If you’re struggling to get an A or A* in A-level History, you’re not alone. Whether you’re in the final stretch or just figuring out how to start your revision, knowing how to revise effectively for A-level History can make a huge difference.
We’ll walk you through exactly what works, from breaking down exam formats and tackling source analysis, to using proven revision methods that help you stay focused.Â
And if you’re aiming for that top grade, expert support can make all the difference. Our A-level History tutors offer personalised lessons to get you there. With only 5.7% of students securing an A* in History in 2024 (FTT Education Lab), having the right guidance matters.
Ready to excel in A-level History exams? Let’s get started.
A-level History (United Kingdom) is demanding because you’re expected to master both breadth and depth of content. You’ll need to develop an understanding of historical events across different periods while critically engaging with primary and secondary sources. The A level History syllabus isn’t just a continuation of the GCSE History specification; it introduces more complex concepts, critical thinking tasks, and independent research. You’ll have to study history in a whole new way to pass your a-level exams.
Doing well in the History exam takes more than just a strong memory. In A-Level History, success comes from applying knowledge, using clear methodology to evaluate sources, and writing sharp, focused essays under time pressure. Your ability to demonstrate a deeper understanding of historical interpretations and to analyse source material will often be what separates a B from an A*.
Different exam boards offer varied assessment formats, meaning your revision strategy should be tailored to your specific board. We’ve laid out the information below:
Exam Board | Focus Areas | Typical Question Style |
AQA | Source questions, historical interpretations | Structured essays + source evaluation |
Edexcel | Thematic and breadth/depth questions | Extended essays + interpretations |
OCR | Argument over time, conceptual understanding | Comparison-based essays + narrative |
Exam boards such as AQA often give more weight to source questions, while Edexcel leans towards thematic depth. Familiarising yourself with the types of questions and exam format is essential for effective revision. Among different exam boards are varying expectations for how students should analyse sources, structure essays, and demonstrate understanding of historical periods and events.
Not sure what your exam board’s really looking for? Our A-level History tutors do. From AQA to Edexcel and OCR, they know every exam format, question type, and mark scheme— so you can revise smarter and aim higher.
Start your A-level history revision by identifying the topics you need to cover. Get a copy of your syllabus (or use online resources) and break it down by theme, time period, and type of question (e.g. essay vs source).
A strong management strategy involves allocating more time to your weakest topics. For example:
Topic | Confidence Level | Study Time per Week |
Tudor England | Low | 4 hours |
Cold War | Medium | 2.5 hours |
Weimar Germany | High | 1.5 hours |
Use tools like flashcards and mind maps early in the revision process to build a solid understanding and deep knowledge.
Practising past papers trains your brain to approach the A level history exam with confidence. Look at past paper questions to identify patterns and understand examiner expectations. Familiarising yourself with the exam requirements and mark scheme will help you secure an A or A* in A-level History.
This method helps you become familiar with the marking criteria and types of questions you’ll likely face.
Need help with practice questions? Our A-level History tutors can upload past papers directly into our lesson space and work through questions with you in real time.
Source questions require you to analyse primary and secondary sources, often comparing them to your broader knowledge of historical events.
Use this method:
Step | Explanation |
Provenance | Who created it, when, and why? |
Content Analysis | What does the source say? |
Contextualisation | Link to your knowledge of the historical period |
Evaluation | How useful is the source, and what are its limits? |
Mentioning both primary and secondary sources in your answer helps you cover all the A and A* criteria: it shows you understand the source, can place it in context, and can support or challenge it with wider knowledge. These are the skills examiners reward with top-band marks.
Passive methods (e.g. re-reading notes) won’t cut it. To engage in effective revision, you need active techniques:
Integrate past paper questions into your study sessions. For example, after revising the British Empire, immediately write an essay plan based on a real exam question.
A history tutor provides one-on-one help tailored to your learning style. Whether you’re struggling with essay writing or analysis of primary sources, Our A-level history tutors can target those areas directly. In fact, our expert tutors can go through past exam papers with you, aiding your grasp of the material.
Our A-level History Tutors can:
If you’re aiming for a top grade, a history tutor can make a real difference. From the very first lesson, they’ll spot where you’re losing marks and help you turn those weak areas into strengths, so you feel more confident, more prepared, and ready to ace your exams.
To supplement your notes and deepen your understanding of the subject, use a mix of traditional and digital tools.
Resource | Use |
JSTOR | Academic articles and secondary sources |
Seneca Learning | Interactive quizzes aligned to your exam board |
Exam Board Textbooks | Matched directly to your syllabus (e.g. AQA) |
Historical Association | In-depth articles and source discussions |
Using appropriate resources and knowing how to utilise them ensures your revision process is thorough and well-rounded.
To score well in essays, you need to address the question directly, argue clearly, and back up your claims with evidence.
Incorporate both primary and secondary sources to show your understanding and critical thinking and analytical ability. Always refer to the marking criteria set by your exam board.
Action | Why It Works |
Read the question carefully | Avoids misinterpreting what’s being asked |
Plan before writing | Leads to a more coherent and structured essay |
Leave time to proofread | Catches minor mistakes and adds polish |
Ask your teacher or History Tutor for feedback. This gives you an opportunity to fine-tune your approach and demonstrate a deeper understanding of historical events.
Many A-level history students underestimate coursework, but it can make a major difference in your final grade. Coursework typically counts for 20% of your final result (depending on the exam board) and gives you the chance to demonstrate your ability to research, analyse, and construct a sustained argument over a longer piece.
This is where your understanding of historical methodology and historiography can shine. You’ll need to use both primary and secondary sources, cite scholarly historians (using resources like JSTOR), and evaluate differing interpretations of historical events. The coursework allows you to demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills at a deeper level than in timed exams.
Analysing historical sources (especially under time pressure) requires a clear process. Whether it’s for coursework or A-level history exams, you’ll be expected to judge a source’s origin, purpose, and content, and contextualise it using your own historical knowledge.
When working with primary sources, consider the perspective of the author, the time period, and their potential bias. When working with secondary sources, examine the historian’s argument and how they use evidence.
Criteria | Primary Source | Secondary Source |
Author/Creator | Eye-witness or participant | Historian or academic |
Timeframe | Contemporary to the event | Written later, often decades or more |
Strengths | Immediate detail, direct insight | Analytical overview, context-rich |
Weaknesses | Biased, lacks a broader view | Potentially based on selective evidence |
Practice with source questions and seek feedback from a History teacher or an expert History tutor. Ask yourself:
Transitioning from GCSE history to A-level History can be a big leap. At GCSE, you’re often focused on narrative understanding — what happened and when. At A-level, you’re asked to analyse why things happened, evaluate different interpretations, and engage with more complex historical debates.
Aspect | GCSE History | A-Level History |
Level of Depth | Broad overviews | In-depth analysis of fewer periods |
Source Use | Basic analysis | Advanced source evaluation, contextual critique |
Argumentation | Less emphasis on essays | Heavy emphasis on essay writing and argumentation |
Critical Thinking | Minimal | Central to every assessment |
Exam Format | Simpler, structured questions | Mixed question types including essays and sources |
Many students feel overwhelmed at first. That’s where using revision techniques, history revision guides, and support from an experienced History tutor can ease the transition and build confidence.
One of the biggest mistakes students make is cramming before the A-level history exam. Instead, try the spaced repetition method, where you review topics at regular intervals over time. Pair this with active recall (e.g. using flashcards) and interleaved revision, where you study multiple topics in a single session to improve retention.
Day | Task | Time (hrs) |
Monday | Revise British Empire + Practice Source Q | 2 |
Tuesday | Plan Essay on Cold War | 1.5 |
Wednesday | Flashcard review + mind map of causes of WWI | 1 |
Thursday | Past paper timed essay | 2 |
Friday | Tutor feedback session + review notes | 1.5 |
Understanding the types of questions you’ll face helps you prepare more strategically. You’ll typically see a mix of:
Find below types of questions that could appear in your History exam papers. Whether you’re studying British history or Russian history, make sure you nail the ability to critically evaluate the question.
Question Type | Example |
Source Evaluation | “How valuable is Source A as evidence of support for the Nazi regime?” |
Cause & Consequence Essay | “To what extent was economic hardship the main reason for unrest in Tudor England?” |
Breadth Study Question | “How far did women’s roles in British society change between 1918 and 1979?” |
Even high-achieving students can lose marks by making avoidable mistakes. One of the most frequent is failing to answer the question directly. Always ensure your response links back to the question throughout, not just in your conclusion.
Another common issue is spending too much time on one question. The A level history exam often involves multiple essay questions, so pacing is key. If you’ve planned effectively and practised with past papers, you’ll be able to manage your time confidently.
Finally, many students struggle with source questions because they either take the source at face value or ignore the context altogether. To avoid this, always analyse both content and provenance, and relate your evaluation to your wider historical knowledge.
Avoiding these traps can make the difference between a B and an A* — and a good History tutor can help you spot these early and correct them.
Recommended articles for A Level History
How to Revise for A-level History Guide?
How To Help Your Child Pass A-Level History?
Can You Resit A-Level History?
How to get an A or A* grade in A-level History?
How to revise A Level History Exam
Where can I find A level history tutors online?
Which is the best A level history tutoring platform?
what are the advantages of using a A level history tutoring marketplace?
who is the best A level history tutor?
How spires saves money on A level history tuition
What does a A level history tutor do?
Why should I get a A level history tutor?
Are A level history tutors worth it?
When is the best time to start A level history tutoring?
how to get an a or a* A level history
5 ways a tutor helps prepare for the A level history exam
the best time to schedule online A level history classes
the 10 best A level history revision books
where to get A level history past papers
15 A level history exam questions and answers
what to do if you fail A level history
15 best uk schools for A level history
15 best international schools for A level history
what degree options does A level history give you
how important is A level history for university applications
what careers is A level history useful for
where to find A level history tutoring jobs
Which A level history tutoring company pays the most?
Do you need DBS as an A level history tutor?
Does an A level history tutor need professional indemnity insurance?
Why work with a tutoring agency to find A level history students?
Where can I promote my A level history tutoring services online?
How do I become a qualified A level history tutor?
Can you make a living as a full-time A level history tutor?
How to tutor A level history online
Do A level history tutors or teachers get paid more?
Can I be a part-time A level history tutor?
Is private A level history tutoring legal in the UK?
the best A level history tutor near you is online
Contact Us
A service you can depend on
Chat
The quickest way to talk with us