55% of teachers spend exam prep time on question technique over subject content

This report is based on responses collected from
strong200 teachers collected between April 14, 2026 and April 21, 2026 directly from UK teachers through the Only for Teachers platform. All insights and findings are unique to our community.Category: Curriculum & policyPublished: 26 April 2026Author: Only for Teachers editorial teamReading time: 4 min readTopic: Exam preparation teaching priorities

55% of UK teachers say they spend most of their exam preparation time teaching students 'how' to answer questions rather than the actual subject content. The finding highlights how exam technique has overtaken knowledge delivery in the crucial weeks before assessments.

Key findings at a glance

• 55% of teachers prioritise exam technique and question structure over subject content during exam prep
• Only 23% focus primarily on teaching actual facts, theories, and concepts
• 55% report much higher workload during mock and formal exam periods
• 62% believe lack of independent student revision is the biggest barrier to exam success
• 42% use AI tools occasionally but still prefer traditional textbooks and past papers

What takes up most time during exam preparation lessons?

The shift towards teaching exam technique over content reflects the reality of modern assessment pressures. 55% of teachers say they spend most exam preparation time on teaching students how to structure answers and approach questions, compared to just 23% who focus on delivering subject knowledge.

This suggests that by exam season, teachers assume students should already know the content and need help translating that knowledge into exam-worthy responses. Only 12% cite behaviour management as their main time drain, whilst just 3% spend most time helping students manage exam anxiety.

How are AI tools changing exam preparation?

Despite our previous survey showing 65% of teachers use AI tools generally, exam preparation remains dominated by traditional methods. 42% use AI occasionally but still prefer textbooks and past papers, while 20% report no change to their exam prep approach at all.

Only 18% frequently use AI to create practice questions and revision materials. Interestingly, 10% don't use AI themselves but spend time checking if students haven't used it inappropriately. This suggests teachers remain cautious about AI in high-stakes assessment preparation, even as they embrace it elsewhere.

What's the real cost of exam season on teacher workload?

The data reveals exam periods create significant additional pressure. 55% describe their workload as 'much higher' during mock and formal exam periods, finding it difficult to keep up with extra marking and data entry.

Another 23% report slightly higher workload but can manage within normal hours. Only 5% find exam periods less demanding, benefiting from reduced lesson planning as they focus on revision. The workload spike affects three-quarters of teachers, adding to already stretched capacity.

How well do schools support students who need extra help?

Providing exam adjustments remains a significant challenge. 36% of teachers say their schools often struggle to find enough rooms or staff for students needing extra time or separate spaces. Another 21% manage but with considerable last-minute effort.

Only 22% describe their school as well-organised with adequate staff and space. 16% find it almost impossible to meet every student's individual needs. These figures suggest many schools lack the infrastructure to properly support students with additional requirements during crucial assessment periods.

What stops students from exam success?

Teachers overwhelmingly identify student behaviour outside school as the biggest barrier. 62% believe students don't do enough independent revision, far outweighing curriculum time pressures (15%) or student mental health struggles (13%).

This finding puts responsibility firmly on student motivation and home study habits rather than systemic issues. Only 5% think exams themselves are too difficult, suggesting teachers believe the assessments are fair but students aren't putting in sufficient effort.

The survey reveals exam preparation has become less about teaching content and more about teaching students how to perform under assessment conditions. With workload spikes affecting most teachers and student revision habits seen as the primary success barrier, the current exam system places significant pressure on both sides of the classroom.

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