GCSE, A Level & IB Mock Exams: Why Do Mocks Matter?

Mock exams are coming up for many GCSE, A Level, and IB students. But before you panic, think of them as a dress rehearsal – a test run that can give you the opportunity to experience the pressure, learn how to manage your revision, and get used to working within the time limit.

Mock exams aren’t just about getting stressed – they’re about practicing the skills you need to achieve your very best when the real exams come along next May and June. They give you a great chance to see how far you’ve come – and what’s still left to learn.

We share some top tips for managing your mock exams.

Why are mock exams important?

Benjamin Thompson, Ambitions Advisor at Jebel Ali School, explains that mock exams play a key role in the A Level, GCSE or IB journey as they simulate real exam conditions, helping students develop time management, understand exam formats, and apply their knowledge under pressure.

Mock exams are also helpful for building confidence.

"Sitting in an examination hall and tackling a full-length paper allows students to familiarise themselves with the process, reducing anxiety for the actual examinations. They also act as a wake-up call for students who may underestimate the level of preparation required," adds Mr Thompson.

Tahoora Khalil Urehman, Head of Middle East and Southeast Asia, King's InterHigh, stresses the importance of mock exams in identifying gaps in knowledge.

"Through mock exams, educators and students can identify specific areas where the student may have gaps in their understanding. This early detection allows students to focus their revision on areas that need improvement, ultimately enhancing their comprehensive knowledge and readiness."

Catherine Gosling, Assistant Head of Sixth Form at Brighton College Dubai, shares that mock exams also help students celebrate their progress.

"We also love to celebrate the success of our pupils – helping them to see the journey they are on throughout the GCSE or A Level course, reaching mini milestones (such as successful mock exam results) along the way."

What can students learn from their mock exam results?

Ultimately, mock exams are a learning experience.

Tahoora Khalil Urehman (King's InterHigh) explains how mock exams can help students to hone essential strategies for answering different types of questions.

"This includes understanding the format of multiple-choice questions, structuring essays efficiently, and deploying quick problem-solving tactics in subjects like mathematics or science. Developing these strategies improves overall efficiency and effectiveness in tackling examinations."

Mock exams are not simply an exercise in applying knowledge – they give students valuable insight into how well they are grasping the material.

Benjamin Thompson (Jebel Ali School) says:

"A strong score can boost morale, while a lower score should be seen as constructive feedback. Students can analyse where marks were lost – did it stem from gaps in knowledge, misinterpreted questions, or poor time management?

"They can also use teacher feedback to guide their efforts, revisit challenging topics, and practice targeted questions to improve and refine examination techniques.

"Ultimately, mocks are a stepping stone to success. By treating them as a learning experience, students can address weaknesses, refine their strategy, and approach the real examinations with greater confidence and preparation. Embrace the challenge – they’re an investment in achieving your best results."

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Top 5 Tips to Make Your Mocks Count

Create a structured revision plan 
Benjamin Thompson (Jebel Ali School) recommends prioritising topics and targeting weaker areas.

• Use active methods: summary cards, past papers, timed drills, and self-testing.
• Regular timed practice builds stamina and time awareness.

Personalise your revision
Viktoria Papen (Head of Key Stage 5, King’s InterHigh) suggests bespoke Revision Handbooks and tools like Seneca Learning and BBC Bitesize.

• Build a personal timetable around your gaps.
• Revisit recorded lessons, past assignments, and teacher resources.
• Practise with past papers—properly
• Sit them timed, closed-book and mark against official mark schemes.
• Track errors in a “mistake log” to stop repeating them.

Turn mock feedback into a plan
Catherine Gosling (Brighton College Dubai): use 1:1 teacher feedback to set specific goals before the next paper.

• If offered, make the most of personalised tutoring, weekly check-ins, and time-management practice.

Balance revision with wellbeing
Viktoria Papen (King’s InterHigh) emphasises breaks, sleep, and support.

• Parents can help with a quiet study space, a simple progress check-in, and encouragement.

Quick FAQs (For Parents)

What are mock exams? School-run practice exams held under exam conditions to help students prepare for the real thing.

Do mock exam grades matter? Mocks don’t replace final grades, but schools do use them to inform predicted grades, targeted support, and revision priorities.

How should my child use their mock feedback? Create a short action plan per subject: top 3 topic gaps, 1–2 exam-technique fixes, and a mini schedule of timed practice before the next assessment point.

How many past papers should they do? Quality beats quantity. Aim for one timed paper a week per priority subject during the run-up, fully marked and reviewed against the mark scheme.