Getting your child into an independent school can appear challenging at first, but with the right approach and preparation, it can be the route to academic and personal success. In this guide, we offer ten useful tips and hints to help you understand the admissions process, ranging from choosing the right school through to ensuring your child is properly prepared.
AuthorHollyRead4 minutes
Are you hoping for your child to win one of the 160 places at Hampton School at 11+? Experienced teacher and school entrance tutor Holly takes us through all the need to know information!
AuthorHollyRead2 minutes
Are you considering a boarding education for your UK-based child due to family circumstances? Does your child need to live away from home during term time? State boarding schools might be one solution. This blog explains more about state boarding schools and why they could be the right choice for your family.
AuthorHollyRead3 minutes
Choosing a boarding school is an important decision which involves more than simply selecting an educational institution. Instead, it involves complex factors from costs to personal choice. All schools will have both benefits and challenges. This comprehensive and useful guide aims to answer some of those all-important questions you may have regarding boarding schools, particularly focusing on UK schools.
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.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead3 minutes
In this article, experienced former independent school senior leader, Holly, looks at the forthcoming changes to VAT charges on private school fees.
In this article, Gil, an experienced maths specialist for school entrance exams, explains what maths anxiety is and how parents can help.
AuthorGilRead3 minutes
This article explores the benefits of one to one tuition with a tutor on the lead up to exams.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead4 minutes
In this blog, Holly explores why schools use CAT4 testing, the different elements of the test, what the results of the CAT4 test mean and how you can help your child to tackle the tests.
Given the deep and varied history of UK Independent Schools, it is no surprise that over the centuries many have developed unique turns of phrase. To help decipher these terms we have put together a comprehensive glossary to help you navigate the admissions process for these schools. If you'd like to know your 'Exeat' from your 'Oppidan', read on!
AuthorOwl TutorsRead6 minutes
In this article, Sophie, an experienced maths teacher, shares her top tips to secure top marks in a school entrance exam.
AuthorSophieRead5 minutes
In this article, Greg, an experienced teacher and tutor, shares his top tips to help applicants who might be nervous about the school entrance exams. Whether it is a 7 plus applicant or a 16 plus one, here are six ways to help channel those nerves.
AuthorGregRead3 minutes
In this article, Ali, an experienced teacher and tutor, explains the difference good goal setting can make to a student. Her series of practical tips should be helpful to learners of all ages!
AuthorAlisonRead6 minutes
The UK has a great reputation for top-quality schooling and attracts a number of international students every year. Moving to a new school can be challenging, but moving to an entirely new school system can feel overwhelming. Chloe, a qualified teacher with experience teaching in the UK and overseas, shares her thoughts on the key differences.
AuthorChloeRead8 minutes
In this article, Alison shares her 6 top tips to help your child engage with their tuition. As all Owl Tutors are qualified teachers, we believe learning and education always beats teaching to the test. Check out Alison's 6 top tips below.
In the latest of a continuing series, Grace shares her thoughts and reflections as to why she believes teachers make the best tutors. Drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher in the independent sector, she provides a fascinating insight into the unique nature of teacher training and how it produces the best educators.
AuthorGraceRead5 minutes
In this article, Alison, an experienced school entrance tutor and qualified teacher, explores the rationale of school entrance group interviews, and how best to approach them.
In this article, Cecilia sets out her reasons why qualified teachers make excellent personal tutors. An experienced teacher and private tutor herself, she is well placed to set out the top reasons for working with an education professional.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead5 minutes
The 13 Plus English assessments can be a challenge for international students. These top tips from Michael, a 13 Plus English specialist, explain exactly what your son or daughter should expect from the exams and the best ways that you can help them to prepare effectively
AuthorOwl TutorsRead9 minutes
In this article Grace explains what the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is and outlines its role in ensuring quality of provision and regulatory standards of independent schools, both in the UK and overseas. Grace draws on her expertise as a former Headteacher of three independent schools and has first hand experience of ISI inspections
Choosing a school can seem like a daunting decision for any parent. Not only are there many, varied entrance requirements to navigate, but added to this are questions over whether a school is ‘right’ for your child. Holly, an experienced teacher, examines what to look out for and what to ask, to make your visit as informative as possible
AuthorHollyRead9 minutes
In this blog, experienced teacher and tutor Alison, explores the best way to support your child with a school move. Whether you are moving locally or internationally, Alison sets out how to handle an important change sensitively.
AuthorAlisonRead10 minutes
In this blog, school entrance expert and teacher, Holly, outlines top tips to tackle reasoning tests. Verbal and Non-verbal reasoning tests are used by most independent and grammar schools to help with their selection process. These handy hints should help your child tackle what can be quite challenging questions.
AuthorHollyRead7 minutes
In this blog, Alexandra outlines the necessary steps in preparing your child for a move from a state school to an independent school. Whilst this can be a daunting process, there are also many exciting opportunities that shouldn't be forgotten!
AuthorAlexRead6 minutes
Raj, a qualified teacher and Maths examiner, offers tips on how to master Maths! Apart from the obvious answer (through a lot of hard work) here are some other ideas on how to keep on top of things.
AuthorRajRead6 minutes
Josephine is an experienced English teacher and school entrance tutor. Here, she provides 6 clear steps that will allow pupils to breakdown the complex language of the 19th Century novel, which will stand 13 Plus scholarship candidates in good stead.
AuthorJosephineRead3 minutes
In this blog, we talk to Jacqueline (one of our most experienced online school entrance tutors) about how she prepares children for school entrance exams online and the platforms she finds work best.In
Teaching Science online may seem a difficult task, particularly for topics typically demonstrated in the school laboratory. However, as Phil sets out in this blog, for every challenge, there is a solution. Phil is one of our skilled science specialist tutors
AuthorPhilRead6 minutes
In this blog, our lead 13 Plus Science tutor Phil uses "Pokemon Go" to explain the difference between fair testing and repeated tests. Knowing the difference could help secure top marks at Common Entrance.
AuthorPhilRead5 minutes
In this blog, Sobia takes an in-depth look at the 13+ Harrow and Eton scholarship papers in English, Maths and Science, and offers some useful tips to keep in mind.
AuthorSobiaRead4 minutes
Wondering if your child’s special educational needs (SENs) will be taken into consideration during school entrance exams? This blog outlines who may be eligible for exam concessions, which arrangements can be made to assist your child in their exams and how to get your child the best support available for them to succeed.
AuthorMeredithRead4 minutes
In this blog Holly sets out some clear solutions to the issues posed by the unseen poetry question in the 13+ English exam, alongside some tips for those aiming for Scholarship. Understanding some of the easier ways to approach poetry will give your child a chance to shine in this component of the exam.
AuthorHollyRead5 minutes
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 blog, Sobia - an experienced school entrance tutor - explains the Eton College admissions procedure for 13+ candidates, and provides a clear step-by-step guide of what to expect at the different stages.
AuthorSobiaRead3 minutes
Is your child worried about an upcoming interview at 11 or 13 Plus? Finnian, one of our most experienced school entrance tutors, gives a valuable set of tips and hints for both parents and students in how to succeed at this tricky point in the process.
AuthorFinnianRead4 minutes
In this blog, professional tutor Sobia outlines the benefits of having an all-round tutor who can teach all subjects tested at 11+ and 13+ level.
The Common Entrance exam has been used since 1904 to select pupils for entry to private schools. The i Newspaper took a look at sample questions written by Owl Tutors to see just how hard the exams can be.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead1 minute
In this blog Sobia discusses the daunting process of interviewing for a school place, and outlines possible questions asked as well as tips and techniques for success.
AuthorSobiaRead5 minutes
In this blog - the second of a two-part series - Science tutor Phil provides advice on revision methods and exam technique for students sitting 13 Plus Common entrance Science. Once the basics have been mastered, a thorough revision plan and knowing what to expect in the exam will set students up for success.
In this blog, Phil, an experienced school entrance tutor, sets out how students can ensure success at 13 Plus Common entrance Science. Mastering the basic theories, equations and laws is essential and Phil provides a helpful list of topics which simply must be memorised by 13 Plus candidates. This is the first of a two part series.
This is a guest post by Andy Hix of zenatwork.co.uk. Stress affects your wellbeing, and your ability to study and perform well in the exam itself. The ability to calm yourself down when you’re feeling stressed is therefore a crucial part of doing well, but a skill few young people are taught.
Eton is arguably the most famous boarding school in the world. In this blog, Ed sets out the main aspects of the Eton admissions procedure with hints and tips that might maximise your son's chances.
In this blog, Emma discusses the skills needed to successfully approach the Radley 13+ Maths Scholarship papers.
English is a compulsory part of Common Entrance in almost all cases, but it can be difficult to know how to prepare for the exam. This blog gives guidance on the syllabus and likely requirements of the exam as well as advice on how to help prepare your child.
In this blog, Pamela explores the process of applying to secondary school. Having a thorough understanding of the admissions criteria and application process can help make the process stress-free.
AuthorPamelaRead4 minutes
In this blog, Pamela explores Independent Secondary Schools in Oxfordshire and talks you through the registration and application process. Pamela also provides a handy "Timeline for Year 6" and a list of Independent Secondary Schools in the county.
AuthorPamelaRead3 minutes
An overwhelming educational concern among parents/guardians of secondary school students is that their child does not read enough and that they may struggle with the English Language GCSE. This blog sets out five easy things you can do at home to help improve your child’s English Language skills.
If you decide to study English literature beyond GCSE, it is important that you ask yourself "why" and justify your choice. Whether you are a bookworm wanting to pursue your love of literature, or see the subject as a way to develop your communication skills, there really is no right answer.
Parents often ask what I think about children and their use of technology at home. Should I let my child read a book on the Kindle? Are learning apps any good? My child spends a large amount of time watching videos on YouTube, should I be concerned?
AuthorSarahRead4 minutes
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