How To Carry Out a Mock Exam
01 Apr, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- How to carry out a mock exam.
- Why mock exams are important.
- When schools should be conducting mock exams.
- Where the latest Teacher jobs are and how to apply for them.
Mock exams are more than just practice runs - they’re essential tools for preparing students academically, emotionally, and logistically for real exam conditions. When carried out effectively, mock exams help identify learning gaps, reduce test anxiety, and improve time management.
However, carrying out a mock exam isn’t as simple as handing out a paper and letting students crack on, there are measures that Teachers must put in place to ensure that these simulations are both efficient and impactful.
Throughout this blog, we’re taking a look at why mock exams are important, explore practical steps and strategies secondary schools can use, when the right time to conduct mock exams are, and how to carry out a mock exam.
Why are mock exams important?
Mock exams are important as they help to prepare students for real exams by practising in similar conditions. Mock exams also highlight students strengths and weaknesses allowing them to spend more time revising on areas that may need improvement.
They provide an opportunity for students to practice time management and familiarise themselves with the type of questions they may be asked in a real exam. Mock exams can be a stressful time so it is important that you support students during exam season.
When should schools be conducting mock exams
Schools should be conducting mock exams at strategic points throughout the year. Mock exams should be held a few months before a real exam, giving students the time to improve and revise in areas that may need it.
For exams such as GCSEs, schools should conduct mock exams in the middle of the academic year, so Teachers have enough time to adjust teaching methods accordingly.
Schools can also conduct mock exams anytime throughout the year to track student progress and reinforce learning. With that being said, it is important that schools give students enough notice before a mock exam so they can prepare.
How to carry out a mock exam
To carry out a mock exam you should:
- Plan and define the purpose of the exam.
- Create a structured timetable.
- Prepare exam materials.
- Find an appropriate exam environment.
- Assign exam invigilators.
- Clearly communicate exam rules.
- Evaluate and provide constructive feedback.
- Analyse results and adjust teaching methods.
Plan and define the purpose of the exam
Before carrying out a mock exam, you should clearly define the purpose of it, whether it is for practice, assessment or both. You should decide on the subject and topic, such as Maths algebra and the exam format to ensure that it is relevant and aligns with the real exam the students will sit.
By doing this, you have the opportunity to create mock exam papers that will allow you to gauge student understanding and learning progress.
Create a structured timetable
Creating a structured timetable is important to ensure that all staff and students have a clear understanding of the exam day’s schedule and routine.
The timetable should clearly show where the exam is, what day it will be on and the time the exam will be held. It should also avoid crossovers with other important academic activities and allow time for breaks in between exams to avoid overworking students.
You should schedule mock exams well in advance to give students enough time to revise and prepare.
Prepare exam materials
To ensure the exam runs smoothly, you need to prepare exam materials ahead of time. Check over the mock paper and make sure that it aligns with what the students have been learning.
Ensure you have spare exam papers in case any are damaged and that you have all the materials you will need such as clocks, pens, pencils and rubbers. A mock exam should follow the procedures of a real exam as closely as possible.
Find an appropriate exam environment
When looking for an appropriate exam environment you need to find somewhere that will be quiet, well lit and spacious, to avoid cheating. Mock exams should be carried out the same way a real exam would be, which includes making it clear to students that they should not be speaking during the exam.
In most schools, mock exams are carried out in school halls, sports halls or classrooms, with seating arrangements carefully planned.
Assign exam invigilators
For a mock exam, you don’t need to hire a qualified Exam Invigilator, you can use internal staff such as Teachers and Teaching Assistants to monitor the exam.
Whether your school decides to hire externally or use internal staff, they should be trained on invigilation rules, emergency procedures in case any issues arise and handling misconduct.
They must also remain strict but approachable so students feel comfortable asking for help if they need it.
Clearly communicate exam rules
Students should be informed of the exam rules before they attend the exam and just before the exam starts. This could be the materials they are allowed to bring, how to manage their time effectively and the consequence of misconduct.
Clearly communicating the exam rules twice can help clarify any doubts and ensure students know what is expected from them.
Evaluate and provide constructive feedback
After the exam, you should mark the paper and provide detailed feedback. By providing detailed feedback, students can identify their strong and weak areas and spend more time working and revising on areas that need improvement.
Analyse results and adjust teaching methods accordingly
Once all the papers have been marked, you can identify if there is a common pattern in topics where students are struggling. You can then use this information to adjust your teaching strategies accordingly and refine revision plans, giving students the time and support to improve before their actual exam.
Once mock exams and real exams have been completed, the great news is that Teachers and students can kick back and celebrate the end of exam season!
Teaching jobs
If you’re searching for your next teaching job, why not take a look at the latest teaching vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
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We currently work with hundreds of schools and have exclusive access to some of the best Teachers and Teaching Assistants in the North West.
If you’re struggling to fill a teaching vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?
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- Secondary schools - Liam Jones
- SEND schools - Jamie Heath
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