Every year, as exam season approaches, thousands of A-Level students start searching for predicted papers. You’ve probably heard people talk about them in class, on TikTok, or in revision groups - but what actually are predicted papers, and do they really work as a revision tool?
In this guide, we’ll break down what predicted papers are, how they’re written, the benefits and limitations of using them, and how you can use them effectively to boost your A-Level revision.
What Are Predicted Papers?
Predicted papers are exam-style practice papers that attempt to anticipate the types of questions, topics, and styles of assessment that might appear on the real A-Level exams.
They are usually created by experienced teachers, examiners, or revision companies who carefully study:
- The exam board specification (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, etc.).
- Past papers and mark schemes to spot patterns.
- Assessment trends (topics that haven’t been tested for a while).
- Exam board guidance and examiner reports.
The end result is a realistic mock exam designed to mirror the exact format, timing, and difficulty of the real paper - but with questions that could plausibly come up in the current year’s exam.
Why Do Students Use Predicted Papers?
For many students, predicted papers are one of the most powerful revision tools in the run-up to exams. Here’s why:
1. Realistic Practice Under Exam Conditions
- Sitting a predicted paper is like taking a “trial run” before the real thing.
- It helps you get used to timing, structure, and stamina
2. Focused Revision
- Predicted papers highlight likely topics that could appear, helping you prioritise areas you might otherwise overlook.
3. Mark Scheme Familiarity
- Good predicted papers include a guided mark scheme that shows how examiners award AO1 (knowledge), AO2 (application), AO3 (analysis/evaluation).
- This helps you understand how to write answers that gain top marks.
4. Confidence Boost
- If you perform well in a predicted paper, it builds confidence going into the real exam.
Do Predicted Papers Really Work?
The short answer: yes, but with conditions.
Predicted papers can be extremely effective for exam preparation, but they aren’t a crystal ball. No company or teacher can guarantee the exact questions that will appear on your paper.
Instead, their value comes from:
- Giving you realistic practice with unseen questions.
- Training you to apply knowledge to new contexts.
- Exposing you to the full range of question types you’ll face.
👉 Students who rely only on predicted papers risk missing out if the actual exam takes a different turn. The best approach is to combine predicted papers + past papers + active recall revision.
Common Misconceptions
❌ “Predicted papers always guess the exact questions.”
– Wrong. They’re designed to be realistic practice, not guaranteed predictions.
❌ “Using predicted papers is cheating.”
– Not at all. They’re no different from practice papers, except they’re tailored for the upcoming exam year.
❌ “I only need to do predicted papers.”
– Risky. They should complement, not replace, past papers and revision notes.
How to Use Predicted Papers Effectively
1. Sit Them in Timed Conditions
- Treat them like a real exam. No notes, strict timing, quiet environment.
2. Mark with a Guided Mark Scheme
- Don’t just check answers – learn how marks are awarded.
3. Identify Weaknesses
- Review which topics or skills you struggled with and target them in revision.
4. Mix With Past Papers
- Alternate between past papers and predicted papers to get the best of both worlds.
5. Repeat Closer to the Exam
- Do one set now, and another in April/May as a “final practice run.”
Where to Find Reliable Predicted Papers
Not all predicted papers are created equal. Some are rushed, unrealistic, or don’t match the exam board style. To get the best results, look for:
- Papers written by experienced teachers/examiners.
- Full guided mark schemes included.
- Papers that mirror the real exam structure (timing, style, difficulty).
👉 At ResourcesToday.com, we create realistic predicted papers for GCSEs and A-Levels 2026. Each paper is written to exam board standards, includes a detailed mark scheme, and is perfect for both independent study and teacher-led mocks.
🔗 Find all our A-Level predicted papers here
FAQs About Predicted Papers
Q: Can predicted papers guarantee what comes up in the exam?
A: No – but they can give you a strong idea of what might appear, and they’re excellent practice for exam technique.
Q: Are they better than past papers?
A: They work best when used together. Past papers train you on real questions from previous years, while predicted papers prepare you for the most likely future ones.
Q: Should I do them before or after mocks?
A: Both! They’re useful before mocks to prepare, and again closer to the summer exams as final practice.
Final Thoughts
Predicted papers are not magic, but they are one of the most effective ways to simulate the exam experience, identify weaknesses, and build confidence.
Used alongside past papers and active revision techniques, they can give you the extra edge needed to achieve top grades in your A-Levels.
If you’re sitting exams in 2026, check out our full range of realistic predicted papers with guided mark schemes to help you prepare with confidence.