What GCSE Exam Season Can Teach You About Running a Business

It’s mid-May and, if you have teens at home like I do, you know it’s GCSE exam season. In my house, the kitchen table is buried under revision guides and flashcards as my son prepares for his GCSEs. As a mum and a small business owner, I’ve been struck by how preparing for exams has so much in common with running a business. The preparation, discipline, stress management, and eventual rewards of staying focused – it all overlaps. So, let’s explore a few lessons from GCSE season that can help you stay on track with your business.

1. Plan Ahead (Like Revising for Exams)

Think about how students make revision timetables weeks or even months in advance. A solid study plan helps avoid last-minute cramming and panic. I helped my son map out his revision schedule, and it’s given him peace of mind knowing he’s covering each subject in good time. In the same way, planning ahead in business is invaluable. Whether it’s scheduling your social media posts, preparing for seasonal busy periods, or budgeting for upcoming expenses, a bit of foresight can save you a lot of stress. When you plan ahead, you’re not constantly scrambling – you know what’s coming and can tackle tasks one step at a time, just like revising chapter by chapter instead of the night before an exam.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

During exam season, students are encouraged to ask for help when they’re stuck. I’ve been telling my son that if a past paper question baffles him, he should talk to his teacher or study group. The lesson here for business owners is the same: you don’t have to do it all alone. Running a small business can feel like an endless test, but remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Maybe you need advice from a mentor, an extra pair of hands during a busy project, or some guidance from an accountant on managing your finances. Just as a student might get a tutor for tricky subjects, a business owner can benefit from professional support. I often say to clients: if you’re unsure about something (like a tax deadline or a finance question), reach out – there’s always someone (hello! 🙋‍♀️) who can help lighten the load and get you back on track.

3. Balance Pressure with Breaks

If you’ve ever watched a teenager revise for exams, you’ll know there are high-pressure moments – and also times when they just need a break. In our household, we make sure there are snacks, short walks, or even a funny TV show as rewards between study sessions. Why? Because constant stress isn’t sustainable. The same goes for running your business. Yes, owning a business can be intense – there are deadlines to meet and problems to solve – but that’s exactly why balancing work with breaks is so important. Stepping away for a breather isn’t “wasting time”; it’s recharging. Just as my son comes back to his desk fresher after a 15-minute break, you’ll return to your business tasks with more clarity and energy after giving yourself a moment to breathe. Remember, managing stress and avoiding burnout will actually help you make better decisions. Your business needs a healthy, focused you, not a frazzled you. So go ahead – schedule in that short walk or a quiet cup of tea. Balance makes you more productive in the long run.

4. Consistency and Discipline Pay Off

One thing I admire about students who get through exam season with a smile is their consistency. It’s not that they study 12 hours in one go; it’s that they study a bit every day. Discipline and small daily actions build up to big results. I see this with my son – sticking to his study routine has boosted his confidence going into each exam. In business, too, it’s the consistent, day-by-day efforts that lead to success. Discipline in doing the little things – updating your books regularly, checking in with customers, setting aside time each week to review your finances – can feel tedious, but it prevents last-minute crises. Rather than a mad scramble at year-end or during tax season, you’ll be prepared because you’ve been steadily chipping away at the work. Staying focused and keeping a regular rhythm, even when progress seems slow, will pay off over time. Think of it as the business equivalent of revising a few pages nightly instead of trying to learn the textbook overnight. It might not be flashy, but that consistency is what creates solid, long-term results.

5. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

All those hours of revision and stacks of flashcards eventually lead to one big reward: finishing the exams and getting the results. I keep reminding my son that the stress and effort are temporary – results day will come, summer will follow, and he’ll see that his hard work was worth it. In the world of business, it’s just as important to keep your end goals in sight. Maybe your “prize” is a certain income milestone, opening a second location, or simply the freedom that comes with being your own boss. During the daily grind, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds and forget why you started in the first place. Whenever things get tough, take a moment to visualize that goal or remember the “why” behind your business. Every little task and challenging day is bringing you one step closer to that payoff. Staying focused on the prize will not only motivate you, but it also makes the tough moments easier to bear – because you know what you’re working toward. And when you do hit those targets, celebrate! Just as we’ll celebrate when exam results arrive, give yourself permission to acknowledge your achievements in business. You’ve earned it.

Final Thoughts

Exam season doesn’t last forever, and neither do the challenging seasons in business. Both journeys come with ups and downs, but with preparation, support, balance and consistency, the outcome is so rewarding. So, whether you’re consoling an anxious GCSE student or facing your own business tests, remember that focus and perseverance will get you through. Keep putting in the effort, stay balanced, and don’t lose sight of your goals – you’ve got this!

And of course, if you need a hand with the financial side of your business (or just want to chat about your plans and challenges), you know where I am. Staying focused on your business goals is easier when you have support. Reach out anytime for a friendly ear or some guidance with your numbers.

Here’s to acing the exams life throws at us and to achieving your business goals, one step at a time. 🙂

Wishing you success and calm through this season,

Emma

Barleyfields Accountancy