In a recent episode of Eye on Education on Dubai Eye 103.8, Claire Togher, Deputy Head of Senior School at Repton School Al Barsha, discussed how pupils and parents can approach mock exam season in a way that builds confidence, habits and exam readiness.

Claire explained that mocks are best understood as a learning tool, giving pupils a safe opportunity to experience the reality of exam conditions. She noted that they help pupils practise the pace and structure of timed papers, including the challenge of moving quickly between subjects and handling the natural rise in difficulty within an exam.

The conversation also explored how families can support revision at home without adding unnecessary pressure. Claire encouraged pupils to create realistic revision schedules that fit around routines such as dinner and sleep, and suggested keeping revision sessions focused and manageable. She also recommended making revision task orientated rather than time orientated, with pupils producing something tangible by the end of each session.

Finally, Claire addressed how to handle mock results emotionally, particularly if grades feel disappointing. She emphasised the importance of separating the initial feelings from the feedback itself, as there is still time to act on teacher guidance and use outcomes as information for improvement ahead of final exams. Overall, the episode highlighted that mock exams are not a judgement, but a practical step that helps pupils build stamina, confidence and strategies for the real exam period.

Watch the full interview below.