The smart way to your dream exam results
Ditch the overwork and score higher with proven strategies to accelerate your learning. Ace your exams at school, at university, and as part of your career. Book your consultation chat
Your exams mean a lot to you.
But the path to success is not easy.
I’m here to help.
You’re serious about success in your exams
You and I both know what’s at stake:
Unlocking the next step in your academic or career journey.
Enhancing your current or future earnings potential and status.
And maybe most importantly of all, that magic feeling of knowing you DID IT.
The elation, the delight – hey, maybe even the relief – when you get the news that you earned the result you’ve wanted for so long.
Exam prep is demanding and time-intensive
I specialise in helping people with substantial amounts to learn for challenging exams.
It’s normal to feel like you’re not retaining what you study, at least, not as well as you’d like.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by how much you need to get through.
It’s normal to wonder if you’re learning in the most time-efficient way – are you really getting the most from all those hours you’re putting in?
I LOVE helping ambitious scholars like you to optimise your study strategy, so you can learn faster and remember more, and make more progress in less of your valuable time.
There is a science to learning efficiently – the underlying principles are universal – but the specifics of how we apply them is very personal to your exam, your life circumstances, your preferences, style and more.
Finding the balance, staying consistent
Having the best approach to learning is only half the story.
We need the consistent schedule to create the space for effective learning to happen. Creating the time to put in the right amount of work, and having a plan to prioritise the right areas.
We need the mindset to show up and do good work, managing the inevitable emotional ups and downs of exam prep and any specific doubts, worries and fears that may be impacting your productivity.
And we need the gameplan to ace the test itself, the exam-day tactics to earn every possible point we can.
Planning and prioritisation; getting and staying consistent; finding peace and purpose; outsmarting your final test. Whatever your specific needs, I’ll help you get study-fit to succeed in your exam goals.
“After I had finished my mock exams I felt like I needed some tips on how to work more efficiently.
Thanks to William’s expertise, I’ve learnt several new ways of studying effectively. I felt a big difference immediately – I can now remember information much more easily.”
“Even though I’ve sat and passed countless exams, it turns out that I didn’t know how to study! With William’s help, I developed the confidence to plan my time in advance, write a realistic revision timetable and have improved my ability to recall tricky facts. It was invaluable.”
The science is clear: optimising your study system leads to BIG gains
It’s all about studying smarter, not (necessarily) harder
I’m a cognitive psychologist, and everything I teach is grounded in the science of effective learning.
The results you read in the testimonials throughout this page are not an accident.
They are a direct result of skilfully and thoughtfully applying proven principles from science and psychology.
The stuff I teach works. It will work for you too 🙂
William – I can’t believe it !!!!! I PASSED!!!!
Can’t thank you enough for everything !!!!! I am in shock!!!!!
The Evidence: working on your study system unlocks substantial gains in test / exam scores
Mindset Mastery
| +8% | From a planning / reflection exercise |
| +11% | With the right motivation & goals |
| +32% | By using stress-proof study methods |
Consistent Study Habits
| +18% | From a better sleep routine |
| +20% | By reducing distraction & increasing focus |
| +22% | With a better note-taking strategy |
Smarter Learning Strategies
| +13% | From spacing your work out differently |
| +20% | Switching from re-reading to a better learning technique |
| +25% | Changing the order of practice problems |
Sources (top to bottom): Pham & Taylor, 1999; Jang, 2008; Smith et al, 2016; Kelly et al, 2001; Thornton et al, 2014; Peper & Mayer, 1986; Kornell, 2009; Roediger & Karpicke, 2006; Rohrer & Taylor, 2007
“Studying through your techniques has provided me with a fantastic way of learning facts and knowledge efficiently, as time is really used in the most effective way.”
“That was cool. I learnt loads.”
High performers have coaches and mentors to elevate their performance
A little secret you might not know…
…but pretty much every high performer alive today has a coach or mentor in their corner, to help them achieve more and get there faster.
Elite athletes, billionaire entrepreneurs, stars of the stage or sports field.
Even the Dalai Lama!
We all take exams, but nobody is born being good at studying for them.
I passionately believe that ANYONE who’s committed to performing well in their exams should benefit from expert guidance on their study strategy.
To help you get the results you’re looking for, more easily.
An experienced study strategy coach on your side helps you to:
- Save months or years of trial and error by getting straight to the study strategies that will work best for YOU in your circumstances.
- Take the guesswork out of your success and avoid the pitfalls that cost so many students study time and exam marks.
- Feel calm and confident knowing you’re taking the optimal approach.
Let’s maximise your chance of scoring the result you’re looking for through a combination of both preparing in the best way and finding score gains through smart exam technique on test day itself.
Let’s save you some time and ease the stress/overwhelm along the way.
Let’s work together.
Now it’s your turn to get a top study coach & learning psychologist in your corner
Introducing your new exam success mentor: William Wadsworth
I know the science…
… in fact, I help to discover it, working with other scientists to advance the research on effective ways to study
Regular speaker at education research conferences (e.g. ResearchED, BERA)
Degree in psychology (Cambridge, 2012)
I get what it takes…
Cambridge University First Class (Hons), top 0.01% student in UK public exams
Making “study best practice” work for you in the messy, complex world of being a student in the real world
Coaching with heart and understanding
& I’m a trusted teacher…
“Science of learning” training for both teachers and students at leading schools & universities
Blog & podcast trusted by almost half a million students every single year in 200 countries
A decade’s experience working 1:1 with students, to help them get top grades
“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 was excellent and I would highly recommend him.”
“William has taught me how to study successfully and be most effective through his deep understanding of educational psychology, and allowed me to understand how to better manage my time and study more productively. I’m pleased to say that this has been highly beneficial for my degree grade!
In detail: what we’ll work on together
All of my students need slightly different things from our work together.
Typically, we’ll work on three or all four of my “pillars” of exam success.
We will talk about how you’re getting on and which areas we should work when we meet for your initial consultation call.
1. Mindset Mastery: conquer anxiety, get motivated and achieve more with the psychology of peak performance
Click here to learn more...
Struggling with exam stress or test anxiety?
Just can’t seem to maintain your motivation to study?
Worrying that you’re not good enough, that you’re not worthy?
Or simply feeling overwhelmed by how much you’ve got to do?
Then allow me to help you get to the heart of the problem, and let’s get you back in control of your mindset, and lay the foundations of your success.
2. Smarter Study Habits: strategies to take control of your time, energy and attention, and get more done
Click here to learn more...
Finding it hard to fit in the hours?
Getting derailed by distractions, or losing time in the “dark playground” of the perpetual procrastinator?
Feeling low in energy, and relying on coffee, sugary treats and energy drinks to get through the day?
Or just a bit stuck when it comes to planning the perfect study timetable?
Then work with me to design a complete study system, based on proven productivity strategies, but 100% personalised to your way of working.
No more excuses.
No more wasted time.
No more late nights and last-minute panics.
It’s time to take control of your routine, and discover your perfect path to Getting Things Done.
3. Learn Faster & Remember More: how to supercharge your memory with the science of learning
Click here to learn more...
Staring at a mountain of knowledge that you need to learn for your exam?
Feeling that no matter how long you spend on a topic, you always forget some (or most) of it two weeks later?
Worrying how you’ll ever be able to remember it all on exam day?
As a Cambridge-trained learning psychologist, the memory is an endless source of fascination to me, and so I LOVE teaching the science of effective learning.
But I’m not just some scientist who has no idea about the messy reality of trying to get through another week at school or college: I’m also a highly experienced coach and mentor.
So I’ll not only make the principles easy to understand, but also show you my battle-tested secrets to put best practice into practice, fast.
4. Mark-Maximising Test-Day Tactics: exam technique secrets to hit top marks when it counts
Click here to learn more...
This one’s a bit of a personal favourite – no-one teaches this stuff. (So much so, I wrote a whole book on it.)
The tactics you use to keep your mind “match-fit” through exam week.
The memory-recall and problem-solving strategies you use in the exam itself.
How to read the examiner’s mind and give them EXACTLY what they want.
It all adds up to a BIG winning margin on exam day: and the best bit about this part is you don’t even need to do any more studying to improve your grade!
If you have exams to take, I’d recommend we spend at least some time discussing the test-day tactics that will make the most difference to your mark, and coming up with a bespoke exam “gameplan” to help you land the grade you deserve.
I’ve got the perfect programme for you
From a single “troubleshooter” session to the ultimate in ongoing study mentoring
1 x Emergency Problem-Solver Session
A targeted troubleshooter- A single 50-minute session
- Need some last-minute support? Or just want a quick once-over and tune-up? Then let’s meet for a Problem-Solver Session, for a focused fix on a specific aspect of your study strategy.
3 x Session Scholarship Package
Reboot your study strategy- A 3-session transformation: enjoy a significant saving vs “pay as you go”
- My most popular option: a complete overhaul of all major aspects of the study strategy
- You’ll be flying through your study routine, remembering more, feeling great, and primed to score BIG on exam day.
6 x Session "VIP" Fellowship Programme
Unlock your full potential- Six sessions to maximise your success
- For those who truly want to maximise their potential, while staying cool and in control.
- The ultimate support for top grades: we’ll leave no stone unturned in optimising how you study for and take exams!
1 x Emergency Problem-Solver Session
A targeted troubleshooter- A single 50-minute session
- Need some last-minute support? Or just want a quick once-over and tune-up? Then let’s meet for a Problem-Solver Session, for a focused fix on a specific aspect of your study strategy.
3 x Session Scholarship Package
Reboot your study strategy- A 3-session transformation: enjoy a significant saving vs “pay as you go”
- My most popular option: a complete overhaul of all major aspects of the study strategy
- You’ll be flying through your study routine, remembering more, feeling great, and primed to score BIG on exam day
6 x Session "VIP" Fellowship Programme
Unlock your full potential- Six sessions to maximise your success
- For those who truly want to maximise their potential, while staying cool and in control.
- The ultimate support for top grades: we’ll leave no stone unturned in optimising how you study for and take exams!
Work with me from anywhere in the world over Zoom video call.
I’m based in the UK but can accommodate most time zones. I have helped clients from every continent except Antarctica, including many from the USA and Canada, Australia, Europe, and more. The only requirement is that you’re comfortable being coached in English.
Sessions are 50 minutes long.
“Incredible. Absolutely brilliant, couldn’t recommend William enough. [My son] loved working with him. In hindsight we should have got him on board much sooner.”
“I’ve learned so much with William, and in particular, learned so much about myself. He’s not only helped me to start doing well in exams again, but helped me regain my confidence. I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Take the first step to stress-free exam success today
Most first-time clients start out with a 15-minute no-obligation consultation call to:
- Get to know each other and confirm we’re a good fit 🙂
- Custom-build the perfect coaching plan for you
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get that call in the diary, and let’s get on your way to the grades of your dreams!
“As an educator myself, I was very discerning when seeking support for our son. As a college freshman double-majoring in Biology and Chemistry, he would often lock himself away in a study room for 14 hours at time, but retain very little from it.
After failing several exams, we were desperate to help him. In high school, he’d been a straight A student and never had trouble retaining material before. As his second year began at university, our son was becoming more discouraged and began to think he wasn’t capable of learning. His lifelong dream of becoming a surgeon was starting to feel unachievable.
I knew I needed to find someone to teach him not just how to study, but how to shift his mindset.
We found that in the Exam Study Expert in the very first session.
William worked on essential skills and tools for powerful studying, and discussed how to use his time effectively so that he can work less hard but remember much more.
After three sessions, our son achieved an “A” on a Biology exam.
We are so happy to have found the Exam Study Expert to not only teach our son how to study to achieve the grades he is aiming for, but to help navigate the experience in a healthy, positive way. Shaping a positive and effective mindset is the most important strategy that William teaches.
As parents, we are forever grateful.”
In case you were wondering…
Is exam success coaching going to work for me?
I think we’re going to be a great fit for each other if:
- You’re preparing for exams at school, university or as part of your career.
- You want to do well: we can absolutely work on motivation and consistency if needed, but on some level, you have to have the hunger to succeed.
- You’re open to change: I promise I’ll make change as “non-scary” as possible so it feels light and easy, but you do need to be open-minded to working in a way that is at least somewhat different to help you work smarter and achieve more in less time.
I would not recommend my coaching programmes if:
- You’re highly apathetic: this is mainly for parents looking at this page – I always recommend students have at least some spark of wanting to do well to get the most from a coaching programme with me.
- You’re not taking exams: if your score is mainly based on your academic writing as submitted assignments/dissertations etc, check out https://examstudyexpert.com/academic-writing-coaching/
Your questions, answered
How much are the coaching sessions?
Sessions start from £105 / $120 – please see the pricing table above.
Who / what ages do you work with?
The majority of my work is with:
- (High) School Students from approx. age 15 and up, e.g. for GCSEs / A-Levels (UK) and SATs / APs (US)
- College / University students
- Professionals (of any age!) taking post-graduate exams or professional qualifications
I am based in London, but I’ve worked with students from around the world: the US and Canada, Asia, Central and Southern America, as well as of course, the UK.
How do you deliver the coaching sessions?
Via video call (Google Meet / Zoom) – which allows me to work with clients worldwide.
Which coaching package is right for me?
There’s no single answer to this: every student is different, which is why I offer different packages in the first place!
The best way to answer this is to suggest that, if you’re considering exam study coaching with me, you book yourself a consultation call so we can discuss your circumstances and what might be the best option for you.
But as a rough guide, the most popular option is the three-session scholarship package.
Can I switch between different packages?
Sure, no worries – if it becomes clear you want more (or less) help than you at first thought, we’ll get you switched on to the right package, and I’ll make sure any fees are adjusted accordingly (including retrospectively, if necessary).
You are free to upgrade to bigger packages any time, simply pay the difference. For example, if you have already paid £175 for a single session and decide you’d like 3, you only need pay the balance on the difference between the Scholarship Package and the single Problem-Solver Session (£360 – £175 = £185 to pay) to add an additional two sessions to your programme.
If you have unused coaching sessions in a pre-purchased programme after you have completed your final exams / course of study, or if you withdraw from your course, we will (at our discretion) offer a refund for remaining sessions based on the difference between the total price you paid for your programme, and the price of buying the number of sessions actually used per our rate card. For example, if you take the 6-Session “VIP” Fellowship Programme (6 sessions at £105 / session = £630) and you only use 4 sessions, we will right-size you to the next package down, which is the “3 x Session Scholarship Package”. You now only owe for 4 sessions, but at the Scholarship rate or £120 per session, so total owed is 4 x £120 = £480. You will be refunded the remaining £150 (£630 – £480 = £150).
See also “what if it’s not working out”.
I’m an experienced student – I’ve been taking exams for [many] years and have found the study methods I like. Why should I start doing things differently?
Here’s the thing – the best performers in any field are constantly finding new (and better) ways of doing things. That’s what keeps them at the top.
As you go further in your academic career, you may find that what used to work for you is no longer sufficient. Your old (high) school note-making strategy may have got you through your SATs and APs or your A-Levels, but that’s simply not cutting it any more.
No matter how experienced you are (or how much you’ve already read up on ways to study), I’ve yet to meet a single student who can’t make at least some changes to optimise their study strategy, and get (even) higher grades.
If you have ways of working that you really like, I rarely advise completely throwing everything out of the window – but rather, I’ll suggest ways to adapt and modify what you do today, to make it much more efficient.
It’s the best of both worlds: your new study strategies will feel similar to what you did previously, but you’ll get far better results from them.
I’m a parent – how do I know my [son / daughter] is going to get on with you?
I love working with a huge range of young people – it probably helps that it wasn’t so many years ago when I was a student myself (my 30th birthday is looming at the time of writing this…).
I’d normally recommend inviting your child to join us on a consultation call if it’s being booked by a parent – that way we can confirm that we’re a good match for each other.
How is study coaching different to tutoring?
A tutor acts as an extension of your teachers (or lecturers), helping teach you the material you need to know for your course, reinforcing your knowledge and understanding, and helping you to practise using it.
I had an extensive background in conventional tutoring, so I know that a good tutor can be a great source of support in helping you get on top of your course materials.
But unless you can afford to retain a tutor’s services for hours every single day, you will have to supplement tutoring with your own independent study.
And that’s where study coaching comes in: I’ll show the techniques you need to know in order to be far, far more effective in your own study time, and get far better grades than you would otherwise.
If your budget can accommodate it, study coaching can be a great complement to traditional tutoring – for VIP Fellowship clients, I’m even happy to speak to your tutor(s) to make sure their lessons support the study plan I’ve designed for you.
On the other hand, if budget is relatively tight, you’ll find that a small investment in study coaching (perhaps just 1-3 sessions) could transform your ability to get results on your own – saving you months of regular tutoring bills.
Can I book you as a tutor?
These days, I’m almost entirely focused on study coaching – however, I’m always happy to consider individual circumstances. I have most experience tutoring in the UK school exam system, especially GCSE and A-Level sciences and business studies.
Please email me directly to discuss.
Who should be / can be on the consultation call?
The person who is going to be coached – the student – is almost always on the initial consultation call.
Mums and Dads are very welcome to join too, especially if you are the one who found me in the first place.
Occasionally, parents value being able to discuss more delicate / sensitive issues around their child’s education with me directly – I’m very happy to have these conversations, this normally means we need two separate consultation calls (the first just between me and Mum / Dad, and the second with your child, either with or without parents).
What if it's not working out?
Consultations do not carry a cost, and are designed to confirm we’re a good fit before we enrol you on a coaching programme.
If you feel things are not working out after our first session together, please let me know as soon as possible. We can end our coaching programme at that point, switching you onto the appropriate package (a single session) and refunding the difference between what you have already paid for the package your chose, and the price of our 1-session “Problem Solver” package (currently £175). This option is by mutual agreement, and we will normally ask for a call to talk through your experience and determine the right way to resolve the situation is for you, and to help us learn from what went wrong in your case.
The 1-session package is non-refundable unless we were unable to deliver the session.
Do you ever offer any discounts?
You will never find my prices discounted below the standard prices shown on the rate card.
I am unable to offer scholarships at this time: I would encourage you to start by absorbing the considerable amount of free material I have created for the blog and podcast.
I can, however, offer a bounty for successful new client referrals, to substantially reduce the cost of your next coaching session – see “can I refer a friend” below.
Can I refer a friend?
Please do.
As a “thank you” for successful referrals, I will be glad to apply a 50% discount to your next study coaching session.
You may “stack” multiple referrals – so for every two successful referrals, you could earn a completely free session.
Just be sure to ask your friend to mention that you sent them my way, so that I know to offer you the referral bounty.
Note that discounts and free sessions are not transferrable to other students, and may not be sold or traded in for cash or other products / services.
Do you have a cancellation / rescheduling policy?
Last-minute cancellations and reschedule requests deprive other clients of coaching time, so my cancellation / rescheduling policy is designed to encourage you to be courteous to your fellow students, and uphold the appointments you requested.
For coaching sessions, you may reschedule sessions an unlimited number of times, provided you give a minimum of 48 hours’ notice each time. I reserve the right to charge the session fee for late-notice reschedule requests, or for outright cancellations. I will apply discretion and judgement: “first time offenders” are always offered a free pass, and long-standing clients (especially VIP Fellowship clients) will normally be offered more flexibility.
Are you qualified and / or certified to work with young people?
Absolutely.
Qualification-wise, I hold a First Class degree from Cambridge University where I “majored” in Psychology, with a particular specialism in learning and memory.
I have full DBS clearance (“Enhanced” level), the UK government’s standard certification system required to work unsupervised with young people (minors).
“Had a parents meeting this evening – everyone seems amazed by how much he’s transformed. His teachers said he’s gone from a D grade to an A grade after working with you over the holidays. So really, thank you!”