How to prepare for your GCSE Maths resits

Joe Robinson, @the_maths_guy on Tiktok, has supported lots of GCSE Maths students through their exams, including resits. Here he shares his expert advice. 

Failing your GCSE Maths the first time can be tough. It knocks your confidence, and it’s easy to feel like maths just “isn’t your thing.” But the good news? The November resit gives you a clear second chance, and this time, you’re going in with experience, a better understanding of the exam format, and a few months to prepare.

As someone who has worked with hundreds of resit students, I’ve seen first-hand what works. Whether you’re aiming to go from a Grade 3 to a 4, or want to push even higher, this guide will give you the steps to take control of your learning and walk into the exam feeling confident and prepared.

1. Understand Why You’re Resitting

Before you dive into revision, get clear on why this matters. A GCSE Maths pass at grade 4 or above is often essential for college, apprenticeships, and many jobs. It opens doors and removes a lot of future stress. This isn’t just about a number on a piece of paper; it’s about your next step in life.

Understanding your “why” will help keep you motivated when things feel challenging.

2. Identify Your Weak Areas

Start by reviewing your previous exam paper, if possible. Look at the questions you got wrong, not just what topics they were, but why you lost marks. Was it a lack of knowledge? Misreading the question? Poor timing?

Make a list of the key topics you need to focus on. Common ones for resit students include:

• Fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Ratio and proportion
• Algebra (especially solving equations)
• Area, perimeter, and volume
• Graphs and coordinates
• Interpreting data and probability

Don’t guess where you’re weak – be specific. Knowing what to focus on will make your revision much more effective.

3. Make a Weekly Plan (And Stick to It)

From now until the resit, you’ve got around 9-10 weeks. That’s plenty of time to make a difference, if you use it well.

Aim to study Maths at least 2 to 3 times per week. Start with short, focused sessions (30–45 minutes) and build up. As you get closer to November, add in longer sessions and full practice papers.

Your weekly plan might look like this:

Monday: Revise a key topic using a revision guide or video.

Wednesday: Practise 4–5 questions from that topic.

Saturday: Complete a short past paper section under timed conditions.

Consistency is more important than cramming – little and often wins every time.

4. Use the Right Resources

There are so many revision resources out there, but the key is to use ones that actually help you understand, not just memorise.

Here’s what I recommend:

Oxford Revise GCSE Maths – A clear and structured guide with plenty of practice questions and review sections.

My TikTok account – @the_maths_guy – I post quick, clear videos explaining exam-style questions and common problem areas that students struggle with. These are perfect for short, focused revision sessions.

GCSE Maths past papers – Get these from exam board websites (like AQA, Edexcel, or OCR) and use them regularly.

Also, use websites with free quizzes and interactive practice like Maths Genie and Diagnostic Questions. These help you get used to how exam questions are worded — which is just as important as the maths itself.

5. Focus on High-Value Topics

Some topics come up a lot and carry big marks. Focus your efforts here to get the most return for your time:

• Percentages (including compound interest and percentage change)
• Ratio and proportion problems
• Solving equations and inequalities
• Area and volume
• Interpreting graphs and data

Make sure you’re confident with your calculator too – knowing how to use functions like fractions, powers, and standard form can save you precious time and earn easy marks.

6. Practise Like It’s the Real Thing

Doing questions is good – but doing papers under exam conditions is even better.

Every week from September onwards, try to complete at least one full paper. Time yourself. Mark it honestly. Then go through the ones you got wrong and figure out why.

This is how you build exam confidence. You’ll spot patterns in your mistakes, get better at managing time, and reduce nerves on the day.

7. Track Your Progress

Keep a revision log. After each session, jot down:

• The topic you studied
• Areas you struggled with
• Where you have improved 
• What to review again next week

This helps you stay organised and focused. It also boosts your confidence as you see how far you’ve come.

8. Get Support If You Need It

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s a teacher, a tutor, a family member, or even a friend who’s good at maths – a bit of guidance can make a big difference.

At Robinson Tuition, we work with students in your exact position. Sometimes, just a few 1-to-1 sessions with the right tutor can help you finally “get it” – and remove the stress of trying to figure everything out alone.

If you feel stuck, don’t suffer in silence. Getting support isn’t a weakness – it’s a smart move.

Final Thought

The November resit isn’t about “redoing” something – it’s about proving to yourself what you’re capable of. You’ve already done the hardest part: you sat the exam once. Now, you have a second chance to go in with more knowledge, more preparation, and more confidence.

Make a plan. Stick to it. Use the right resources. And believe that you can pass this.

Because you absolutely can.

Revision books