7 Fun & Productive Things GCSE Students Can Do This Summer (Without Falling Asleep)

Looking for productive things to do after your GCSE exams? Summer holidays are the perfect time to relax and do something useful — without feeling like you’re stuck in school. Whether you're preparing for A-levels, exploring new hobbies, or just trying not to waste the next six weeks on TikTok and toast, we’ve got you covered.

Here are 7 fun, productive, and genuinely enjoyable things GCSE students can do during the summer holidays.

1. Read a Book That Isn’t on the GCSE Reading List

Reading might sound like schoolwork, but it doesn’t have to be. Find a book that you want to read — something funny, thrilling, or downright weird.

Why it’s productive: Boosts your vocabulary, improves focus, and gets your imagination going.

Try:

• One of Us Is Lying – for mystery fans
  

• The Hunger Games – if you like dystopia and drama
  

• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – laugh-out-loud British humour
  

📚 Top Tip: Track your summer reads in a journal to impress future English teachers (and yourself).

2. Watch Educational Movies (That Are Actually Fun)

Yes, watching films can be productive — especially if they teach you something or make you think differently.

Why it’s productive: Enhances your understanding of topics like history, science, and human behaviour — without the revision notes.

Watch:

• Hidden Figures – inspiring + maths
  

• The Social Dilemma – social media and tech ethics
  

• The Imitation Game – World War II and computing
  

🎬 Pro Tip: Watch with subtitles for bonus reading practice.

3. Get Active — No PE Teacher Required

Physical activity doesn’t have to mean running laps. Summer’s the perfect time to find an exercise you actually enjoy.

Why it’s productive: Keeps your mind sharp, boosts your mood, and improves your sleep.

Try:

• Roller skating
  

• Dance tutorials on YouTube
  

• Couch to 5K (if you fancy a challenge)
  

• Yoga in the garden — zen and stretchy
  

🏃‍♂️ Fun bonus: You’ll return to school feeling like a superhero.

4. Learn a New Skill Just for Fun

Ever wanted to bake the perfect cake, solve a Rubik’s cube, or speak a bit of Spanish? Now’s your time.

Why it’s productive: You gain a new talent, boost your confidence, and maybe discover a future passion or career idea.

Skill ideas:

• Coding (try Scratch or Python)
  

• Cooking or baking
  

• Photography or video editing
  

• Playing an instrument
  

• Learning a new language
  

🧠 Use apps like Duolingo, Skillshare or YouTube to get started for free.

5. Visit Somewhere New (No Passport Needed)

Exploring new places isn’t just for globe-trotters. Discovering a local museum, gallery, or nearby town can be an eye-opening experience.

Why it’s productive: Broadens your horizons and teaches you about people, history, and the world around you.

Ideas:

• Local museums (some are free!)
  

• National parks or nature trails
  

• A train ride to a nearby city
  

• Street markets, festivals or outdoor events
  

📸 Top tip: Take photos and keep a summer travel diary.

6. Volunteer (Feel Good & Build Your CV)

Giving your time to help others is not only kind — it’s also a clever way to gain experience and develop new skills.

Why it’s productive: Shows initiative, looks great on your CV or personal statement, and helps you meet new people.

Where to volunteer:

• Charity shops
  

• Food banks
  

• Local summer camps or clubs
  

• Environmental clean-up events
  

❤️ Feel-good bonus: You’ll actually make a difference.

7. Join a Summer School for GCSE Students (Like Ours!)

Want to get ahead, build confidence, and meet other students just like you? Our GCSE Summer School offers fun workshops, skill-building sessions, and activities to help you get ready for the next stage of your education — without the pressure.

Why it’s productive:

• Reinforces key subjects
  

• Develops confidence and communication
  

• Prepares you for A-levels or Year 11
  

• Helps with goal-setting and planning
  

🧠 Bonus: It’s actually fun. No boring lectures, we promise. Just supportive tutors, interactive sessions, and loads of snacks.

Final Thoughts: Make This Summer Count

You don’t need to study non-stop to be productive. Doing something useful each week — reading a book, learning a new skill, exploring somewhere different — adds up.

So go ahead: sleep in, eat ice cream, but also make a few choices that Future You will be proud of. Your summer can be fun and fulfilling.

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our GCSE Summer Programme — your brain will thank you.