Is Your Child Ready for Year 10? Why Now’s the Time to Review Their English Progress

As the summer holidays approach, it’s the ideal time for parents of Year 9 students to reflect on their child’s progress, especially in core subjects like English. The move into Year 10 marks the start of GCSE preparation, and getting ahead now can help avoid stress later.

As a former Head of English and GCSE examiner, I’ve seen how much of a difference a strong start to Year 10 can make. Here’s why it matters, what to focus on, and how to give your child a head start this summer.

✅ Why June is a Good Time to Review Progress

English GCSE relies on skills built over time; strong reading comprehension, essay writing, vocabulary and literary analysis. If your child has struggled with English this year, the sooner they get extra support, the better they’ll cope when coursework, essays and set texts arrive in Year 10.

Ask yourself:

• Have they made expected progress in reading, writing and comprehension?

• Are they confident planning and structuring essays?

• Do they enjoy reading for pleasure, or avoid it?

✅ Common Areas Where Students Benefit from Extra Help

Moving into Year 10, students often need support with:

• Building essay structure and exam-style writing skills.

• Expanding vocabulary and improving spelling and grammar.

• Learning to analyse language and structure in fiction and non-fiction texts.

• Preparing for Shakespeare, 19th-century novels and poetry anthologies.

✅ Consider Light Support Over Summer

A short summer programme or early tutoring in September can:

• Boost confidence before GCSE topics begin.

• Help close gaps left from KS3.

• Give them a head start on key texts or exam paper skills.

At English Results, I offer one-to-one online and in-person tutoring in Stockport and South Manchester, tailored to students starting Year 10.

Final Thoughts

The move into Year 10 is a big step, but with a little planning and support, your child can go in feeling prepared and positive.

If you’d like tailored GCSE English tutoring for your child this summer or into the new school year, I have a limited number of online and in-person tutoring slots available in Stockport, South Manchester and surrounding areas. Contact me today for a private tutoring quote, whether it’s for confidence-boosting, revision skills or essay writing support.

Visit my Contact page to get in touch.