Achieving an A in your A-Level exams can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely attainable! Whether you’re grappling with complex subjects or trying to balance your study schedule, effective preparation can make all the difference.
In this blog post, we’ll share proven tips and techniques that successful students have used to elevate their grades and boost their confidence. Moreover, if you’re looking for personalized support, Ignite Training Institute offers exceptional A-Level coaching in Dubai to help you reach your academic goals.
How To Get A In A-Level Exams?
Getting an A* in A-Level exams is less about last-minute intelligence and more about consistent, exam-focused habits. Students who score at the top don’t just study harder; they study smarter, with clarity on what examiners expect and how marks are actually awarded.
Below are proven steps followed by A* achievers across subjects and exam boards.
1. Understand Your Exam Board
Success in A-Level exams begins with knowing exactly what your exam board expects. Different boards, such as Cambridge, Edexcel, or OxfordAQA, have their own syllabus structures, assessment objectives, question formats, and marking schemes. Without this clarity, even well-prepared students can lose easy marks.
By understanding your exam board in detail, you gain a strategic edge, ensuring your answers are targeted, complete, and structured to score maximum marks. In short, preparation without board awareness is like running a race without knowing the finish line.
2. Understand The A-Level Marking Game
A-Level exams reward how you answer as much as what you know. Many students lose marks because they fail to address command words, miss evaluation points, or don’t structure answers clearly. Understanding examiner expectations helps you write answers that directly target mark schemes.
Reading examiner reports show recurring mistakes and reveal what separates average answers from top-band responses. Once you understand this, your answers become sharper, more focused, and consistently high-scoring.For every topic, ask: “What would a full-mark answer look like?”
3. Master The Specification (Don’t Study Randomly)
Your specification is your roadmap to an A*. Every question in the exam is built from it , nothing more, nothing less. Students who score highly revise with the specification open, ensuring no topic is overlooked or overstudied.
Breaking syllabus points into clear revision questions improves focus and prevents wasted effort. This approach ensures your preparation is targeted, efficient, and exam-relevant.
4. Past Papers = Your Secret Weapon
Past papers train you to think like the examiner and manage time under pressure. A* students start using past papers early in their preparation rather than saving them for the final weeks. They begin with topic-wise questions to strengthen weaker areas and gradually move on to full-length papers as exams approach.
They time themselves strictly, rewrite weak answers using mark schemes, and avoid the common mistake of simply checking answers and moving on.
Instead, they compare their responses line by line with the mark scheme, identify missing phrases and structural gaps, and rewrite answers until they closely match top-band responses. This process steadily improves accuracy, confidence, and exam performance.
Aim for at least 10–15 years of papers per subject.
5. Learn How To Write High-Scoring Answers
An A* answer is clear, structured, and directly addresses the question. Even strong subject knowledge won’t score full marks if the answer is poorly organised or vague.
Understanding subject-specific writing techniques, such as structured paragraphs or precise terminology, helps you communicate your understanding effectively. A clear presentation makes it easier for examiners to award marks.
Subject-specific techniques matter:
- Sciences:
- Use correct terminology
- Label diagrams
- Link cause → effect
- Maths:
- Show logical working
- Avoid mental jumps
- Use correct notation
- Humanities:
- PEEL / PEEC paragraphs
- Evidence + evaluation
- Clear judgement
6. Active Revision Beats Long Study Hours
Spending long hours revising doesn’t guarantee results if your study is passive. High achievers rely on active recall, which forces the brain to retrieve information rather than simply recognise it.
They use techniques such as blurting, where everything they remember is written down and then checked, flashcards that focus on application-based questions, teaching topics aloud as if explaining to someone else, and practising timed answer writing.
Instead of repeatedly re-reading notes or endlessly highlighting textbooks, they test themselves frequently, making revision far more effective and exam-focused.
7. Fix Your Weak Areas Ruthlessly
Top-performing students don’t avoid difficult topics; they tackle them early and repeatedly. Identifying weak areas allows you to focus on where marks are most often lost.
Keeping an error log helps track recurring mistakes and measure progress. By revisiting these areas regularly, you gradually turn weaknesses into strengths.
8. Learn From A* Model Answers
Model answers show exactly what examiners expect at the highest level. They demonstrate how much depth is required, how arguments are developed, and how evaluation is presented.
Studying these answers helps you improve clarity, tone, and structure. Over time, your writing naturally begins to reflect A*-level standards.
Studying top-grade responses teaches you:
- How to phrase explanations
- How much depth is needed
- How evaluative language is used
9. Get Feedback From Someone Who Knows The Exam
External feedback can reveal mistakes you might not notice yourself. Experienced teachers or tutors understand marking schemes and can guide you on how to improve answer quality.
Strategic feedback, especially during the final months, helps refine exam technique, boost confidence, and avoid costly errors.
10. Plan Smart, Not Overwhelming Revision
An effective revision plan balances learning, practice, and review.
- Weekly: Learn + revise new content
- Monthly: Past-paper practice + error review
- Final 8–10 weeks:
- Full papers
- Timing drills
- Intensive feedback
Consistency beats last-minute panic every time.
11. Protect Your Exam Mindset & Energy
Strong preparation can be undone by a poor exam-day mindset. Managing stress, staying calm, and maintaining focus are essential for peak performance.
Students who perform best under timed conditions and prioritise rest, ensuring they enter exams alert and confident.
A* students:
- Sleep properly before exams
- Practice under timed pressure
- Don’t over-revise the night before
- Enter exams calmly and confidently
12. Maintain A Healthy Routine
Academic success is closely linked to physical and mental well-being. Poor sleep, irregular meals, and burnout can significantly impact performance.
Maintaining a balanced routine with proper sleep, short breaks, and light exercise keeps your concentration sharp and energy levels steady throughout the exam period.
Related: Top 15 A-Level Schools In Dubai In 2026
The Common Mistakes That Hold Students Back From An A*
Scoring an A* in A-Level exams is achievable, but many students fall just short due to avoidable mistakes. These errors aren’t about ability, they’re about approach, mindset, and exam technique. Recognising and addressing them can make the difference between an A and an A*.
- Not understanding how marks are awarded.
- Studying randomly without following the specification.
- Neglecting past papers or practising them ineffectively.
- Poor answer structure in exams.
- Relying on passive revision methods.
- Avoiding weak or difficult topics.
- Not learning from model answers.
- Poor time management during exams.
- Ignoring feedback from teachers or tutors.
- Neglecting health, sleep, and exam mindset.
Related: Cambridge A-Level Courses: Explore All Your Subject Options
Ignite Training Institute: A-Levels Coaching Support In Dubai, UAE
Ignite Training Institute offers exceptional A-Level coaching support in Dubai, UAE, designed to help students achieve academic excellence. Our program is tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners, providing personalized guidance in subjects such as Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, and more.
With a team of experienced and passionate educators, we focus on fostering a deep understanding of the A-Level curriculum while honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
At Ignite, we utilize a variety of teaching methods, including interactive lessons, group discussions, and hands-on activities, to keep students engaged and motivated.
Our coaching support extends beyond traditional classroom instruction; we provide access to valuable resources such as past papers, practice questions, and mock exams to ensure students are well-prepared for their assessments.
Related: Edexcel A-Level Maths: Syllabus, Assessment, & Grade Boundaries
FAQs
1. How Early Should I Start Revising For My A-Levels?
Ideally, you should start revising at the beginning of Year 12. This allows you sufficient time to explore all topics in depth.
2. Is It Hard To Get A Star In A Level?
Achieving an A* in A-levels can be challenging, as it requires consistent high performance and mastery of the subject material.
3. Which A-Level exam boards are most common in Dubai schools for 2026?
Most international schools in Dubai follow the British Curriculum, mainly using Pearson Edexcel, Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), and OxfordAQA. While the content is largely similar, exam structures differ.
4. How many A-Level subjects should I take to get into top UAE universities?
While the UAE Ministry of Education requires at least two A-Level passes (plus five O-Levels) for equivalency, top-tier universities like NYU Abu Dhabi, American University of Sharjah, or University of Birmingham Dubai generally expect three A-Levels with grades ABB to AAA. A fourth subject is only recommended if you can maintain high grades across all four; quality always beats quantity.
5. How does the “15-minute Reading Time” strategy work for A-Levels?
The 15-minute reading period is crucial for planning and mental mapping. Scan the paper to identify high-mark questions, decide your options quickly, and jot down formulas, key concepts, or keywords. This “brain dump” ensures you start writing efficiently without forgetting important details.
6. How do I manage exam stress given the high academic expectations in the UAE?
Exam pressure is common, but it can be managed with strategies like the Pomodoro Technique (50 minutes study + 10 minutes break) and regular physical activity. Outdoor spaces, swimming, or short walks help reduce mental fatigue, which improves focus and retention for complex A-Level topics.
Conclusion
Scoring an A in your A-Level exams isn’t about luck; it’s about strategy, consistency, and smart effort. By understanding how marks are awarded, mastering the specification, practising past papers effectively, and refining your exam technique, you can turn hard work into top results.
Combine this with active revision, targeted feedback, and a healthy study routine, and you’ll be fully equipped to achieve your goals. Remember, success comes to those who prepare thoughtfully, stay disciplined, and approach exams with confidence.
Related: A Levels Chemistry: AQA, Edexcel, & CIE Exam Boards Insights
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