Learning is changing... are your students keeping up?

The science of learning

The psychology of lasting behaviour change

For exam grades like you’ve never seen before

SPEAKING & WORKSHOPSTop Tips "Cheat Sheet"

I think your students are AMAZING

But boy, are they making life hard for themselves…

You might have been nagging them about what they SHOULD do…

… but getting them to actually do it?

That’s a whole other matter.

The science of effective learning is becoming well-established: many schools now teach students to use techniques like retrieval practice and spaced learning in their exam revision.

And we know how impressive the results can be: decades of cognitive psychology in the lab and the field routinely show attainment boosts of a whole grade boundary.

But are students actually using it?

The surprising truth from my 30,000-student survey

(The largest of its kind in research history)

Man in graduation cap

In partnership with the world-renowned academics at the Washington University Memory Lab, I set out to discover just how many students are actually USING the science of effective learning.

Data is pre-publication and under analysis, but some headline observations immediately struck us…

Some 97.5% of students are missing out on major learning science strategies: for example, spending too much time re-reading or making notes rather than practising retrieval.

And the schools involved in the research included some of the most learning-science aware schools in the UK.

So how do we get new independent learning habits to stick?

“William captured the interest of all staff. He explained, in simple terms, how the brain works with regards to memory and then gave some exceptional examples to provide evidence for his points. He gave staff a number of practical ideas to take away and I am in no doubt the staff will share his thoughts with their students. He was an excellent presenter and I would highly recommend him.”

Alex Wallace, Deputy Headteacher

“Thank you William for such an interesting and informative talk on “educating the teenage brain” – we really enjoyed learning the science behind the different ways to help our children study better and the practical tips you gave us to use at revision time. We’re looking forward to having you back for another seminar soon!”

Sarah-Louise Mascie-Taylor, training co-ordinator

Meet the learning science evangelist:

William Wadsworth

I help students find an easier path to exam success, by translating brain-science into highly practical strategies (that really work), and adding a healthy dose of sympathy and understanding:

  • I know the science: I’m a Cambridge University trained psychologist, and active learning science researcher.
  • I know what it takes to succeed: I got top 0.01% UK exam results at school with 10A*s at GCSE and 6 As at A-level, and went on to graduate from Cambridge in the top 10% with a First Class degree.
  • I specialise in embedding lasting change: I know it can be tough. My approach has been refined and battle-tested for nearly 15 years, through helping generations of students ace their exams.

Between this blog and the Exam Study Expert podcast, I have the honour of guiding nearly half a million students to exam success, every year.

Meet the learning science evangelist:

William Wadsworth

I help students find an easier path to exam success, by translating brain-science into highly practical strategies (that really work), and adding a healthy dose of sympathy and understanding:

  • I know the science: I’m a Cambridge University trained psychologist, and active learning science researcher.
  • I know what it takes to succeed: I got top 0.01% UK exam results at school with 10A*s at GCSE and 6 As at A-level, and went on to graduate from Cambridge in the top 10% with a First Class degree.
  • I specialise in embedding lasting change: I know it can be tough. My approach has been refined and battle-tested for nearly 15 years, through helping generations of students ace their exams.

Between this blog and the Exam Study Expert podcast, I have the honour of guiding nearly half a million students to exam success, every year.

My Twitter feed is dedicated to helping teachers understand & apply the science of learning

Bring the science of success to your school or university

Student revision workshops that are more than just a jazzy presentation, they create lasting change

CPD / keynotes for teaching staff that get them thinking about the science and how to apply it, like never before

1:1 coaching for Teaching & Learning leaders: empowering you to lead your school to their best-ever exam results

“William taught me how to study effectively… this has been highly beneficial for my degree grade!

Alexander, 22

“I felt a big difference immediately – I can now remember information much more easily.”

Jasmine, 17

That was cool.

I really like him – I learned loads.”

Abi, 15

The Exam Study Expert way

Acing your exams by studying smarter, not harder

Higher grades, less sweat

Download my free "study tips" cheat sheet: all my #1 must-know strategies to supercharge your learning today.

    Your privacy protected. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.

    Free downloads and study guides from Exam Study Expert

    Best of Exam Study Expert

    Discover why half a million students around the world use our stuff to pass their exams, every single year

    Supercharge your learning

    Dive into our featured blog articles

    Subscribe to the podcast

    Enjoy advanced tips and strategies on the go

    Exam Study Expert Podcast

    The Exam Study Expert podcast: the show that helps you learn faster, study smarter and ace your exams smile

    Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify
    Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Overcast Listen on Stitcher

    Get the groundbreaking exam success book

    The science behind maximising students’ marks on exam day

    Outsmart Your Exams book cover

    Outsmart Your Exams: the book that gets you the marks when it counts

    No more “couldn’t remember”.

    No more “ran out of time”.

    No more botched exam essays.

    Discover 31 test-taking strategies from the new science of memory recall and peak performance, and start getting maximum marks on exam day.

    Order book on Amazon

    As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

    Follow us on social

    Get support, encouragement and tips when you connect with Exam Study Expert on your favourite social spots