A stack of practice tests is only useful if it's organised into a plan — otherwise, preparation can easily become unfocused and inconsistent.

Starting With the End Date in Mind

Working backward from the test date, dividing the remaining weeks into phases — foundation, targeted practice, and full simulation — creates a timetable that builds logically rather than randomly.

Structuring Each Phase

Early weeks should focus on covering all four test components at a comfortable pace, middle weeks on strengthening weak areas, and the final weeks on full, timed practice tests under real conditions.

• Foundation phase: cover all components without time pressure
• Targeted phase: focus extra sessions on identified weak areas
• Simulation phase: complete full, timed practice tests

Involving your child in building the timetable, rather than presenting it as a finished plan, also tends to improve how consistently it's followed. A student who has had a say in when and how sessions happen is generally more invested in sticking to the schedule than one simply handed a fixed set of instructions.

Keeping the Timetable Sustainable

A timetable that's too ambitious often collapses within weeks. Building in rest days and shorter sessions during school-heavy weeks keeps the plan realistic enough to actually follow through to test day.

• Include at least one rest day each week to avoid burnout
• Adjust session length around school workload, not against it
• Review and adjust the timetable every two to three weeks

Key Takeaways

• Working backward from the test date creates a logical revision structure
• Each phase should have a distinct focus, from foundation to simulation
• A sustainable timetable includes rest, not just study sessions