When her son found himself overwhelmed by GCSE revision two years ago, Alyson Larholm searched for an app or online resource to help him manage his time effectively.

But the search proved futile, so the mother-of-three created one herself.

Study M8, which is now available to download for free on the app store, is designed to ease the revision process by creating tailor-made study plans. Students enter their subjects and working hours into their iPhones or Android devices, and are then presented with a bespoke timetable.

"If you are still at school, you might only be able to study in the evenings," Ms Larholm explained. "But then over Pesach, you can add in more dates when you are free. The app puts this into a calendar, and sets reminders for when you should be studying and when you should be taking breaks."

"We spoke to teachers about the best revision practises," she said. "The default setting is 20-minute study blocks with five minute breaks, but you can change that if you prefer."

Ms Larholm, from Borehamwood, said her family had conducted a "big testing process", with her children and their friends using the app ahead of their AS Level mock exams. "They all think it is invaluable," she said.