Mock exams are the single highest-leverage preparation tool — and the most misused. Too early they crush confidence; too late they can't change anything. Here's the schedule that works.
When to start mocks
First diagnostic mock: spring of Year 5, unmarked pressure, scores kept private. Weekly mocks: from Easter of Year 5. Final six weeks: switch to centre-specific papers in your target school's exact format.
How to run one at home
- Real timings, one room, no interruptions, phone away — treat it like the day.
- Mark it the same evening, privately; debrief the next morning in ten calm minutes.
- Log score AND error types — three timing errors need different work than three fraction errors.
How many is enough
Most successful candidates sit 15–25 full mocks across Year 5–6. Ours are free: 180 standard mocks and 520 centre-specific papers, all with marking schemes. The full technique is in using mock papers effectively.