Executive Function Coaching + Mentoring for IGCSE & GCSE ADHD Revision

At SENSpecialists.org we specialise in executive function coaching and mentoring for IGCSE, GCSE and A‑Level students with ADHD, autism and related neurodivergent profiles. If your child understands the subject matter but struggles to start, organise or finish revision, our combined coaching + mentoring approach builds the systems, confidence and sustained motivation they need — not just short‑term content help.

What is an executive function coach + mentor?

An executive function coach teaches the practical cognitive skills behind successful studying (planning, time management, initiation, working memory and self‑monitoring). A mentor adds encouragement, emotional regulation strategies and consistent accountability. Together they:

• Diagnose gaps in executive skills and daily routines.

• Co‑create simple, personalised systems (timetables, micro‑plans, checklists).

• Model and scaffold study sessions, gradually handing responsibility back to the student.

• Provide emotional support: praise, validation, motivation, and coping strategies for anxiety and overwhelm.

• Liaise with parents and schools to align supports and access arrangements.

Why choose coaching + mentoring over tutoring?

- Tutors teach content; coaches and mentors teach process, mindset and sustainability.

- This combined approach builds transferable skills for all subjects and future study (A‑Levels, university).

- Mentoring reduces anxiety and boosts motivation through relationship‑based support and positive reinforcement.

- Families see a higher long‑term ROI because students become independent, resilient learners rather than dependent on subject help.

How we tailor coaching, mentoring and encouragement for ADHD & autism

ADHD: brief focused work blocks, visual timers, movement/sensory breaks, immediate positive reinforcement and gamified goals.

Autism: clear step‑by‑step scaffolds, low‑sensory environments, predictable routines and explicit exam‑day scripts.

Mentoring focus: goal‑setting conversations, normalising setbacks, celebrating small wins, and teaching emotional regulation (breathing, grounding, micro‑breaks).

Proven revision techniques we coach — with mentoring built in

Active recall: convert notes into short self‑quizzes; mentor helps create meaningful, confidence‑building prompts.

Spaced repetition: mentor schedules and checks short review slots so learning moves into long‑term memory.

Past‑paper practice: coached timed practice + supportive debrief focusing on patterns of error and positive next steps.

Micro‑task planning: break big tasks into 10–30 minute actionable steps and celebrate each completion.

Time estimation practice: mentor helps predict and reflect on how long tasks take to improve planning accuracy.

Initiation hacks: two‑minute starts and mentor accountability to overcome inertia.

Typical coaching + mentoring session (example)

1. 2–3 min: wellbeing check + energy level (mentor normalises feelings)

2. 5 min: celebrate last session wins + review micro‑tasks

3. 20–30 min: focused study using an explicit technique (active recall/past paper)

4. 5–10 min: reflective conversation — what worked, what felt hard, one tweak to try next time

5. 5 min: schedule next spaced review and set 1–2 tiny, clear next steps

Mentoring, encouragement & emotional support — what we do

• Build rapport and trust so students feel safe to try and fail.

• Use strengths and interests to increase motivation (interest‑based hooks).

• Celebrate tiny wins publicly and privately to build momentum.

• Teach quick calming strategies for anxiety (box breathing, grounding, sensory breaks).

• Encourage growth mindset language: "You tried a strategy — let’s adjust it" rather than "you failed."

• Provide parents with short progress notes and concrete actions to reinforce at home.

Sample mentor scripts you can use

Starting a session: “Today we’ll do 25 minutes on topic X. We’ll celebrate what you complete and pick one tiny next step together.”

When stuck: “Tell me three tiny steps we could try. Pick one and we’ll set a 5‑minute timer — I’ll be here with you.”

After a difficult paper: “You handled that stress; that’s progress. Let’s find two things you did well and one thing to tweak for next time.”

Outcomes parents can expect

• Clear weekly routines, visible revision timetables and fewer homework battles.

• Reduced exam anxiety through coached past‑paper practice and calming scripts.

• Increased independence, better self‑monitoring and more consistent study habits.

• Improved emotional regulation and resilience when tasks get hard.

• Transferable skills that support A‑Level transition and adult learning.

Who benefits most

• High‑functioning students with ADHD or autism who need executive skills, mentoring and emotional support rather than pure subject tutoring.

• Students who know the material but struggle with starting, organising or finishing work.

• Parents seeking measurable systems, regular updates and a supportive coach‑mentor relationship.

How SENSpecialists.org works with families

Initial 30–45 minute intake to map strengths, challenges and routines.

Bespoke 1:1 coaching + mentoring plan aligned with the student’s exam timetable (IGCSE/GCSE/A‑Level).

Weekly short check‑ins, written micro‑plans and progress notes for parents.

Liaison with schools (SENCO/teachers) to align classroom supports and exam access arrangements where required.

FAQs

Q: Is this tutoring?

A: No — we coach executive skills and provide mentoring; if subject tutoring is needed we can recommend tutors who will follow the coaching plan.

Q: How long until we see change?

A: Many families observe improved organisation and reduced stress within 4–8 weeks. Building strong independent habits takes consistent practice over time.

Q: Do you support exam access arrangements?

A: Yes — we prepare evidence of functional impact and work with families and schools; formal applications are managed by the school SENCO.

Ready to start? Book a free 15‑minute discovery call

Discuss your child’s needs and find out how our executive function coaching + mentoring can support IGCSE/GCSE/A‑Level revision and wellbeing.

Book here: https://calendly.com/james-senspecialists/30min