In this article, Ally, an experienced teacher and school entrance specialist, explains what the ISEB test is and why it has become increasingly popular with independent schools.
AuthorAllyRead4 minutes
In this article, experienced English teacher and tutor Lucy, presents her top tips to acing questions on the iGCSE English Language exam paper.
AuthorLucyRead5 minutes
Looking for an occasional place at a grammar school? If your child was unsuccessful at 11+ for a grammar school or if you have recently moved to a new area, you may be considering an "occasional place". This blog explains what these are, how to apply and, most importantly, how to maximise your chances of success.
AuthorHollyRead2 minutes
In this article, experienced teacher and school entrance tutor, Katherine, outlines the format and top tips for the new Alleyn's 11+ assessments.
AuthorKatherineRead7 minutes
Learn our 10 top tips to make an A* more achievable in IGCSE English
AuthorOwl TutorsRead4 minutes
Stuck for ideas for your Chemistry IA? Here is a list of 50 ideas that should hopefully inspire you to come up with an excellent IA of your own. Carl is a highly experienced Chemistry tutor who is available for one-to-one online tuition.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead9 minutes
The History Aptitude Test (HAT) is a critical component of the University of Oxford's undergraduate History courses' application process. If you are looking to start your preparation for the HAT or are interested in finding out more about it, this guide will take you through the format of the exam and what to look out for. Read on to find out more about the HAT.
AuthorHollyRead3 minutes
Are you considering a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)? Read more to discover if PPE is the right course for you.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead5 minutes
Understanding the differences between the US GPA system and grades in the UK can be challenging. Whether you are hoping to study in the US, moving from one country to the other, or just curious, our guide will help you understand how your grades compare.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead6 minutes
All 4+ exams are based on active learning, engagement in tasks and an ability to show co-operation, manners and tact in social environments. These are all skills which can be developed at home by parents or with a tutor. Judith, an experienced teacher, shows us how
AuthorJudithRead7 minutes
If you are looking for the perfect Christmas reads to keep your child entertained and engaged over the holidays, look no further than this list of fantastic and beautiful books. Children preparing for the 7 Plus will not only benefit from the reading opportunity that these books offer, but will also be able to talk about them at interview.
AuthorHollyRead4 minutes
Christmas is a time of magical perfection and winter wonder, especially through the eyes of a child. For 10-year-olds, school holidays offer the perfect time to relax and enjoy books with their families. If you are preparing your child for the 11 Plus exams around this time, take time to relax together and enjoy one of the festive reads suggested here.
Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by combining the joy of coding with the magic of the holiday season? Whether you're a tech-savvy parent looking to captivate your child's imagination or a budding young coder eager to make something special, fun and festive coding projects can ensure everyone has a merry little Christmas. Dig into these jolly projects using Raspberry Pi, digital magic, and creative code for an unforgettable holiday experience!
AuthorOwl TutorsRead3 minutes
Erica, an experienced Maths and Physics teacher, has put together a list of ideas intended to be a source of inspiration for your maths IB IA. Its aim is to offer examples showing how different topics in the IB maths syllabus can be linked to real-world investigations.
AuthorEricaRead8 minutes
In this blog, Francesca, an experienced IB teacher, shows us that full marks in Paper 2 are achievable if we understand the mark criteria.
In the penultimate post in this series, Andrew looks at how the provenance of the source (including its author, and the time and place in which it was produced) can be used to examine a source’s reliability.
In the third post in this series, we will look at how to show A Level examiners that you can assess the accuracy of sources. People in the past did not always give an impression consistent with the facts available to us. Good historians will compare the information presented by any source to what they already know of the period.
This is the second post in a series that shows you how to approach source questions in History A Level, and hopefully also how exciting analysing primary source material can be. In this blog, Andrew sets out how to raise the quality of your answer to A* level by showing understanding of the source in context, and focusing on the question.
In this blog, Nick, an experienced French teacher and tutor, outlines 10 top tips to securing a level 9 in GCSE French. As you will see, achieving a level 9 is not easy but given some good planning, plenty of time and great motivation, you should find it isn't impossible!
AuthorNicolaRead6 minutes
In this blog, Holly shares top tips of how to achieve a 9 in the English Language GCSE. These tips work for all exam boards and although following them is no guarantee of a grade 9, they could help to raise your grade and improve your performance in the exam. Be sure to check out our other GCSE guides to help with your assessments too!
AuthorHollyRead7 minutes
In this blog, we set out a step-by-step guide to phonics: a method which teaches children to read by identifying the individual sounds in a word and blending them together.
Are you learning Spanish and wondering how long it might take to become fluent? Read more here
Parents and guardians considering whether or not their child should sit school entrance exams in the UK will hear of two main testing providers: CEM and GL Assessment. This article explores the differences between CEM and GL Assessment, and provides an overview of how they can be used to assess potential.
Are you looking at grammar schools and aren't sure where to start?
Grammar school exams vary considerably. In this blog, we aim to explain how the examination process works at 11+, including content, types of exams and preparation.
Grace, a former headteacher with experience of interviewing for both British and American independent schools, seeks to calm parents’ (and students’!) nerves with a little glimpse into the mysteries of how this important part of the pupil selection process takes place.
AuthorGraceRead6 minutes
Extracurricular activity plays an important role in the overall development of students, giving them opportunity to develop skills, find new interests and build friendships. Learn more about why these activities are essential, how they will help your child in all areas of school, and how to get started with finding something suitable in your area.
Parents looking into private schooling for their children often have many questions about the costs involved. From tuition fees to additional expenses for boarding and day schools, understanding the financial commitment is essential. This guide breaks down the various factors and ranges to help you make an informed decision.
In this blog, Grace, an experienced teacher and tutor, takes us through a unique approach to tackling 'unseen' texts for A-Level and GCSE English. You will see that six simple questions can crack open even the toughest of texts. Read on if you need help with unseen texts. Or if you like eggs
AuthorGraceRead12 minutes
In this article, Gil, an experienced maths specialist for school entrance exams, explains what maths anxiety is and how parents can help.
AuthorGilRead3 minutes
Finding high-quality books which your child enjoys reading is the first step to ensuring they become good readers and writers. This blog gives some 'must-reads' for children aged 6 to 8. The books listed are both good quality texts and highly popular with children of this age group.
AuthorRosieRead4 minutes
In this blog, Calum explores the presentation component of the IB's Theory of Knowledge assessment. He gives a detailed overview of the format, outlines the importance of including real-life situations, and offers a helpful guide to choosing the perfect real-life situation to make an excellent presentation.
Schools are keen to emphasize the importance of wide and ambitious reading for students sitting the 13+. If you are unsure what constitutes ambitious reading for this age group, here are some of the best books for 12-year-olds, along with suggestions for what to read next.
In this article, Abigail, an experienced teacher and tutor, outlines her top tips to help reluctant readers preparing for 11 plus assessments.
AuthorAbigailRead6 minutes
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