It’s almost summer and high schoolers know what that means – exams are around the corner. Before students can enjoy some well-deserved time off, they now have the opportunity to shine and reap the benefits of their year-long academic efforts during GCSE and A level exams. But to really ace GCSEs and A levels, students must make the best of their revision time.

Fortunately, exam takers can get plenty of help to maximise their revision efforts. From group study sessions to 1:1 tuition, from past exam papers to revision podcasts, there’s a lot of material today’s learners can access. 

Technology offers innovative, effective (and often free!) solutions, and revision apps are a favourite among UK students. As language specialists, we’ve already looked into language apps and how they can help GCSE, A level and language students of all ages. Of course, apps cannot replace a solid study programme and consistent work throughout the year, but can certainly provide support in memorising concepts and even teach you a study trick or two! Find below the best GCSE and A level revision apps that can help you boost your revision results.

1. Gojimo

It’s no surprise that Gojimo is one of the country’s most popular revision apps, used by 1 in 3 UK students – it was developed by a student in collaboration with teachers and education experts the likes of Oxford University Press and McGraw-Hill Education. 

The revision app is now owned by Telegraph Media Group and covers GCSE, A Level, IB, iGCSE, 11+, 13+ Common Entrance and international qualifications such as Ireland’s Junior Certificate, USA’s SAT, ACT and APs, and the South African Matric. You’ll find 65,000 free revision questions for all major subjects, including English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography and more.

2. Quizlet

If you have trouble memorising data and concepts, Quizlet is the revision app for you. Quizlet is built around flashcards with the help of AI learning assistance, gamification, social learning features, seven study modes, and step-by-step explanations. Basically, the revision app makes sure that your brain never gets tired or distracted while acquiring new information.

The website claims that 90% of students who use Quizlet report receiving higher marks.

3. Memrise

Studying for your Spanish GCSE? Or maybe it’s your French A levels you’re worried about? Either way, Memrise is the language revision app that will help you build your GCSE or A level vocabulary and learn useful phrases from native speakers. The app covers anything from holiday essentials to mental health.

Access videos, training, and games to consolidate your knowledge in 23 languages.

Need help revising for your language exams? Apps are great for vocabulary and those with videos (like Memrise) can even help with your listening skills. However, only practising with others will really boost your speaking skills, while working with past exams and having someone revise your papers will help you ace your GCSE or A level exams. Get in touch today to find out how our experienced GCSE and A level tutors and group sessions can help you reach your goals.

4. BBC Bitesize

BBC Bitesize is the one-stop learning platform for students aged 5 to 16+ across a wide range of school subjects. The app is available for iOS and Android devices as well as on desktop. 

BBC Bitesize is among the most popular revision apps in the UK and it’s easy to see why – all the information is geared towards the National Curriculum and developed with exam board experts in the relevant field. From Maths to English, from GCSEs and National 4 and 5 to Higher and TGAU, students have access to video lessons, interactive media, quizzes, flashcards and glossary cards, and much more – for free.

5. GCSEPod

Geared specifically towards GCSE students, GCSEPod promises to “improve GCSE results in less than 6 weeks.” What’s special about this revision app is its focus on audio-visual tutorials (called ‘pods’), which is ideal for visual and auditory learners who have a hard time memorising written lessons. After all, why study more when you can study smarter and play on your strengths?

Users get access to over 6 thousand pods in 27 subjects and can create custom playlists, flashcards, and mind maps to help with revision. 

FAQs

Which app is best for revision?

The best revision apps are the ones that can address your specific learning needs. Let’s say that you find it difficult to memorise and retain new vocabulary – apps like Memrise and Duolingo may be best for you. Need Sscience lessons explained in a fun, easy-to-understand manner? Then places like BBC Bitesize may have the right solution for you.

However, apps cannot replace a well-designed, timely revision plan. Revise early, revise smart, and you’ll maximise your chances of success.

What are the best free apps to help you pass GCSE?

If you’d like to try a revision app to prepare for your GCSE but don’t want to commit to a premium paid plan, there are plenty of resources for you that offer free GCSE content. The BBC Bitesize platform, for example, is completely free and covers a wide range of subjects. You’ll find anything from lessons to tests and flashcards (developed by education experts) to revise for your exams. Gojimo is another free UK revision app with tens of thousands of questions and free GCSE content.

Keep in mind that many paid apps have free versions – if a quick recap and fun exercises is all you’re after, you may find that you don’t need to pay for premium content.