GCSE English: Top Tips For Parents

There’s something a bit daunting about GCSE English, isn’t there? Even as a parent.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve spoken to so many mums and dads who say, “I did English at school, but I can’t remember any of it now!” Or, “I’m worried I’ll confuse my child if I try to help.”

Maybe that’s you. Or maybe you’re the parent searching Google at 11pm for GCSE English tips and information about PETER paragraphs? (If so, you’re in good company.)

The truth is, GCSE English has changed a lot over the years. The exams, the texts, even the way students are taught to write: it’s all a bit different now.

However, supporting your child doesn’t have to mean relearning everything yourself. In fact, it’s better if you don’t try to be the expert. You just need to be present, patient and... well, a bit resourceful.

GCSE English: Top Tips For Parents

Start with the Basics

If your child comes home and says, “I have no idea what to write for this question,” take a breath. That’s normal. Most students, even the ones who seem confident, get stuck sometimes. It’s not a sign they’re failing. It’s just part of the process.

GCSE English isn’t just one massive subject: it’s a collection of skills. Reading, writing, analysing, planning, managing time in the exam... it seems endless.

The best advice I can give you is don't try to tackle everything at once. Maybe tonight it’s just reading a short article together. Tomorrow, perhaps, it’s jotting down ideas for a creative writing piece.

Keep the destination in mind but focus on the little steps you need to take to get there.

Reading

Encouraging your child to read doesn’t mean sitting them down with the collected works of Shakespeare. Reading comprehension comes from all sorts of places. News stories, magazine articles, even online opinion pieces.

The important thing is to show an interest and discuss what your child's reading. Not grilling - just gentle curiosity. “What did you think of the story?” “What do you think the writer’s trying to say here?” Sometimes, the best discussions happen when you admit you’re not sure either.

Of course, your teenager might not find this easy so if they shrug or say, “I don’t know,” that’s fine. Silence is part of thinking too. You can always come back to it later. Or not. Sometimes, letting it go for a bit is the best way to help them get unstuck.

Writing

Writing is where a lot of students get anxious. There’s this pressure to “sound clever,” but, actually, clarity is what matters most. If your child is staring at a blank page, encourage them to jot down key words, phrases, half-formed ideas etc. Anything that comes to mind. It’s amazing how much more natural their writing becomes when they stop worrying about being perfect.

Planning helps too. Five minutes making a mind map or a list of bullet points can help teenagers to focus on getting words on a page – even if they cross out half of them later.

One word of caution: don’t force it. Some kids love planning and others don’t. That’s okay. Maybe try a few different approaches and, if one doesn’t work, try another. No one method fits everyone.

Exam Prep

When it comes to exam technique, it's all about practice, not perfection. Completing exam questions in timed conditions is useful but it’s not the only thing that will help your child feel more confident.

Understanding the mark scheme and trying to work out what examiners are really looking for can be a game changer.

If you have access to past papers, sit down together and look at a sample answer. Ask your child what they notice. What’s good? What could be better? It’s less about right or wrong and more about developing an eye for what works.

Just make sure it doesn’t become a source of stress. Some nights, practice goes well but, at others, nothing seems to click. That’s normal. I’ve seen students have a breakthrough after weeks of feeling stuck. Progress isn’t linear. Sometimes, it’s invisible for a while.

Keep It Positive…And Remember, You’re Not Alone

Remember, GCSEs are a marathon, not a sprint. It’s so easy to zero in on what’s not working, but, honestly, the small wins matter.

Celebrate effort, not just results. If your child writes a paragraph they’re proud of, even if it’s not perfect, that’s worth recognising. Sometimes, that little boost is what keeps them going...just don't expect them to admit it!

Finally, there will be days when things just don’t click... for either of you. Maybe you feel unsure about how to help or perhaps your child is more open to advice from someone who isn’t their parent. That’s normal.

In those moments, you might like to look for some extra support, whether that’s a trusted teacher, a tutor or simply new GCSE English tips or resources to try at home. You don’t have to do it all alone and you’re certainly not expected to have every answer.

If you’re looking for more practical ideas, you might like my blog on How to Support Reading, Writing and GCSE English Exam Prep at Home and, if you want a few extra tools, feel free to explore my downloadable revision resources.

Above all, remember: you’re doing your best and that’s more than enough...and

exactly what your child needs most.

Could You Use a Little Extra Help With GCSE English?

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About the Author

I’m Catherine, a private tutor, former secondary school English teacher and the founder of English Home Studies.

With over 25 years of teaching experience, I specialise in personalised 1:1 English tuition for students aged 9 to 16 (Year 5 to Year 11) through my EHS Masterclass programme.

Alongside tailored lessons, I create high quality digital and printable revision guides and activity packs to support students’ progress at home.

If you’d like to learn more about my qualifications, read parent and student reviews, or discover how the EHS Masterclass can help your child excel, please explore the rest of my website.