The importance of study skills at secondary school
By Beth Evans
Mentor
Study skills are essential for secondary school students, yet they often don’t receive the attention they deserve.
As students progress through secondary school, they face more academic challenges that demand independent learning, organisation and greater focus. By developing strong study skills, students not only achieve better results but also lay the foundation for future success. For both teachers and students, emphasising these skills fosters confidence, independence and long-term achievement.
Read on to:
Understand why study skills should matter to teachers
Discover how study skills lead to better grades and more engaged learners
Learn how study skills build academic confidence
Explore how study skills support executive function development
Find out how study skills help with time management and independence
Learn how study skills prepare students for the future
Why study skills should matter to teachers
Secondary school is a pivotal time in a student’s education, and teachers play a crucial role in equipping students with the skills they need to succeed. Study skills are not something students can develop on their own; they need guidance. Teachers who actively promote study skills help students take control of their learning. Encouraging habits like planning, organisation and self-reflection prepares students for the demands of coursework, exams and future academic challenges.
When study skills are emphasised throughout the school year, students learn to approach their subjects methodically, creating more efficient and effective study routines.
Better grades and more engaged learners
Developing study skills directly impacts academic performance. Students who know how to study effectively are better able to process, retain and apply information, leading to higher grades. They are also better prepared for exams and assignments.
Moreover, study skills help students engage with the material in a more meaningful way. Techniques like active reading, summarising key points and organising notes make studying more interactive and enjoyable. When students are engaged with their learning, they retain more information and feel motivated, which improves their academic performance and fosters a sense of pride in their work.
Building academic confidence
Strong study skills lead to a sense of control over learning, which helps build academic confidence. Students who know how to organise their revision and tackle coursework are less likely to feel overwhelmed by their workload, especially during exam periods.
Academic confidence extends beyond knowing how to study—it’s about resilience. With solid study skills, students can identify their strengths and areas for improvement, allowing them to take positive action. This confidence helps them not only in their studies but also in how they approach challenges in all areas of life.
Executive Function development
Study skills are essential for developing Executive Function skills, which includes mental processes like planning, organisation, problem-solving and decision-making. These skills are vital for students to manage their workload, stay focused and make effective choices.
For example, note-taking helps students organise information logically, while creating revision schedules strengthens time-management skills. These techniques improve cognitive abilities and contribute to personal growth, helping students become more organised and focused both academically and in other aspects of life.
Time management skills
Time management is one of the most valuable skills a student can learn. Secondary school students juggle multiple subjects, extracurricular activities and social commitments, making effective time management crucial. Without it, students can quickly become overwhelmed, leading to stress and poor academic results.
Teaching students how to prioritise tasks, break assignments into manageable steps, and set realistic deadlines can make a significant difference. By improving their time management skills, students can balance their academic and personal lives, leading to better results and less stress.
Student independence
Secondary school is a time when students start to become more independent in their learning. Study skills help students develop the autonomy they need to manage their studies without constant supervision. Students who know how to study independently are better equipped to organise their work, seek help when needed and work through challenges on their own.
Promoting independence benefits students not just academically, but personally. Independent learners are better able to take on challenges, persevere through difficulties and take responsibility for their success. This independence is invaluable in both their academic and future careers.
Preparation for the future
The study skills students develop in secondary school prepare them for future success, whether in further education or the workforce. Employers and universities alike value skills such as organisation, time management, critical thinking and the ability to learn independently.
These skills also prepare students for lifelong learning. Whether pursuing higher education or entering a career, the ability to research, organise information, and manage time is invaluable. By focusing on study skills in secondary school, we help students build a solid foundation for their academic and professional futures.
The Oppidan Education Skills Journey
At Oppidan Education, we recognise the importance of study skills and offer tailored mentoring to help students develop these essential abilities. Our Skills Journey helps students gain confidence by teaching them how to approach learning strategically, manage their time effectively and become independent, self-motivated learners.
If your child could benefit from support in developing study skills, signing up for mentoring could be a valuable step. Our expert mentors provide personalised guidance to help students refine their study techniques, improve organisation and maximise their academic potential.