Exams can be a stressful time for students, but with the right revision strategies, preparation can become more efficient and effective. Many students struggle with where to start, how to structure their study time, and which techniques work best. This guide provides ten proven revision tips that can help students maximise their learning, stay motivated, and feel more confident going into their exams. From creating a structured timetable to using past papers and taking regular breaks, these strategies are designed to improve focus and retention while reducing exam stress. Whether your child is preparing for GCSEs, A-Levels, or entrance exams, or end of term tests these practical tips can make a significant difference in their performance and overall well-being. Before hiring a tutor check that you have all these tips covered.

1. Prioritise Focus Over Hours

Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to revision. Many students believe that spending hours staring at a book equates to effective studying, but without concentration, this time can be wasted. Short, focused study sessions of around 25–40 minutes, followed by a 5–10-minute break, can be far more productive than endless hours of passive reading. The key is active engagement—taking notes, summarising information, and testing oneself.

Minimising distractions is essential. Mobile phones and social media can significantly disrupt focus, so consider putting the phone in another room or using apps like Offtime and Forest to block distractions. Some students benefit from background noise, like instrumental music or white noise, while others need complete silence. Experimenting with different focus techniques can help students find their optimal study conditions.

2. Use Past Papers Effectively

Past papers are one of the most valuable revision tools available. They help students familiarise themselves with the format and types of questions they will encounter in their exams, reducing anxiety and improving confidence. Working through past papers under timed conditions is a great way to refine time management and identify areas that need improvement.

Many exam boards for GCSE and A-level such as Edexcel, AQA, Edexcel and Eduqas provide free access to past papers and mark schemes on their websites. For entrance exam papers refer to our dedicated page with hundreds of past papers. Reviewing mark schemes is just as important as completing the papers, as it helps students understand how marks are awarded and what examiners look for in responses. Additionally, self-marking or discussing answers with a tutor or teacher can highlight common mistakes and areas for further revision.

3. Create a Balanced Revision Timetable

A well-structured revision timetable is essential for covering all subjects and avoiding last-minute cramming. Many students tend to revise subjects they enjoy or find easier, neglecting weaker areas. A balanced timetable ensures that all topics receive adequate attention. Planning revision in advance also reduces stress and makes the workload feel more manageable.

Mornings are often the best time for tackling difficult subjects since concentration levels are at their peak. Encourage students to mix subjects throughout the day to maintain variety and interest. For example, pairing a more challenging subject like Maths with a preferred subject like English can keep motivation high. Using apps like My Study Life or pen-and-paper planners can help students stick to their schedules.

4. Incorporate Rewards and Breaks

Revision can be mentally draining, and students need to look after their well-being during exam season. Scheduling rewards and enjoyable activities can make the process less overwhelming and provide motivation to stick to a study plan. A simple reward system—such as a favourite snack after completing a study session, or an hour of free time after a productive afternoon—can make a big difference.

Breaks should also be planned strategically. Short breaks every 30–40 minutes help prevent fatigue, and longer breaks for socialising, exercise, or relaxation can improve focus in the long run. Encouraging activities like a walk in the park, a trip to the cinema, or even just listening to music can help students recharge and return to their studies feeling refreshed.

5. Consider Personalised Support

For students struggling with certain subjects or topics, personalised tuition can provide the extra support needed to boost confidence and improve performance. A tutor can identify weak areas, provide tailored explanations, and offer strategies to approach difficult questions. This is particularly useful for students aiming for top grades or those who experience exam anxiety.

Many students waste valuable time during exam leave struggling with concepts they do not understand. A few one-to-one sessions with a tutor can clear up confusion quickly and allow students to focus on effective revision. Whether in-person or online, professional tutoring provides structured guidance and personalised feedback, making study time more efficient.

6. Use Effective Study Tools

The right study tools can make revision more engaging and effective. Colourful notes, highlighters, flashcards, and mind maps help students organise information visually, which can enhance memory retention. Flashcard apps like Anki or Quizlet are particularly useful for quick recall of key concepts and definitions.

Encouraging neat and organised notes can also make revisiting material easier. Some students find that rewriting and condensing notes helps reinforce their understanding. Others benefit from voice recordings or summary videos. Finding the right tools that suit an individual’s learning style can significantly enhance revision efficiency.

7. Take Regular, Structured Breaks

Research suggests that studying in short, focused sessions with regular breaks enhances concentration and retention. The Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break—is a popular and effective approach. Longer study sessions should include a 10–15-minute break every hour to prevent mental fatigue.

Physical activity during breaks can boost brain function and reduce stress. Encourage students to go for a walk, do some stretching, or engage in a quick workout. Even a change of scenery, such as stepping outside for fresh air, can improve focus when they return to their studies. Avoiding excessive screen time during breaks is also recommended to prevent eye strain and mental exhaustion.

8. Identify Your Child’s Learning Style

Every student learns differently, and understanding their preferred learning style can enhance revision efficiency. Some students are visual learners and benefit from diagrams, mind maps, and colour-coded notes. Others are auditory learners who remember information better by listening to recordings or discussing topics aloud. Kinesthetic learners, who learn best through hands-on activities, might find interactive exercises, writing summaries, or using a whiteboard more effective.

Encouraging students to experiment with different learning techniques can help them discover what works best. For example, recording themselves explaining a topic and listening back to it can be helpful for auditory learners, while using spaced repetition flashcards can be beneficial for those who need frequent recall practice.

9. Explore Group Revision and Courses

While some students prefer studying alone, others benefit from collaborative learning. Group revision sessions can be a great way to reinforce knowledge through discussion and peer teaching. Explaining a concept to someone else is one of the most effective ways to solidify understanding.

Revision courses, either in-person or online, provide structured support and expert guidance. These courses often focus on exam technique, helping students develop the skills needed to answer questions effectively under timed conditions. If your child enjoys learning in a group setting, a revision course may be a good investment.

10. Have an Exam-Day Strategy

A well-prepared exam strategy can make a significant difference in performance. Encourage students to get a good night’s sleep before their exam, eat a nutritious breakfast, and arrive at the exam venue with plenty of time to spare. Staying calm and confident is crucial—last-minute cramming can often do more harm than good.

Time management during the exam is key. Students should allocate their time wisely, ensuring they leave enough time to check their answers. For essay-based subjects, structuring responses before writing can help maintain clarity and coherence. In multiple-choice or short-answer questions, it’s essential to read instructions carefully and not rush through the paper.

After the exam, encourage students to move on and focus on the next subject rather than dwelling on what went wrong. Exams can be stressful, but a strong strategy can help students stay composed and perform at their best.

For additional strategies on effective revision, visit Cornell University’s Learning Strategies Center and North Carolina State University’s Study Skills Resources.

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UKiset: What is it?

In a nutshell, the UKiset is an assessment for international students who want to enter the British education system. Independent schools will look at the results of the test when considering an overseas applicant’s academic potential and level of English. 

The UKiset – which is taken on the computer – is designed to level the playing field for pupils across the globe and helps teachers see how a candidate compares to students of the same age in the British school system.

The single assessment can be used to apply to multiple schools, and some head teachers offer places based solely on UKiset results and references. However, children are often asked to sit school-specific entrance exams as well. 

UKiset: Who can take the test?

The test is for pupils between 9 and 18 years of age, and can be taken by native and non-native English speakers. The computerised questions are adaptive and age appropriate, and will get harder if the candidate gets the answer correct, and easier if they get it wrong.

What does it cover?

The UKiset has three distinct sections designed to test different skills, and takes between 2 and 2.5 hours to complete (for sixth form candidates it may last a little longer).

The assessment is made up of:

• Reasoning: this section consists of verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematical reasoning.
• Reading and listening: candidates will sit the Cambridge English test, a multiple choice paper that assesses receptive language skills.
• Essay writing: students will be asked to produce a short, handwritten essay to demonstrate their expressive language skills.

How much does it cost?

The assessment costs £295, a figure which includes registration, arrangement of a test date, invigilation fees, results sent to the candidate, and the full UKiset profile sent to up to five schools. 

If you are applying to more than five schools, extra choices can be added at £50 per school.

Where can you take the UKiset?

The assessment must be sat at a registered test centre, as opposed to at home. There are now test centres located in over 130 countries around the world and, once you have completed your registration, you will be sent your closest test centre location and next available test date.

Some schools will specify where the test should be taken so it is important to check with them first before you book anything.

Which schools require the UKiset test?

Over 270 private schools have received UKiset profiles since its launch. Around 30% of these schools insist that children take the test, while 40% use it as one component of their admissions process for specific parts of the world. 

Schools such as Eton College – which allows overseas students to sit the UKiset rather than its own pre-test – Charterhouse and Cheltenham Ladies College have all adopted it as an admissions procedure.

One of the benefits of the test is that teachers get a very detailed picture of a child’s potential, consisting of four pieces of information: 

(1) The UKiset profile, which includes their personal details, a photo and identification information.

(2) The reasoning score, which is standardised for their age and compared to British students in the same year group.

(3)  The Cambridge English Placement Test result, which provides the student’s academic English level for reading and listening. 

(4) The candidate’s English essay, which is provided it in its raw unmarked form as a demonstration of a child’s ability to express themselves in English.

How can you prepare?

Knowing how to prepare for the UKiset can be difficult as there are no official past papers. However, there are plenty of physical and online revision resources out there – if you know where to look. 

To prepare for reasoning section of the exam, UKiset suggests Bond workbooks. Bond is a cornerstone of 11+ preparation – it has book series on Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning – however it also publishes assessment papers for older children. 

While workbooks are very useful, it is also helpful for children to get used to the online format of the UKiset. Atom Learning, Bofa and Pre Test Plus are all excellent online resources.

For the language element, Cambridge Assessment English has published a huge range of material to help students prepare for the Cambridge English test. You should also encourage your child to watch English television or listen to English songs and radio to familiarise them with the language. 

For the essay section, the best preparation is to practice writing expository essays on a wide range of topics. Providing opinions orally in English could also help in this area.

If you are looking for more tailored support, Hampstead and Frognal Tutors has a wealth of experience preparing international students for British entrance exams, and offers both face-to-face and online tuition services. 

To make an enquiry, please click here.

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The 13+ scholarship, also know as the academic scholarship, is offered by many schools. Boy’s applying for the 13+ sit the exams in the spring or summer terms of Year 8. However, assessments can vary enormously depending on where you apply. For those parents who choose to have a 13+ tutor supporting their son it is advisable to inform the tutor of any intention to apply for scholarships as they will be able to tailor the preparation to the individual school.

Some of the UK’s top schools where many students apply are set out below including the criteria for each of their 13+ scholarships.

EtonCollege

Eton offers King’s Scholarships for boys who show great academic promise in Year 8. Notoriously demanding, the exam papers include a wide range of questions and cover an array of subjects. The school says it is keen to reward boys who show real ability, even if in only a limited field. 

What does it test? Boys must take four compulsory papers: English, Mathematics, Science, and a general paper, designed to test their ability to think logically and to respond to problems in an imaginative way. They must also take at least three optional papers from an extensive list. 

Before the exams, the boy’s current head teacher must submit a report which demonstrates they are sufficiently academic to sit the King’s Scholarship examination.

How should one prepare? Apart from the general papers, most of the assessments are based on the current Common Entrance syllabus. However, questions tend to be trickier than those set at Common Entrance so it is worth looking at some GCSE questions as well. 

Specific details about the scholarship syllabus can be found on the schools admissions pages. There are an array of past papers dating back to 2013 are available on Eton’s website or our exam page.

How many scholarships are available? Around 14 scholarships are awarded each year. 

What is the scholarship worth? Each King’s Scholarship carries automatic fee remission of 10% of the school fees. Scholars may obtain further remission according to financial need. Remember not all 13+ scholarship schools offer remissions on fees so it is worth checking with admissions first.

Key dates: Scholarship exams usually take place in April when the boy is in year 8.

Westminster School

Westminster sets a 13+ scholarship paper known as ‘The Challenge’ (for good reason!) and pupils who are successful are known as the Queen’s Scholars.

What does it test? The Challenge involves papers in Biology, Chemistry, English, French, Geography, Greek, History, Latin, Maths and Mental Maths, and Physics. Parents must check which papers their son will be sitting as they may not have to sit every single subject.

How should you prepare? Past papers for 2017, 2018 and 2019 are available on the school’s website. The 2016 papers are also available on our Westminster Challenge page. More information can also be requested from the school. 

How many scholarships are available? Each year the eight top-performing students are selected to become Queen’s Scholars.

What is the scholarship worth? The fee for a Queen’s Scholar is set at 20% less than the boarding fee. If required, an additional bursary will be awarded on a means-tested basis.

Key dates: Candidates sit the scholarship papers in late April or early May of year 8.

Harrow School

Harrow’s 13+ academic scholarship exams take place over three days and cover a particularly extensive range of topics. 

What does it test? All children must take interviews and tests in English, Mathematics, Analytical Reasoning, Philosophy and Applied Ethics, and General Linguistic Skills. On top of this, they must sit exams in at least three other subjects from Science, History, Geography, French, Latin and Ancient Greek.

How should you prepare? While Harrow does not post a comprehensive list of past papers online, a sample of papers is available. For example, a 2018 English paper can be found here, a 2017 Biology exam can be found here, while a 2015 analytical reasoning paper is available here. 

How many scholarships are available? The school does not specify how many scholarships are awarded each year. 

What is the scholarship worth? All Year 9 scholarships are worth up to 5% of the school fees and can be supplemented with a means-tested bursary to cover up to 100% of the fees.

Key dates: The assessment takes place at Harrow over three days in February of year 8.

Charterhouse School

Charterhouse offers Foundation Scholarships to those who exhibit ‘a high level of academic attainment and intellectual curiosity’. Meanwhile, Exhibitions are awarded to those who show special promise in one particular subject or for a generally sound performance that doesn’t quite meet the standard of a Foundation Scholarship.

What does it test? Candidates sit exams in Mathematics, English, Science and three other subjects chosen from French, Latin, Geography, Additional Mathematics and History. Greek may also be taken. All candidates will also take some short online IQ tests and have an interview with the headmaster.

How should you prepare? Copies of recent scholarship exam papers may be obtained by preparatory schools from the Admissions Office. 

How many scholarships are available? Charterhouse does not specify how many scholars are accepted each year, but there are never fewer than fifty Foundation Scholars in the school at any one time.

What is the scholarship worth? Some scholarships carry ‘a small financial award’, but they primarily exist to recognise academic ability.

Key dates: Scholarship exams take place at the end of April. 

Wellington School

Unusually, Wellington offers seven scholarships at the end of Year 9, as well as around eight accolades based on 13+ scholarship exams.

What does it test? There are two routes to attaining scholarships at Wellington. Seven named accolades are awarded at the end of Year 9 to pupils who have displayed outstanding academic potential in their first year at the school. 

Meanwhile, eight academic scholarships and eight academic exhibitions are awarded based on Year 8 Scholarship entrance exams if suitable candidates are found. Details about the 13+ exams are scarce, but Wellington says it will send out past papers if approached.

How should you prepare? Sample papers are available on request. 

How many scholarships are available? The school does not specify how many scholarships are awarded each year.

What is the scholarship worth? The value of a scholarship award is typically between 10-20% of the overall fee, but a final decision lies with the headmaster. All scholars are allowed to apply for a means-tested bursary.

Key dates: Candidates come to Wellington College for two days of assessment in early May. 

St Paul’s School

St Paul’s offers a generous number of scholarships each year to students who perform well in the exam or excel in the junior school. For many students considering 13+ scholarship schools St. Paul’s is commonly considered alongside Eton and Westminster.

What does it test? External students face compulsory papers in English, History, Geography, Latin, French, Theology & Philosophy, Mathematics and Science. There is also an optional paper in Greek. For pupils from St Paul’s Juniors, 13+ Scholarships are awarded on the basis of their work in Year 7 and 8 and their end of year exams.

How should you prepare? A sample of past papers are available here. 

How many scholarships are available? About 30 scholarships are awarded each year in total between pupils from St Paul’s Juniors and external candidates.

What is the scholarship worth? All Academic Scholarships are honorary and worth £60. 

Key dates: For external candidates entering at 13+, the scholarship examination is held in May.  

City of London School

City of London School uses past exam performances as well as scholarship papers to assess pupils.  When considering 13+ Scholarship schools City of London should definitely be on the list.

What does it test?  Scholarship candidates are selected on the strength of their results in the ISEB pre-test – a standardised exam used to assess pupils when they are in Year 6 or Year 7 – their performance in an interview, group session and short written assessments, and the further Scholarship assessment in Year 8.

How should you prepare?  The school offers few revision resources for the Year 8 Scholarship exam. It suggests you consult the ISEB website or your child’s current school for more information.

How many scholarships are available? The school does not specify how many scholarships are awarded each year.

What is the scholarship worth? Scholarships are worth £250.

Key dates: The scholarship examination is held annually in May.  

Winchester College

Winchester offers scholarships known as ‘Elections’ based on assessments and interviews. 

What does it test? Students must sit papers in English and Mathematics, as well as a multiple-choice logical reasoning test. They must also take at least three of the following: Latin, French, Greek, History, Geography, Maths II and General paper II.

How should you prepare? Most papers are based on Common Entrance or Key Stage 3 syllabuses, although in French and Latin a wider vocabulary may be expected. Copies of previous papers are available on request.

How many scholarships are available? 14 Elections were awarded in 2020. 

What is the scholarship worth? An academic Scholarship carries no automatic remission of school fees.

Key dates: The Electionexams typically takes place at the school over three days in the April or May. 

For more information about the 13+, please see our blog on How to Prepare for 13+ Scholarship Exams. 

Useful Websites

Harrow School 13+ Scholarship Papers

ISEB Common Pre-Tests

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With school entrance exams and GCSE and A Level mocks just around the corner, you may be wondering how to help your child with exam revision over the Christmas break. No student wants to be glued to their books during yuletide activities, so here are a few suggestions to make holiday schoolwork a little less Grinch-like.

Little and often is key

For children taking the 11+ or the 13+ in January, it is sensible to set aside a little time every day, or every other day, for revision. With younger children, it is important to keep things ticking over as tricky mathematical methods and difficult spellings are easily forgotten over the Christmas break. Short, regular revision sessions are likely to be more effective —and more fun —thanlong stints sitting at a desk.

Plan some treats

Whether it is a trip to the ice rink or a visit to some Christmas markets, make sure to intersperse revision with some festive outings. A few rewards will provide more motivation to study and —more importantly —give children the chance to enjoy their well earned school holiday.  

Get the whole family involved

Nothing is worse than hearing everyone having fun together in the kitchen as you sit staring at a page of trigonometry. Revision doesn’t have to a solitary affair, however: take the time to quiz your child on arithmetic and spelling, and encourage other members of the family —older siblings, aunts, grandparents —to do the same. A maths problem shared is a maths problem halved.

Try to inject some yuletide cheer

Although an 11+ past paper may be the least festive thing known to man, do your best to make it fun. Hunt down some Christmas maths quizzes, or find a Noel themed English comprehension passage. Schoolwork will never be as enjoyable as eating mince pies, but it doesn’t have to be chore.

Schedule in some private tuition

If you have decided to hire a tutor, it is a good idea to timetable in a couple of lessons during the Christmas break. Whether your child is struggling with a particular topic, or is experiencing pre-exam nerves, a tutor will boost their confidence and help clear up their confusion before school starts again in January.  

Play games

For young students, sometimes a game of Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit is just as worthwhile as agonising over a non-verbal reasoning test. Anything that keeps children’s brains active over the holiday is sure to be a good thing —plus Christmas is a time for families to spend quality time together.

Draw up a timetable

If your child has GCSE or A Level mocks in January, encourage them to make a timetable. It is hard for teenagers to know how much progress they are making over the holidays, and a timetable will make them feel like they are making real headway. It is important to be realistic — don’t let them schedule in 14 hours of Chemistry revision on Christmas Eve. But scheduling in a few hours in every day — and marking in some work-free days — is a great way for teenagers to make the most of the Christmas break.  

Set some goals

Whether your child is about to sit the 11+ or an A Level exam, think about some key objectives they should aim to achieve over the holiday. These don’t have to be detailed, but it will help to avoid panic later in the day, and fill your child with a real sense of achievement once Christmas comes to an end.

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Hundreds of children are due to take the 13 + Exam in the coming months. The question is, could you pass the 13 plus exam they are soon to sit? Take our test to find out.

13+ Maths:

1. I have 70 litres of a mixture of 20% red paint, 35% purple paint and 45% blue paint. Without adding any blue paint, how much red and how much purple paint should I add so that I end up with a mixture of 25% red, 40% purple and 35% blue paint? (Westminster School 13+)

2. Victor is trying to remember a question he answered. He remembers that he was asked to find the prime factorisation of a number between 40 and 100. He also remembers that the answer was the product of one prime and the square of another prime. The number might have been 50 because 50 = 2 x 5². Find all the other possible numbers he could have been asked to factorise. (The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’School 13+)

3. Granny swears that she is getting younger. She has calculated that she is four times as old as I am now, but remembers that 5 years ago she was five times as old as I was at that time. What is the sum of our ages now? (Westminster School 13+)

If numbers aren’t your thing, have a go at the languages section.

13+ Latin:

4. “militibus gladiatoribusque ad turbam adiunctis, Nero cives suos oppugnabat velut ”imperator … hostes: What does Nero do? (Eton College 13+ Latin exam)

13+ French:

5. Translatethe following into French: (a) The mayor did not want them to commemorate the bicentenary of the French Revolution. (b) He asked her to be kind enough no longer to eat biscuits in the library (Eton College 13+ French Exam)

Struggling? Try out your literary skills instead.

13+ English Literature:

6. Translate this passage into modern English prose

And these few precepts in thy memory

Look thou character. Give thy thoughts no tongue,

Nor any unproportioned thought his act.

Be thou familiar but by no means vulgar;

Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,

Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel,

But do not dull thy palm with entertainment

Of each new-hatched, unfledged comrade. Beware

Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in,

Bear ’t that th’ opposèd may beware of thee.

Give every man thy ear but few thy voice.

Take each man’s censure but reserve thy judgment.

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,

But not expressed in fancy—rich, not gaudy,

For the apparel oft proclaims the man…(Eton College, English 13 plus exam)

Food for thought:

7. Globalisation causes inequality. Discuss. (Westminster School 13 plus Geography exam)
8. There is little left to be mapped. Discuss. (Westminster School 13 plus Geography exam)
9. Is it possible to write the history of a culture which did not have a system of writing? (Westminster School 13 plus History exam)
10. Sir Robert Birley, a British teacher and administrator, called History ‘the most dangerous subject in the curriculum’. Explain fully whether or not you think he was right. (Westminster School 13 plus History Exam)

Answers:

13+ Maths

1) Red paint: 8.5 litres Purple paint: 11.5 litres

2) 44, 45,52,63,68,75,76,92,98,99

3) 100

13+ Latin

4) Nero fights his own citizens as if they were the enemy.

13+ French

5a) Le maire ne voulait pas qu’ils commémorent le bicentenaire de la Révolution française

5b) ll lui a demandéd’essayer de ne plus manger de biscuits àla bibliothè

13+ English Literature

6) Try to remember a few principles. Do not say what you are thinking, nor act on any rash thought. Be friendly but not overly friendly. Once you have friends and have tested their loyalty hold tightly onto them, but do not shake hands with every new acquaintance that comes along.  Avoid getting into fights, but once you are in one show them what you are made of. Listen to everyone, but do not talk to everyone. Listen to everybody’s opinion, but hold back your judgement. Spend as much as you can afford to on clothes, but make sure they are good quality, not flashy, for clothes often reveal what kind of man somebody is.

How did you fare? If you think your child (or you, of course) would benefit from some extra help, take a look at our 13+ tuition page.

If you are looking for some extra advice about school admissions and the 13+ exam, this article from The Telegraph would be a another good point of reference.

For advice on revising, how to study and exam tips our article Exam Tips has some very helpful advice as does Learning How to Study is Key to your Child’s Revision Plan.

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What does it cover? Khan Academy provides instructional videos for a host of different subjects, including Maths, Science, computer programming, History and History of Art. The Youtube channel exists alongside a website which offers practice exercises and a personalised learning dashboard. This is a fantastic source of Maths tuition for all ages, designed to guide learners ‘from kindergarten to calculus’ and the quality of its tuition is exceptional.

Age range: 4 – 100

(2) Numberphile

What does it cover? Numberphile offers a range of videos covering Maths problems. Engaging and entertaining, it is the perfect Youtube channel for Maths A Level pupils and teenagers hoping to pursue further mathematical study. The videos often focus on quirky features of the mathematical sphere and pursue interesting new avenues of discovery.

Age range: 16+, GCSE Maths, A-level Maths, Further Maths IB

(3) Mr Bruff

What does it cover? Mr Bruff is a Youtube channel created by a qualified English teacher. Its videos discuss exam set texts, cover exam technique and offer useful tips on essay writing. Lively and fun, the videos are sure to grab the attention of its teenage viewers. Mr Bruff has also created a range of revision guides which complement the English tuition of his Youtube channel.

Age range: Recommended forGCSE English and A Level English Students

(4) Sick Science

What does it cover? Sick Science is a hit with young viewers. Its videos demonstrate a range of exciting experiments which children can do at home or at school (with adult supervision). Viewers are instructed on topics such as how to make slime and how to make hand warmers, along with how to create centripetal force boards and homemade lungs. Sick Science is a great way to introduce children to key scientific ideas and is sure to spark a love of experimentation.

Age range: 7 – 12

(5) Physics Girl

What does it cover? Physics Girl covers physics, astronomy and other science-related topics, and is designed to inspire a new generation of female scientists. The videos are wide ranging, and include practical demonstrations, expert interviews and cutting edge research. The channel was created by Diana Cowern, a popular Science communicator, and complements the scientific topics children encounter at school. 

Age range: 10 – 17.  Also perfect for GCSE and A-level Physics Students

(6) National Geographic

What does it cover? Scientists, journalists, filmmakers and photographers come together in these videos to showcase the wonders of planet Earth. Videos run to a weekly schedule, and cover topics including exploration, nature, the environment, history and culture, and science. This channel can be enjoyed by all ages, and is sure to get children thinking about the world around them.

Age range: Any age. Recommended for GCSE Geography and A-level Geography Students

(7) English Literature Hub

What does it cover? This is a channel dedicated to providing lectures on English Literature. Whether the videos are discussing poetry, criticism or linguistics, they are always straightforward and lucid, designed to guide students through tricky topics.

Age range: Any age from Primary and Prep School Students, 11+ English through to GCSE English and A-level English.

(8) Innovative Language Learning

What does it cover? Innovative Language Learning makes language learning fun. Whether your child is taking A Level or GCSE Spanish or is looking for some extra GCSE French tuition, this could be the channel for them. There are videos on a huge number topics, from Thai writing to the Arabic alphabet, and all of them are accurate and engaging.

Age range: Any age from beginners through to GCSE French, A-level Spanish and advanced languages.

(9) Code Academy

What does it cover? More and more children are learning to code, and Code Academy is a great place for your child to get started. The videos are clear and easy to follow, and the channel caters to all abilities. There are videos which cover basic coding concepts as well as videos which explain complex programming languages.

Age range: 11+

(10) TED-Ed

What does it cover? TedEd is a channel which compiles a huge array of different videos and lessons. Whether your child wants to know what happened to the Library of Alexandria, learn about the science of hearing or be told about a day in the life of an ancient Athenian, they can find it all on TedEd. The videos are short and sweet — roughly around 5 minutes each — and are always well put together. 

Age range: 10+ and 11+

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The private tuition industry is booming. In 2016, it was estimated that 40% of London school children have a private tutor at some point in their academic career. Maths tutors are most in demand, closely followed by those teaching English and foreign languages.

Finding the right tutor, however, is not always straightforward. As you browse through a mass of smiling digital faces and are bombarded with mortar boards, qualifications and testimonials, it is often hard to know where to start. How do you distinguish one English tutor’s ‘passion’ and ‘experience’ from another’s? Can you be sure that a Maths tutor’s credentials are what they seem?

What’s more, there are a surprisingly large number of ways to go about hiring a tutor. One route is to approach a tutoring agency, such as Hampstead & Frognal Tutors. Agencies listen to what you want and assign tutors who best fulfil your requirements. In the case of Hampstead & Frognal Tutors, this involves searching through a pool of carefully selected, highly educated individuals to find the best match.

There are also online tutor platforms, however, which operate very differently. These websites allow parents themselves to hunt through thousands of profiles and to select a promising-looking individual. Online platforms such as Tutorhunt, Tutorful and The Tutor Pages have proved popular in recent years, allowing parents to contact who they think is best for the job.

Problems of quality, expense and safety swirl around these different courses of action. What this blog post hopes to do, therefore, is to break down the pros and cons of each approach. From cost to convenience, here is the information you need to make the best decision for your child.

So how do the different companies work?

Tutorhunt:

A search feature allows parents to find tutors who are operating in the local area. Parents browse through profiles free of charge, messages can be sent to tutors and testimonials are available on Tutorhunt’s site. When an appropriate tutor has been identified, a one off payment is required to attain their contact details.

Tutorful (formerly Tutora):

Parents can browse through thousands of tutors using the search feature to see who is operating in the local area. Parents can then message tutors for free. A lesson booking is confirmed when you have entered your payment details. Tutorful takes a commission from the payment received.

The Tutor Pages:

This is an online publication which accepts advertising from tutors and tuition centres. Tutors place adverts on the website, and parents can browse through the different profiles. Parents can then contact tutors free of charge. The platform makes money from the tutors’ adverts and not from commission.

Hampstead and Frognal Tutors:

This is a tutoring agency. Parents can either fill in a form to request a tutor or telephone the company directly. The company then proceeds to match the most suitably matched tutor to the student.

When the different agencies and websites are placed side by side, obvious disparities emerge. Online tutor platforms like Tutorhunt, Tutorful and The Tutor Pages promise convenience and reasonably priced tuition. However, the quality of the tuition cannot always be depended upon. Nor do you know whether thorough background checks have been carried out on the tutors. The due diligence is down to parents when hiring a tutor online.

Tuition agencies such as Hampstead and Frognal Tutors offer a different service to online platforms. Whether parents wish to hire a tutor through an online platform and interview the tutors themselves and check credentials or save the time and use a tutoring agency.  In the digital age parents now have a wider choice for deciding how they wish to invest in tutors for their children.

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You need only to glance at the shelves of a bookshop, or to skim the surface of Google, to be inundated with exam resources. As you battle your way through AQA textbooks, KS2 worksheets and ISEB syllabi, you would be forgiven for thinking that it’s not just your child who is being tested. Figuring out the acronyms is an exam in itself.

Educational material is abundant and widely available to parents. This raises the question of whether private tuition is really necessary any more. Is it worth expense? Is it worth the time and effort involved in finding someone who can enthuse your child and help them to succeed?

Private tutors have a wealth of knowledge and experience. They can tell their OCRs from their Edexels. They know 11+ examinations back-to-front, and can navigate through the maze of admissions criteria. Not all schools ask for the same thing. Entrance exams for state selective and grammar schools are often different to the tests designed by the independent sector. What is more, you can not even be sure that Westminster, London will ask the same sort of questions as St Paul’s Girls’ School, London.

Many state schools — and even some private schools — fail to adequately prepare students for what to expect. A private tutor in English, maths or other curriculum subject can give children the guidance they need and save parents the arduous and difficult task of resource-hunting.

Tutors also know where pupils commonly slip up. Take an 11+ Maths exam, for example.  ‘If April 4th was a Thursday, on what day was March 17th?’  ‘What two numbers sum to 30 and have a difference of 6?’ ‘Given that 24 76 x 165 = 408540 find 408540 ÷ 16.5’. These types of question are notorious among tutors, who have seen many a student — and the odd parent — flummoxed by date and number problems.

Private tuition in maths, English, or reasoning for example, is not purely goal-orientated, however. Children should not be turned into exam-taking machines, churning out non-verbal reasoning tests with robotic efficiency. There is only so many shape sequences you can stare at before losing the will to live, let alone to learn.

Instead, tutors can transform a student’s approach to studying. They can restore confidence when anxiety sets in. They can compensate for poor teaching at school. Perhaps most importantly, they can mentor and inspire their pupils, instilling a love of their subject in those that they tutor.

Given the valuable impact of private tuition, you may be wondering when is the best time to hire a tutor. A lot depends on the stage that your child is at.  The 11+ English, Maths and Reasoning examination requires students to have learnt all of the skills included in Key Stage 2. This is important as the exams are scheduled either during the autumn term or in the January of Year 6. As a result, pupils will only have officially completed half of the Year 6 curriculum before they sit the tests.

If you leave 11+ preparation until the start of Year 6 you do not give yourself a lot of time. Panic and stress — on your part or that of your child — is not conducive to thinking. At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, we recommend that students start to prepare in either Year 4 or Year 5 focusing on English tuition and maths tuition to build solid foundations in number, comprehension and story writing. This does not mean that they should be grappling with verbal reasoning over breakfast or with Venn diagrams before bed from the age of eight. However, regular study sessions can make a huge difference to a child’s ability and confidence.

If the 11+ is looming, however, don’t panic! We recommend that a child who is due to start Year 6 this September should have, on average, three hours of focussed tuition per week. This should compensate for the short time span and equip your child with the skills that they need to achieve their potential.

Preparing for GCSEs and A Levels is slightly different. It is essential for teenagers to build up a rapport with their tutor and to feel supported over the course of their studies. It is often beneficial, therefore, for teenagers to be tutored regularly throughout Year 11, 12 or 13.

Regardless of what year your child is in, however, now is the perfect time to get started. The summer holidays bring free time and long days, along with the inevitable cry of ‘I’m bored!’. The lengthy break can also lead to the phenomena known as the ‘summer slide’. Various studies have concluded that literacy declines over the summer, as children replace books with beaches, computer games and iPhones.

Tuition is not the sole way to beat the summer slump. Reading is also a great way to keep things ticking over. For younger children, initiatives like the Summer Reading Challenge (https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk) showcase the joy of books and are ideal for improving literacy. For teenagers, summer is a good time to read around different subjects in preparation for the coming academic year. A good tutor would be able to draw up reading lists designed to point students in new, exciting directions.

The next time you are grappling with the differences between KS2 and KS3, whilst decoding the meanings of STEP and IB, pause for a moment. As you scan the bookshelves and plunge into the depths of Google, consider whether your energy could be better spent elsewhere. The time may have come to hire a tutor.

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‘By good fortune I have lighted well

On this young man, for learning and behaviour

Fit for her turn, well read in poetry

And other books—good ones, I warrant you.’

The Taming of the Shrew – 1.2.113-117

William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew is not a glowing endorsement of the tutoring industry. While the tutor in question — one Lucentio — may be ‘well read in poetry and other books’, he is also heavily disguised and intent on marrying his new student Bianca.

But don’t let this put you off! Back in the real world, Lucentio is an example of why you should hire a tutor ‘well read in poetry’. With their literary knowledge, English tutors can introduce students to fantastic creations such as the rogue Shakespearean tutor, and open their eyes to the joys of fiction.

If you are still not convinced, however, here are ten other positive outcomes from hiring an English tutor for your child.

Confidence and academic growth 

If you think that your child is falling behind in class or is struggling with reading and writing, an English tutor could be enormously beneficial. In a one-to-one situation, children often feel more relaxed. They can go at their own pace, ask questions and identify what they are finding difficult. At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, 100% of parents agreed that the tutors helped improve GCSE and A-level academic performance.

First choice schools

An 11+ tutor can boost the chances of your child getting into the most competitive London schools. By focusing on verbal reasoning, comprehension tests and essay writing skills, an English tutor can powerfully enhance a child’s exam performance. At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, 100% of students who received continuous weekly tuition over two terms or more gained a place at their first or second choice school.

Great exam results

Whether your child is writing his GCSE English Literature coursework or sitting her A Level English Language paper, an English tutor could help them to unlock their potential. Students often struggle with essay planning and time management, and one-to-one tutoring sessions equip them with the exam technique that they need to succeed. Tutors also familiarise pupils with what to expect in upcoming exams by going through past papers and mark schemes.

Oxbridge offers

Close reading is an important part of Oxford and Cambridge interviews and students are often unsure how to approach it. Being presented with an unseen poem or passage is always daunting. However, an English tutor can alert students to the fine-grained nuances of language, form and structure, helping them to shine in Oxbridge interviews. They can also carry out mock interviews and help with personal statements.

Fluency

If English is not your child’s first language, school can be tough. Not only English, but history, geography and science depend upon a confident grasp of the language. An English tutor could help your child get up to speed and to flourish in the classroom.

Enthusiasm

Some children are not naturally enthusiastic readers. For one reason or another, reading is a chore as opposed to a pleasure. However, this is often because they are yet to find stories that capture their imagination. Unlike school teachers, private tutors are able to dedicate their full attention to individual students. They can find out what they like — as well as what they don’t — and direct their reading accordingly.

Getting to grips with certain texts

As students reach their GCSEs and A Levels, they often come across particularly knotty texts and authors. For some it’s Shakespeare plays. For others — many others — it’s Chaucer. I know from bitter experience that it takes a while to love the Wife of Bath as she swaggers across the pages of The Canterbury Tales. What is more, it is easy to drain the joy out of literary creations. Once you have listened to twenty five schoolgirls stutter their way through Act V of King Lear, it is hard to feel too affectionate towards the mighty Bard. A good English tutor can revive these texts, however. They can show students that beneath the strange language and the confusing word order there is humour, emotion and vitality.

Targeted help

English tutors can be very helpful if your child has dyslexia or another condition that causes problems with reading, writing and spelling. With private mentoring you can be sure that your child is receiving the attention and the help they need to overcome any difficulties that they face. In a one-to-one situation, tutors are also more likely to spot and flag up signs on an underlying problem.

Academic fulfilment

It is sometimes the case that students do not feel challenged at school. Large class sizes or a lack of resources can result in talented pupils slipping under the radar. Private tuition can rectify this, allowing children to fulfil their academic potential. Reading lists and new essay titles, along with lively conversation and debate can stretch a student’s minds and propel them towards further study.

A long term love of literature

Whether your child is sitting the 11+ or an A Level English exam, a good English tutor can transform their attitude to the subject. At its best, a tutor’s knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm can spark a life long love of literature.

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What is homeschooling?

In recent years, the idea of homeschooling children has become increasingly popular. Homeschooling essentially means that children are educated at home or within small groups outside of mainstream schooling, which can provide children with a personalised, enriching learning environment, suited to their individual needs. With appropriate support (for example using maths tutors) children can benefit from specialised and flexible instruction. Indeed, in an educational climate that seems beset with continuous curriculum change and uncertainty, a growing number of parents are choosing to home-educate; in April of this year, the BBC reported that the number of homeschooled children has risen by approximately 40% in the last three years.

Why are more parents turning to the homeschooling model for their children?

There are various reasons why homeschooling is becoming more popular with parents. A 2016 Guardian report suggested the rise in homeschooling could be attributed to mainstream schools’ failure to cater for special educational needs. Other reports cite the pressure students are under in mainstream education and a culture of constant testing as motivating factors.

Homeschooling also offers flexibility; for families who travel frequently for work it allows children to access education more freely. Moreover, given the level of competition for places at the best London schools, it is a welcome alternative source of provision for families seeking quality schooling. The proliferation of quality maths tutors and English tutors available through agencies also allows families to access expert instruction more easily.

Where do we homeschool?

Homeschooling can mean individualised, one-to-one instruction at home with a tutor or parent. However, some instruction, especially for GCSE tuition, is now delivered to small groups in communal spaces. The School Run website has a range of advice for parents who home-educate and how you can liaise with other likeminded parents in your area: Researching local groups of home-educators will give you access to an important  source of advice and support, as well as enabling your child to socialise with their peers.

If you are considering educating your child one-to-one with a tutor, researching Maths and English tutors in your area (for example using the search term ‘English tutors near me’ or ‘Maths tutors near me’) would be an important first step. This is especially important if your child is preparing for national qualifications such as GCSEs or A Levels. The new GCSE specifications for Maths, the sciences and English are incredibly rigorous and require the support of tutors to ensure students cover not only the most basic content but also more specialised, esoteric areas of the curriculum. The much-coveted GCSE Grade 9 essentially demands ‘A Level’ skills of fifteen and sixteen-year-olds; if homeschooling is to truly support and extend students’ thinking and wider knowledge, the support of external GCSE English tutors or private Maths tutors will be invaluable.

A Typical Homeschooling Timetable

Whilst homeschooling allows for flexibility, it is also useful to have a semi-structured programme of activities to give your child a sense of continuity, especially if they are studying towards a qualification such as GCSE or A Level. It is worth developing a timetable involving private English tutors or maths tutors to ensure your child is following a well-planned curriculum.

A typical day might involve an hour of English (perhaps with a private English tutor) in the mornings, followed by numeracy with a local maths tutor. You then might incorporate two hours studying the humanities and sciences in the afternoons. Many families who home-educate also set aside a day each week for educational visits or other activities; Fridays could be used to visit museums and galleries, for example.

Alternatively, working with a private tutor, you could develop a project-based programme of study (this is especially beneficial for younger children). When studying Ancient Egypt, your child could calculate resources needed for a city (using numeracy) design a monument or write a passage of description based on their knowledge. Cross-curricular work requires careful planning but it can be a fruitful way to engage your child across a range of disciplines.

It is also important to include some physical activity as part of the programme each day, whether that be swimming, a long bike ride in a park or a gentle jog around your local area. Discuss the options with your child: some children are demotivated by team sports, whilst for others the competitive element is the most thrilling part. It is important to tailor activities to your child’s interests, while also developing habits that will keep them healthy and active in the long term.

How do I get the right tutors?

There are several factors to consider when hiring a tutor. There are independent tutors available, yet it is worth considering how they may not be professionally vetted – hiring a tutor through an agency ensures the tutor will have undergone reference checks, and they are also more likely to be appropriately qualified. It is imperative that any tutor you hire has an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check – this is a further benefit of hiring a tutor through an agency, as they will need to have provided this during the recruitment process.

Some of the best tutor agencies in North-West London are Athena Tuition, Able Tutors, and Hampstead and Frognal Tutors. In South London, there is also a wealth of choice, with Kensington and Chelsea Tutors, Gabbitas Education and Kings Tutors proving some of the most popular options. These agencies have all been visited in person by the Good Schools Guide and are notable for keeping in close contact with their tutors so that they can provide a more personalised and trustworthy service. Their tutors also tend to have specialised qualifications and teaching experience, so you are more likely to find well-qualified physics and maths tutors or A Level Maths tutors with an agency.

Alternatively, you can investigate maths tutors or ‘English tutors near me’ through online hiring platforms such as Tutorful (which offers the option of online tuition), First Tutors and Tutorhunt. These platforms operate as an open marketplace, where tutees assess which tutor may be best for them. This can provide a greater degree of choice and flexibility than operating through an agency, yet agencies offer more expertise, as many are run by the former teachers of prestigious London schools.

Part-time Homeschooling

One of the principal benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility it offers, and some families opt for part-time home-education alongside part-time mainstream schooling, known as ‘flexi-schooling.’ There are many reasons why families might opt for this – it could be helpful to stagger a return to school after a long period of absence, or a child might wish to join their parent for a day of outdoor education once a week. Where schools are supportive of flexi-schooling, it can foster excellent links between families and schools, yet it is worth noting that you must have the support of your child’s school if you wish to homeschool them part-time – otherwise, any time your child spends away from school will be considered as unauthorised absence.

When should you start homeschooling?

There is no ‘correct’ time to start homeschooling – ultimately, this depends on the needs of both the family and the child. However, with very young children it is best to adopt a child-led approach, encouraging learning through play. It is also inadvisable to withdraw children from mainstream schooling when they are in the middle of preparation for external exams – for example, it would be disruptive to withdraw a child when they are half-way through a programme of GCSE study.

The flexibility of homeschooling allows you to begin educating your child at any point during the year. Nonetheless, it is worth considering whether you will want your child to re-join mainstream education in the future. If so, the academic calendar and key entry points of mainstream schools are worth bearing in mind. For example, if you wish to homeschool prior to 7+ or 11+ entry, you should be aware that the closing date for registration is usually in October of the preceding year.

Home education and the benefits of supporting tutoring programmes

There are numerous advantages in choosing home education; it can provide a more nurturing and flexible environment for your child, allowing them to pursue their passions with greater freedom and intensity. If you are considering homeschooling, it is worth finding out as much as possible about local home-education groups in your area, as well as seeking the support of tutoring programmes through an agency so that you can devise a suitable curriculum for your child with expert advice.

Furthermore, it is important to consider that the benefits of education are not only academic but also psychological, spiritual and social. Extra-curricular activities and time with peers are an instrumental part of the overall educational experience. Before researching activities in your area, have an exploratory discussion with your child to find out what would best suit them. Are they intrigued by astrophysics? They might benefit from visiting the Royal Museums of Greenwich to listen to ‘Think Space’ lectures. Or perhaps they are a budding designer, in which case attending a short ‘Get into Design’ workshop at the Design Museum might spark their creativity further. Equally, liaising with local home-education groups will provide your child with opportunities to socialise and forge relationships with peers.

Ultimately, homeschooling can be a brilliant opportunity for your child to develop at his or her own pace, exploring their passions without being subject to the demands of an increasingly rigid mainstream curriculum. With the right support, your child can benefit from a holistic approach, tailored to their personal needs, talents and interests.

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