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
Choosing the right prep school for your child is a crucial part of their educational journey to future success. With so many areas to consider, from admissions and entrance exams to safeguarding and pastoral care, it's essential to make the right choice. This short guide will help you understand the process, ensuring you find a prep school that aligns with you and your child's needs and future aspirations.
AuthorHollyRead3 minutes
In this blog post, Meredith explains the different types of reading comprehension questions you can expect in the ‘comprehension’ part of an entrance exam, with examples and tips for answering each. This is a must-read if your child will be sitting the 7 Plus or 8 Plus entrance exam.
AuthorMeredithRead6 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.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead3 minutes
How does handwriting impact performance at 7+, 8+ and beyond? If your child is preparing for a handwriting assessment such as that expected for St Paul's School as part of the English test, handwriting practice is essential. Read on to discover why this skill forms an essential component of your child's progress towards success at entrance examinations.
AuthorHollyRead2 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.
In this article, experienced former independent school senior leader, Holly, looks at the forthcoming changes to VAT charges on private school fees.
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, 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
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.
AuthorAlisonRead6 minutes
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, experienced school entrance tutor and qualified teacher Ali, explains the best way to approach family interviews.
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
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, 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
Struggling with Phonics? In this blog, Laura sets out simple but effective strategies you can try at home to boost your child's confidence with phonics
AuthorLauraRead4 minutes
In the final part of the ‘Types of’ 7 Plus preparation series, Meredith describes some of the different interview questions that could come up and offers some tips to prepare for them.
AuthorMeredithRead4 minutes
In this blog, the second in a series of 'Types of...' 7 Plus preparation posts, Meredith outlines a range of different creative writing prompts that can appear in the English paper and offers some useful insight and handy tips for preparing for each one.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead7 minutes
In this blog, Laura sets out five ways to help your child prepare for the 7 Plus or 8 Plus school entrance exam and interview. Using these five activities as part of a long-term strategy will build your child's confidence in speaking, reading and writing and ensure their skills and personality shines through on the day.
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
In this blog, Alanya shares her top tips for supporting your child to overcome the blank page. A careful balance of structured support whilst encouraging independent thinking is key to solving writer's block in young learners!
AuthorAlanyaRead4 minutes
The 7 Plus composition and comprehension papers will test vocab and grammar. In this blog, Cecilia suggests some fun and engaging activities that will help to develop your child's vocab and get them ready to sit the school entrance exam.
Sitting the 7+ and 8+ exam can be a daunting prospect, so it is important that children become familiar with working under strict time constraints before the exam. There is significant competition for entry into schools at both 7+ and 8+. For example, for every one place at Westminster Under or Colet Court, 8 or more boys sit the entrance exam.
AuthorJudithRead5 minutes
As most of us struggle with home schooling (myself included!) we are all facing challenges we never imagined! Mindfulness activities can help children to focus and calm their minds. What better time to dip your toes into the water and explore a range of fun activities which help support emotional well-being for children and adults alike.
AuthorRachelRead2 minutes
For all the new home-classrooms that have sprung up following school closures, Claudia shares her favourite online and interactive English resources for ages 5-11.
AuthorClaudiaRead3 minutes
In this blog, Lulu outlines simple ways to build a routine at home whilst your children's schools are closed. Do you have a timetable? Do you need resources? Find all you need to know here!
AuthorOwl TutorsRead2 minutes
In this blog, Alanya sets out five resources to help your child develop confidence and fluency in their reading while having lots of fun along the way!
AuthorAlanyaRead3 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.
In this blog, Lulu shares some tips on dealing with boredom in Year 1 children, positive steps to support them and how having a tutor can help turn boredom into learning opportunities.
Our lead 7 Plus tutor Judith sets out the pros and cons of online tuition for 5 and 6 year olds. While there can be the odd technical glitch, students are getting increasingly tech savvy and online tuition widens access to top tutors, wherever you are.
A love of reading is a key factor in becoming a successful reader. The more your child enjoys reading, the more motivated they will be to read frequently, and so the more advanced their reading skills will become. In this blog, Rosie sets out 10 tips to help children to see reading as a pleasure, rather than a chore.
AuthorRosieRead4 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.
In this blog, Hannah shares her top lessons learned from the 2018/2019 round of 7 Plus and 8 Plus exams. If you are entering your child for the 7+ or 8+ in the next couple of months, these helpful tips and observations from a full-time, professional tutor will give you a flavour of the kinds of things to expect from these assessments.
Hannah shares her top tips on how to prepare students for the competitive 7+ exams. This blog focuses on how young students can best be taught to manage their time well.
As both a teacher and a tutor, Hannah has worked with many children who present as reluctant writers or who appear to not have many ideas to begin a story. "Talking Pictures" is a simple yet highly effective 4 step strategy to get your child’s creative juices flowing and to kick-start the story writing process.
This year, St Paul’s School are changing things up for the 7 and 8 Plus entrance exams, and the English paper will now include a dictation rather than a creative writing task (composition). It is worth considering that other schools may follow suit, and in this blog, Meredith sets out how best to prepare for this exam format.
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
Children are naturally curious and inquisitive creatures who love to learn. However, the high expectations set by schools and the pressures created by exams can often lead children to see their learning as a chore. This post gives some tips and advice on how to foster a child’s natural enthusiasm for learning and keep exam preparation fun.
In this blog, Hannah sets out five activities which can help your child to prepare for their 7 Plus or 8 Plus school entrance interview. Using these five activities as part of a long-term strategy will build your child's confidence in speaking and ensure their personality shines through on the day.
In addition to structure and content, the writing composition section of the 7 plus exam is designed to test a candidate's use of interesting vocabulary in their writing. This blog - written by Meredith, a professional school entrance tutor - explains how ‘wow’ words can enhance a piece of writing and sets out five ways to generate them.
Seven plus entrance exam preparation can be a stressful experience for both parents and students. This blog post outlines 5 mindfulness techniques to add some calm and joy to the process. It has been written by Meredith, an Owl Tutor with a background in psychology and counselling.
AuthorMeredithRead5 minutes
Following on from an earlier blog, Rosie sets out the next stages of learning to write. Short, regular writing sessions are key!
AuthorRosieRead3 minutes
In this blog, Rosie - a professional tutor and qualified Primary teacher - discusses the first stages of learning to write and provides some handy tips to help budding young writers learn the basics!
It is widely recognised that using practical, hands-on equipment is the best way to teach children early maths skills. In this blog, Rosie (a Qualified Primary teacher and professional tutor) discusses three excellent low-cost resources, and offers tips on how they can be used to teach some fundamental skills.
AuthorRosieRead5 minutes
In this blog, Rosie talks all things "Phonics", and sheds light on key terminology used by teachers, which some parents may find unfamiliar.
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.
Are you hoping for your child to win one of the places at University College School at 7+? Read on! This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your child to applying, exams and the interview process.
AuthorRosieRead2 minutes
Are you hoping for your child to win one of the places at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Girls’ School at 7+? Read on! This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your child to applying, exams and the interview process.
Are you hoping for your child to win one of the places at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School at 7+? Read on! This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your child to applying, exams and the interview process.
Are you hoping for your child to win one of the places at South Hampstead at 7+? Read on! This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your child to applying, exams and the interview process.
Are you hoping for your child to win one of the places at North London Collegiate School at 7+? This guide tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your child, to pre-tests, exams and the interview.
Are you hoping for your daughter to win one of the places at JAGS at 7+? This guide tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your child, to pre-tests, exams and the interview.
Are you hoping for your child to win one of the places at Forest School at 7+? Read on! This guide tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your child, to pre-tests, exams and the interview.
Are you hoping for your child to win one of the places at Chepstow House at 7+? Read on! This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your child, to pre-tests, exams and the interview.
In this blog post, Hannah demystifies the listening test which forms part of the assessment morning for Kings College Wimbledon at 7+. She gives five recommendations for resources to use as well as her top tips on how to support your child.
Are you hoping for your son or daughter to win one of the places at Westminster Under School at 7+? Read on! This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your child, to pre-tests, exams and the interview.
Are you hoping for your son to win one of the places at St Paul's Junior School at 7+? Read on! This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your son, to pre-tests, exams and the interview.
Are you considering Latymer Prep for 7+? Hopefully this will help!
Are you hoping for your son to win one of the places at Kings College Wimbledon at 7+? This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registration to exams and the interview.
Are you hoping for your child to win one of the places at Highgate at 7+? Read on! This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registration to exams and the interview.
Are you hoping for your son to win one of the places at Dulwich Prep at 7+? Read on! This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your son, to pre-tests, exams and the interview.
Are you hoping for your child to win one of the places at City Junior School at 7+? Read on! This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your child, to pre-tests, exams and the interview.
Are you hoping for your child to win one of the places at Bute House at 7+? Read on! This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your child, to pre-tests, exams and the interview.
Are you hoping for your child to win one of the places at Alleyn's at 7+? Read on! This blog tells you everything you need to know about the application process: from registering your child, to pre-tests, exams and the interview.
This month, a trial run of an online 5 minute times table test is being performed in 290 primary schools across the country. Whatever your views on this test, the fact remains: times tables are a highly valuable skill to learn and almost always feature in the 7+ and 8+ exams. Therefore, here are some resources to support your child to learn them.
As a full-time tutor, Hannah often gets enquiries from parents about supporting children with creative writing for the 7+. A passionate reader herself, Hannah regularly uses books to encourage the children she works with to love language and fill their own stories with inspiration! Here are two simple ways parents can support with this process.
With mounting pressures on young children to perform at exceedingly high levels, how can we make sure we are looking after the whole child in the process? Here are 7 ways to help make for a happy 7+.
AuthorAllyRead3 minutes
Many entrance exams at 7+, 8+ and 11+ ask children to write a story – usually giving around half an hour for this part of the assessment. In such a short time, the beginning of the story should be captivating! In this blog, Cecilia sets out how you can help your child to develop their story writing skills and grab the attention of the examiner.
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
Home-schooling is becoming an increasingly popular choice for parents all over the UK and internationally, and having worked both in schools and with children in their own homes, it is clear that children are able to access a well-rounded education whatever the setting! These tips aim to give some practical advice to those who are either currently, or considering, home-schooling their children.
AuthorJudithRead7 minutes
AuthorJudithRead8 minutes
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