- Fractions/decimals/percentages
- Algebra basics (simplifying, solving, rearranging)
- Ratio & proportion
- Graphs
- Geometry + area/volume
- Probability & stats
If you’re stuck, start here. It’s the fastest way to build marks.
3. Fix your mistakes, don’t just give up
Most students do questions, get them wrong, and move on. That’s like spotting the exact thing you need to fix… and then never fixing it.
When you get something wrong, ask:
- What exactly did I do wrong?
- Why did I do it?
- What’s the correct method?
- Do 3 more like it straight away.
That last step is where improvement happens.
4. Do short, regular sessions
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that maths loves consistency.
Best routine: 30–45 mins, 4–5 days a week, aim for 15 to 25 questions a session. Use the pomodoro method.
Not 4 hours once a week while crying into a calculator.
Small sessions keep things fresh and stop you forgetting everything.
5. Use past paper questions early
If you’re “saving” past papers for later, stop. That’s like keeping the best practice for last and then running out of time to actually benefit from it.
I would recommend doing them topic by topic first.
Then full papers later. Here’s some Year 11 examples.
That’s how you spot patterns, build speed, and stop being surprised on exam day.
6. Blurting Technique
I’ve found this to be by far and away the most EFFECTIVE way to study. It’s proven to be twice as effective as regular study.
I explain more here 👇
7. Memorise the “must-know” stuff
There are a few things you just need to know cold:
- Times tables (yes, still)
- Square numbers
- Key formulas (area, volume, circle stuff, Pythagoras, trig)
- Fraction/percentage conversions
- Standard graph shapes
Stick them on a sheet. Test yourself a little bit every day.
You don’t want to burn brainpower on basics in the exam.
8. Don’t go blank
I see this constantly.
Students go: “I’m bad at maths.”
But really it’s:
- they’ve missed a chunk early on
- they’re embarrassed to ask
- they panic and go blank
Here’s the fix: start where you’re at, rebuild the foundations, and stack small wins. Confidence comes after ability improves.
Here’s some advice on how to “un-blank” in a GCSE maths exam 👇
9. Learn the method, not the answer
If you only understand this one question, you’re cooked.
If you understand the method, you can answer any version of it.
So when you’re stuck, don’t just look at the final answer.
Look at the steps and ask:
“What are they doing at each point, and why?”
Then try it again without looking.
10. Belief is half the battle
You’re not “behind”. You’re not “stupid”.
You’re just untrained in certain areas.
Maths is learnable. Full stop.
I’ve watched students go from failing mocks to smashing 7/8/9s in a few months. The difference wasn’t magic; it was consistent practice and smart revision.
If you want a simple plan:
- 4–5 sessions per week
- Half learning, half questions
- Track mistakes
- Hammer core topics
- Past paper practice every week
Do that for 6–8 weeks and you’ll feel like a different student.
You’ve got plenty of time. Chill the beans. Start today.
