David James, the deputy head, pointed out that learning now involves different challenges than when parents took their exams, notably the constant distraction of mobile phones. He noted that the typical teenager might use headphones to block out noise, have multiple browser tabs open, and keep their phone nearby, which complicates focused studying.

The school, in collaboration with Dr Carl Hendrick, a professor of learning science, is educating parents on effective learning strategies. Hendrick emphasised that efficient learning often feels counterintuitive, suggesting that students should space out study sessions and regularly test themselves rather than cramming. He explained that motivation often follows achievement, as improved academic performance can enhance students’ self-perception.

Hendrick also addressed the misconception of multitasking, noting that the brain switches between tasks rather than performing them simultaneously. This rapid switching incurs cognitive costs, leading to inefficiencies and reduced productivity. He described “continuous partial attention” as a state where teenagers’ focus is fragmented, particularly due to smartphone use, which hampers the deep cognitive processing needed for exam success.