Setting up for success: The importance of good study habits and how to build them

When it comes to succeeding in school, there’s no magic formula - but building good study habits come close!

Whether your child is preparing for GCSEs or A-Levels, or simply navigating the change to secondary school, building solid study routines early can make a big difference not only to academic performance but also to confidence, motivation, and long-term wellbeing. And for parents and educators alike, helping young people establish these habits is one of the most valuable forms of support we can offer.

In this blog, we’ll explore why good study habits matter, what they look like in practice, and how to help young people develop routines that stick!

Why study habits matter

Establishing good study habits isn't about forcing young people to spend their every waking hour at a desk - it's about encouraging structure, purpose, and autonomy in how they learn

Reduces stress: Having a plan helps students feel in control, especially during busy exam periods
Boosts retention: Regular, spaced-out revision improves memory and understanding
Promotes independence: Strong study habits give students the tools to take ownership of their learning
Builds confidence: Knowing how to approach schoolwork makes students more likely to engage, persevere, and perform well

So what do good study habits look like?

Effective study habits are personal - what works for one student might not work for another - but there are some key ingredients that help across the board:

• Consistent routine: A regular study schedule helps to build momentum and avoid last-minute cramming

• Distraction-free space: A quiet, comfortable, and tidy workspace helps students focus

• Clear goals: Breaking study time into small, manageable tasks gives students direction and a sense of achievement

• Active learning: Flashcards, mind maps, past paper questions, and teaching others are far more effective than passive reading

• Breaks and balance: Short breaks and downtime between sessions help refresh the brain and avoid burnout

Tips for parents and guardians: Helping your child build great habits

1. Talk about it
   Have open conversations about how your child learns best - try to let them take the lead, but help them reflect on what’s working and what’s not

2. Help them create a study space
   Support them in setting up a dedicated area at home that’s quiet, organised, and free from distractions

3. Encourage a routine
   Support your child in building a realistic, consistent schedule - but allow flexibility if they’re having a tough day or need to rebalance!

4. Focus on effort over outcome
   Praise the work they put in, not just the results - this encourages resilience and reinforces that improvement takes time

5. Promote healthy habits
   Sleep, nutrition, and physical activity are just as important as time spent revising. Help them prioritise rest and wellbeing alongside schoolwork

6. Model good habits yourself
   Demonstrate planning, self-discipline, and balance in your own routines - teens are more likely to follow what they see than what they’re told

Tips for educators:

• Teach study skills explicitly: Don’t just assume students know how to revise - model techniques and provide opportunities to practise them

• Use homework strategically: Design tasks that encourage regular revision and independent learning, rather than last-minute workloads

• Check in regularly: Ask students how they’re managing study routines, and offer personalised strategies where needed

• Create a positive culture around learning: Frame effort as valuable, celebrate small wins, and de-stigmatise mistakes

• Work with families: Share resources and tips with parents so they can reinforce study habits at home

Good study habits aren’t about pressure or perfection - they’re about creating the right conditions for learning, growth, and self-belief. With a bit of structure, support, and patience, students can develop habits that not only improve academic outcomes but also empower them for life beyond the classroom.

If you’d like extra help supporting your child’s learning, EduBridge Tutoring is here to help — from building study skills to offering expert subject support!