The Best Resources for A Level Physics: What to Use and Why

Choosing the right resources is essential for success in A Level Physics. With so many options available — from textbooks and websites to YouTube channels and past papers — it can be difficult to know which tools are worth your time.

In this guide, I’ve reviewed some of the best A Level Physics resources available, including their advantages and disadvantages, to help you build a revision toolkit that suits your needs.

1 – A Level Physics Textbooks (e.g., CGP, Pearson, Oxford)

Overview:
Textbooks aligned with specific exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) are a staple of A Level Physics study. They offer syllabus-specific content, worked examples, and end-of-chapter questions.

Advantages:

  • Fully aligned to your exam board
  • Structured content that mirrors the course
  • Reliable and accurate explanations
  • Often include summaries and exam tips

Disadvantages:

  • Can be dry or overly wordy
  • Limited interactivity
  • Some students find them hard to engage with without guidance

Best For:
Learning and consolidating theory, especially if you like a structured, linear approach.

2 – Physics & Maths Tutor (PMT) (www.physicsandmathstutor.com)

Overview:
PMT offers free revision notes, topic questions, past paper compilations, and model answers for all major exam boards.

Advantages:

  • Huge range of past paper questions by topic
  • Mark schemes provided
  • Great for focused practice on weak areas
  • Free to access

Disadvantages:

  • Notes are sometimes brief or oversimplified
  • Not as helpful for learning new content from scratch

Best For:
Practising exam-style questions and testing understanding after revision.

3 – Isaac Physics (www.isaacphysics.org)

Overview:
Isaac Physics is a platform developed by the University of Cambridge to build problem-solving skills in Physics. It focuses on developing mathematical fluency in a Physics context.

Advantages:

  • Excellent for deepening understanding
  • Challenges students to think critically
  • Tracks your progress
  • Endorsed by top universities

Disadvantages:

  • Can be too challenging if your fundamentals are not secure
  • Not exam-board-specific

Best For:
Stretching high-achieving students and improving Physics-maths integration.

4 – YouTube Channels (e.g., Physics Online, Gorilla Physics, Cognito)

Overview:
YouTube has become one of the most popular ways to revise A Level Physics through video explanations and tutorials.

Advantages:

  • Free, visual, and engaging
  • Great for explaining tricky concepts
  • Can pause, rewind, and rewatch anytime
  • Many channels are tailored to UK syllabuses

Disadvantages:

  • Quality varies between channels
  • Can be easy to get distracted or watch passively
  • Not a complete substitute for active revision

Best For:
Clarifying difficult topics, refreshing content visually, and using as a supplement to active revision.

5 – Past Papers and Mark Schemes (from exam board websites)

Overview:
Past papers are essential for exam preparation and building familiarity with the question format.

Advantages:

  • Closest resource to the actual exam
  • Helps build time management and exam technique
  • Reinforces what examiners expect in answers

Disadvantages:

  • Not ideal for early-stage revision
  • Can be demoralising if done too early or without understanding

Best For:
Final stage of preparation — testing yourself and refining exam technique.

6 – Revision Guides (e.g., CGP Revision and Practice Books)

Overview:
These are condensed versions of full textbooks, designed to summarise key points for quick revision.

Advantages:

  • Concise and focused
  • Easier to carry and use than full textbooks
  • Often includes exam tips and tricks

Disadvantages:

  • Sometimes too simplified for full understanding
  • Not detailed enough for first-time learning

Best For:
Reviewing content closer to exams and quick refreshers.

7 – Tutoring Support (Online or In-Person)

Overview:
Private tuition can provide personalised, structured support that addresses individual needs and learning styles.

Advantages:

  • Immediate feedback and tailored explanations
  • Helps overcome specific struggles or misconceptions
  • Builds confidence and exam technique
  • Can track progress closely over time

Disadvantages:

  • Usually a paid service
  • Quality varies, so it’s important to choose a qualified, experienced A Level Physics tutor

Best For:
Students who need guidance, accountability, or deeper understanding — especially when aiming for top grades or recovering from setbacks.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “best” A Level Physics resource — the most effective approach is often a combination. Use textbooks and videos to build your understanding, topic-based questions and Isaac Physics to strengthen your problem-solving, and past papers to polish your exam technique.

And if you’re ever stuck, unmotivated, or feel like you’re not progressing, working with an experienced A Level Physics tutor can provide the support and direction you need to move forward with confidence.

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