In a world first, SimpleStudy, the study app transforming exam preparation, is launching the world’s first fully synchronised national mock exam experience across the UK and Ireland.
Over the Christmas school holidays, potentially millions of GCSE and A-Level students who sign up to the free app will gain access to original exam papers spanning all major subjects and exam boards. Each paper has been created by SimpleStudy’s expert content team, is fully original, and tailored to specific exam boards and subject curriculum.
The mocks will run between 27th December and 2nd January 2026, with all students having the same 24-hour window to sit a timed, interactive exam that mirrors real GCSE and A-Level conditions. Students can complete the papers on mobile or desktop, interacting with formulas, diagrams and long-form written responses, with the option to pause and resume within their window to fit around festive plans.
This nationwide rollout marks the first time digital mock exams have been delivered in a synchronised format outside school settings – offering a highly realistic exam environment without the need for teachers, invigilators or physical exam halls.
Unlike quizzes or PDF versions of past papers, SimpleStudy’s mocks provide a genuine exam simulation designed to give students an accurate measure of exam readiness. Already, 97% of students using the app have reported improved grades and the average SimpleStudy user achieves results 22% higher than the national average.
SimpleStudy co-founder, Phillip McKenna, commented: “Exams can be incredibly daunting for students, which is why giving them the opportunity to practise in exam-style conditions is so important to us. Our digital mocks are designed to be as similar as possible to the actual exam – reflecting key elements of formal exams – they’re timed, taken simultaneously by students across the UK and Ireland, and use unseen, original content – while being accessible to complete from home. The shared experience allows GCSE and A-Level students to build confidence in conditions that closely reflect real exams, helping reduce anxiety and boosting exam preparedness.”
Students will receive immediate feedback after completing each paper, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement. Full, free results will be released on 6 January 2026, including:
- Grades for each subject
- Detailed mark breakdown by topic
- Question-by-question explanations
- Personalised study recommendations
Phillip also comments: “We’re especially excited about the results-day moment and buzz on the 6th January, which mirrors the anticipation of the real day while helping students see the bigger picture. Students will also receive instant feedback after completion, giving them a clear picture of their strengths and where to focus their revision over the Christmas holidays. It gives them a clear sense of progress, keeps motivation high, and supports greater confidence as they head into their real exams”
Students can pre-register now. Participation is completely free, ensuring high-quality exam preparation is accessible to all, regardless of background or resources.
To sign up, please visit the website.
About SimpleStudy
SimpleStudy is a study app revolutionising exam preparation. Trusted by over 500,000 students across thousands of schools, it’s like the Duolingo for exams, offering personalised, gamified study tailored to each student’s subjects and exam boards, including GCSEs, A-Levels, and SQA. SimpleStudy keeps students engaged with quizzes, points, streaks, and achievements, while focusing on concise content designed to save time and prioritise what matters for the exam. With 97% of users reporting improved grades, the average SimpleStudy user achieves results 22% higher than the national average. The platform also provides teachers, schools, and parents with tailored tools to support exam preparation.
Founded by childhood friends Oisín Devoy and Phillip McKenna (pictured), SimpleStudy was born from their own exam experiences, aiming to make school and exams less stressful. Frustrated by expensive and inaccessible traditional resources, they created an accessible app that uses technology to make studying effective and enjoyable. Now used in 25+ countries, SimpleStudy simplifies consistent revision, reduces stress, and improves outcomes worldwide.
Learn more here.
