Moving into Year 10? How to Get Ready for GCSE English

If you’re about to start Year 10, you might be hearing a lot about GCSEs. It might feel a bit overwhelming: but you don’t need to worry. The good news is that you don’t have to be perfect from the start. What matters is being organised, knowing what to expect and getting yourself in a good place for September.

As a former Head of English and GCSE examiner, here are a few easy ways to get yourself GCSE English ready this summer.

✅ What Will GCSE English Involve?

You’ll work towards two qualifications:

• English Language: Unseen reading extracts, creative writing, non-fiction writing and analysis.

• English Literature: Studying novels, plays, poetry and writing essays about characters, themes and language.

You’ll need to remember quotes, analyse how writers use language and structure, and plan essays under timed conditions.

✅ 3 Simple Things You Can Do This Summer

1. Find out your set texts.

Ask your teacher before the holidays so you can get familiar with them early.

2. Practise your writing.

Story openings, letters, film reviews - anything that gets you using descriptive language, paragraphs and punctuation.

3. Read anything.

It could be a book, a magazine, a news article, or even a play. Regular reading makes everything in English easier.

✅ Ask for Help if You Need It

If there’s something you’ve struggled with in Year 9 (spelling, writing essays, analysing texts) don’t carry it into Year 10. Ask your teacher or book a few tutoring sessions over the summer to build your confidence.

I offer one-to-one GCSE English tutoring online and in-person in Stockport and South Manchester.

Final Thoughts

Year 10 is your chance to start strong. Get organised, practise a little over the summer, and you’ll feel much more confident when September arrives.

If you’d like extra support as you move into Year 10, I have a limited number of tutoring slots available both online and in-person across Stockport, South Manchester and surrounding areas. Contact me today for a private tutoring quote: whether it’s confidence-boosting, revision skills or writing support.

Visit my Contact page to get in touch.