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Around this time of year, many families are opening school decision letters with a mix of excitement and anxiety. For some, it’s the long-awaited “We are delighted to offer a place…”  For others, it’s the polite but crushing “We regret to inform you…” As an education consultant working with families applying to UK independent schools, I know how much effort goes into each application — from assessments and interviews to personal statements and school visits. So when the outco

Choosing a senior school is one of the most important decisions parents make — and one of the most complex parts of the UK independent school system. With hundreds of outstanding options across the country, each with its own character, ethos, and expectations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many families start by looking at league tables or university destinations, but that’s often the wrong place to begin. The real success of a school comes from how well it matches your chil

Every year, on the 11th of November, schools across the United Kingdom fall silent for two minutes. It’s a moment that stills the noise of busy classrooms, the shuffle of school shoes, and the chatter of playgrounds. For a brief pause, children — from the youngest pupils to those preparing for university — stand together to remember the courage and sacrifice of those who came before them. For some, it’s a familiar annual tradition; for others, it’s the first time they begin t

When my niece started secondary school, I noticed a familiar pattern: she no longer approached homework with enthusiasm, she procrastinated, and subjects she once enjoyed felt dull. She’s not failing academically—she’s a “middle student” in a very competitive environment—but her motivation was clearly slipping. If this resonates with you, you are not alone. Many children between the ages of 10 and 13 experience fluctuations in motivation, and competitive schools can amplify t

Two people sit by a bonfire, sparks lifting into the dark November sky. Around them, fireworks burst — red, green, gold — their reflections flickering across the faces of children bundled in scarves. Somewhere nearby, a parent explains the story of Guy Fawkes, while another hands a mug of hot chocolate to their child. This is Bonfire Night — part history, part celebration, and, if you look closely, part education. For many British families, it’s a tradition they’ve known sinc

Biology class at Brighton College Every parent faces the question at some point: “Should we hire a tutor?” Maybe homework has become a daily struggle, or your child’s mock test result leaves you worried. While tutoring can be incredibly helpful, it isn’t always the solution — and even when it is, it should be strategic and tailored  to your child’s needs. This guide explains when tutoring is worth it, when it isn’t, and how different independent schools’ expectations, ethos,

Starting boarding school is one of the most transformative experiences for young students. For Year 9 students, who are just settling into a new school environment, moving away from home can bring a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and exciting discoveries. During the half-term break, we spoke to several students about their first weeks, exploring how life at boarding school has already begun to shape them. Their reflections offer invaluable insights—not only for parents an

It was shiny, light, and meaningless — at least to him. After sports day, he walked through the door, still red-cheeked from running, tossed the participation medal onto the kitchen table, and said, “Everyone got one.” Then he went to the fridge, opened a yogurt, and carried on as if nothing happened. The medal stayed there — silent, small, and strangely symbolic. I stared at it longer than I expected to. Part of me wanted to say, “But it’s nice you got one!” Another part of

Every winter, as interview season begins across the UK, parents start the familiar dance: revising common questions, practicing reasoning...

Every year, independent school open days provide a fascinating snapshot of global interest in UK education. One noticeable trend over the...

Early Identification and Proactive Assessment For children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), early understanding...

As parents and educators, we all want our children to love learning. But how do we turn natural curiosity into a lifelong habit of...

When parents prepare their children for entrance exams and interviews, the checklist usually looks the same: tutoring sessions, practice...

Autumn marks the start of interview season for UK independent schools, a time when pupils and parents alike may feel both excitement and...

If you grew up in China, you’ll know the rhythm: school begins early (sometimes 7:30am or earlier), lessons run long, and the evening is...

Many Asian parents who send their children to UK prep schools notice a common first impression: “The British children seem more childish...

Preparing for the 11+ and 13+ entrance exams  is one of the most significant milestones for families aiming for entry into top UK...

For many families, Saturday mornings are for football training, piano lessons, or family brunches. But for many UK prep schools,...

For many prep school children, the end of assessment season brings relief—but also a hidden risk: burnout. Months of preparation, high...

September is a fresh start. Children are settling into new classrooms, parents are re-establishing routines, and while many families are...