Mock exams are one of the most important parts of preparing for your final GCSEs and A-Levels. They give you a chance to practise under real exam conditions, highlight areas to improve, and help teachers track progress. But how can you make the most of them? One of the best strategies is to use predicted papers as part of your mock exam preparation.
In this guide, we’ll explain why predicted papers are so useful, how to use them effectively before and after your mocks, and how they can give you a serious edge in the run-up to exams.
Why Predicted Papers Work Well for Mocks
Predicted papers are written by experienced teachers to mirror the format, style, and difficulty of real exams. Unlike past papers, which you may already have practised multiple times, predicted papers give you a fresh, unseen paper that feels like the real thing.
This makes them ideal for mock exams because:
- They simulate the exam experience more accurately.
- They test your ability to apply knowledge to new contexts.
- They prevent over-reliance on familiar past paper questions.
How to Use Predicted Papers Before Your Mocks
1. Practise Under Timed Conditions
- Complete at least one predicted paper before your mocks in full exam conditions (no notes, strict timing, silent environment).
2. Review with the Mark Scheme
- Use the guided mark scheme to see how marks are awarded. Focus on AO1 (knowledge), AO2 (application), AO3 (analysis/evaluation) for A-Level, or AO1/AO2/AO3 for GCSE.
3. Target Weak Areas
- Identify topics you struggled with and revise them thoroughly before sitting your official mocks.
Using Predicted Papers During Mocks
- Teachers can set predicted papers as mock exams themselves, especially if they want a realistic but unseen paper.
- They provide a reliable test of exam technique, helping you practise essay timing, structuring arguments, and data response skills.
👉 If your school doesn’t use them, you can always sit one at home to boost your preparation.
After Your Mocks: Consolidating Learning
Mocks aren’t the end point – they’re a diagnostic tool. After your mock exams, predicted papers can help you consolidate:
- Re-sit a predicted paper a few weeks after your mocks to see if you’ve improved.
- Use them for targeted practice on weaker question types (e.g. 16-mark essays in Psychology, 20-mark data response questions in Business).
- Build exam stamina by alternating past papers and predicted papers in the final revision stage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Only using predicted papers and ignoring past papers.
❌ Rushing through without timing yourself.
❌ Skipping the mark scheme feedback stage.
Predicted papers are most effective when used alongside other revision methods – they’re not a shortcut, but a smart way to practise.
Why Teachers Value Predicted Papers for Mocks
Teachers often use predicted papers in mocks because:
- They ensure students can’t rely on memory from past papers.
- They provide authentic practice aligned to the latest exam trends.
- They give fresh data to identify which topics a class needs more work on.
Where to Get Quality Predicted Papers
Not all predicted papers are the same. The most effective ones are written to exam board standards, with:
- A full guided mark scheme.
- A variety of question types.
- Detailed examiner-style feedback.
👉 At ResourcesToday.com, we provide predicted papers for GCSEs and A-Levels 2026, written by subject specialists. Each paper mirrors the real exam and comes with a guided mark scheme, making them perfect for mocks and revision.
🔗 Browse our 2026 predicted papers here
Final Thoughts
Predicted papers are one of the most effective tools for making your mocks count. By sitting them under exam conditions, marking carefully, and revisiting them after your mocks, you’ll build confidence and sharpen your exam technique.
Used properly, they can turn mock exams from a stressful hurdle into a powerful stepping stone towards success in your summer exams.