Moving up to secondary school is an exciting step, but it also comes with new challenges. Suddenly, there’s more homework, longer reading lists, bigger projects, and exams that really count. For many pupils, it can feel overwhelming at first.
The good news? Success in secondary school isn’t only about natural ability. It’s often about study skills—practical strategies and habits that make learning more effective, less stressful, and more enjoyable. The right skills can turn a worried Year 7 pupil into a confident GCSE candidate by Year 11.
This article is designed to be a friendly but detailed guide to the most important study skills secondary pupils should know. We’ll cover organisation, memory techniques, revision methods, wellbeing, and more—always with real-life examples parents and pupils can use straight away.
Why Study Skills Matter
Secondary pupils who develop strong study skills benefit in many ways:
-
They remember information more effectively.
-
They manage workload without feeling crushed.
-
They perform better in tests and exams.
-
They often enjoy more free time, because their learning is efficient.
A large body of research backs this up. The Education Endowment Foundation found that teaching pupils to plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning can boost progress by up to seven months in a single year. That’s more than almost any other intervention schools can make.
In other words: study skills aren’t a bonus. They’re essential.
Time Management: The Foundation of Good Study
Time is the most valuable resource a pupil has—and one that often slips through their fingers. Between homework, after-school clubs, friends, and family life, pupils need tools to manage it wisely.
One effective strategy is to use a weekly planner. Whether it’s a physical diary or an app like Google Calendar, pupils should list homework deadlines, test dates, and extracurricular activities. This makes it easier to see when evenings are packed and when there’s free space for revision.
Example:
Imagine Olivia, a Year 9 pupil, has:
-
Maths homework due Friday
-
A science quiz on Monday
-
Football training Wednesday evening
Without a planner, she might forget about the science quiz until Sunday night. With one, she can spot the clash, do the maths homework on Thursday, and revise science earlier in the week. Result: no panic, no tears, and better marks.
Planning time also helps balance learning and leisure. Parents who want more guidance on managing this balance can read our guide on Balancing Screen Time and Study Time.
Note-Taking That Actually Helps
Many pupils think note-taking is just copying down whatever the teacher says. But this isn’t effective—it leads to pages of messy notes no one wants to revise from.
A better strategy is the Cornell Note-Taking System:
-
Divide the page into three columns.
-
Use the largest column for main notes.
-
Use a narrower one for key words or questions.
-
At the bottom, write a short summary of the lesson.
This simple format makes revision much easier because the key ideas stand out.
Real-world example:
In a Year 8 geography lesson about rivers, a pupil might write notes on “erosion,” “transportation,” and “deposition” in the main column. In the keywords column, they could jot: “River processes.” At the bottom, the summary could be: “Rivers shape landscapes through erosion, movement of material, and deposition.” That summary alone is a powerful revision aid.
Good note-taking also supports homework. For more ideas, see our guide to Helping Your Child With Homework Without the Stress.
Revision That Works (and What Doesn’t)
One of the most common mistakes pupils make is re-reading notes and thinking they’ve revised. Sadly, this creates an illusion of learning. What works much better is active revision.
Active revision techniques include:
-
Flashcards: Write questions on one side and answers on the other.
-
Practice papers: Past GCSE or KS3 papers show real exam style.
-
Teaching others: Explaining a concept to a parent, sibling, or even the family dog forces understanding.
-
Mind maps: Create colourful diagrams linking ideas together.
Research confirms this. Dunlosky et al. (2013) found that practice testing and spaced learning are far more effective than re-reading or highlighting.
Example:
Instead of reading a history textbook three times, Ethan creates 20 flashcards on key World War I events. Over the week, he tests himself daily. By Friday, he knows the facts inside out—without hours of wasted reading.
Chunking and the Pomodoro Technique
Studying for hours without a break is not only exhausting—it’s counterproductive. Brains need regular rest to process and retain information.
Two practical strategies are:
-
Chunking: Breaking big tasks into smaller pieces. “Revise the French Revolution” becomes “Revise causes,” “Revise events,” “Revise outcomes.”
-
Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break. After four “Pomodoros,” take a longer 20–30 minute break.
Example:
Lily, preparing for a maths test, sets a timer for 25 minutes. She works on algebra, then takes 5 minutes to stretch and get a drink. After four cycles, she’s studied for nearly two hours without burning out—and her focus remains sharp.
The Importance of a Good Study Environment
Not every pupil has the luxury of a study room, but creating a distraction-free environment is possible almost anywhere.
-
A small desk with good lighting
-
All supplies (pens, paper, calculator) ready before starting
-
Mobile phones on silent or left outside the room
-
Headphones with calm background music if noise is a problem
Parents can help by encouraging this setup. Even designating a “study corner” at the kitchen table can make a big difference.
Reading With Purpose
Secondary pupils are expected to read longer, more complex texts. Reading with purpose makes it easier to absorb information.
Before reading, pupils should ask: “What do I need to learn here?”
While reading, they can underline key points and jot margin notes.
Afterwards, they should summarise in their own words.
Example:
A Year 10 pupil reading about ecosystems in biology highlights “producers, consumers, decomposers” and then writes a short summary: “Ecosystems rely on producers to capture energy, consumers to transfer it, and decomposers to recycle nutrients.” That one sentence captures the essence.
Collaborative Learning
Some pupils thrive when working with friends. Study groups, when well organised, can boost motivation and understanding.
Example:
A group of Year 11s meet once a week to revise English literature. Each pupil takes a character from Macbeth and explains their role in the play. By the end of the session, everyone has learned more—and teaching peers reinforces memory.
The key is structure: groups should stay focused, not drift into chat. Parents can support by offering snacks and space for such sessions.
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
Study skills aren’t just about books. Lifestyle plays a big role.
-
Sleep: Teenagers need about 8–10 hours a night. Lack of sleep harms memory and concentration.
-
Nutrition: Balanced meals with protein, fruit, and veg support energy and focus.
-
Exercise: Even 30 minutes of activity improves mood and learning.
A pupil who stays up until 1am revising will almost certainly perform worse than one who revised earlier and slept properly. For more practical advice, read our guide on Healthy Sleep Habits for School-Aged Children.
Managing Stress and Motivation
Exams and deadlines naturally create stress. But pupils can learn to manage it.
-
Set realistic goals: Instead of “Revise all of science,” aim for “Revise biology topics: cells and genetics.”
-
Reward effort, not just results: Parents can encourage pupils with small rewards for sticking to revision plans.
-
Mindfulness and relaxation: Apps like Headspace can help pupils calm nerves before big tests.
Stress is also linked to wider school experiences. Pupils dealing with SEN, bullying, or additional needs often find studying harder. For guidance, see our articles on Dealing With Bullying and Recognising Early Signs of ADHD.
Pulling It All Together
Study skills aren’t about being perfect—they’re about progress. Pupils who practise time management, note-taking, active revision, and healthy habits will see real results. Parents and teachers can support by encouraging these habits, but ultimately pupils need to experiment and find what works for them.
The big picture? With the right study skills, pupils not only do better in school but also gain lifelong tools for work, further education, and beyond.
