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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What is the 7 Plus Exam and What’s Involved?

The 7 Plus exam is an assessment carried out by a number of the nation’s top independent schools to help understand prospective students’ capabilities, where they are in their academic journey and ultimately select students they feel are right for entry into Year 3. 

Each school will have its own registration procedure and registration fee so be sure to check the requirements of your preferred school(s) well in advance so you don’t run into any last-minute surprises.

Exact dates and formats also vary from school to school but the exam typically takes place between the November and January of Year 2 and involves:

• An English assessment
• A maths or mental arithmetic assessment
• Verbal reasoning assessment
• Non-verbal reasoning assessment

In addition to the above, some schools may also conduct brief interviews with 7 Plus students. At this young age students aren’t expected to come prepared with developed answers and interviews tend to be kept short and focus on questions about their personal interests and what they like about the school.

Interviews will either take place individually to assess a child’s conversational skills or may take place in a group setting with tasks or activities set to assess how prospective children interact with one another.

Independent schools will only have a limited number of places available but may have a high volume of applicants from within the catchment area meaning the 7 Plus exam is competitive, so preparation is key. Fortunately there’s a number of resources available to support your child’s learning and ensure they’re equipped with the skills they need when they sit their 7 Plus.

Available Resources To Help With 7 Plus Exam Prep

1. Specialist 7 Plus Tutors

People often think of tutors to support learning as children get higher up in education and take their 11 Plus, 13 Plus, GCSEs and A Levels. But many people don’t realise tutoring is available to support with 7 Plus preparation too. 

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, we have a number of specialist 7 Plus tutors who will nurture your child’s enthusiasm and tailor tuition to help them shine in both the interview and exam process. While our London tutors have years of experience, we also offer additional training and development opportunities to ensure our tutors are always up to date  with any changes to the 7 Plus format or curriculum.

Our team is made up of a range of qualified teachers from those who have taught at leading preparatory schools to full time professional tutors but each is well-acquainted with the different application procedures which is of benefit for both parents and children.

You can find out more about our specialist 7 Plus tutors here.

2. Practice Papers

There are a plethora of practice papers readily available both online and from select stores that can help you prepare your child for their 7 Plus exam. Practice papers will allow you to test their knowledge and capabilities across the various areas of assessment and identify any areas for improvement before the real thing.

If you can, try to replicate an exam environment at home. Unfamiliar experiences can cause children undue stress and impact performance in an exam. Familiarising your child with the exam process can help set them up for success.

3. Reading at home

During the 7 Plus exam children will be assessed on how well they read and their ability to sound out words and phonetics so reading at home together provides a good, low-stress environment for them to practice this skill.

The more they read the more their vocabulary and spelling will improve too, which comes in handy for English or creative writing assessments in the 7 Plus.

4. Encourage creative writing

The 7 Plus exam will test your child’s handwriting, grammar and vocabulary so practising with short writing tasks at home can be helpful. For example, get them to write a story as a fun activity one afternoon or encourage them to write birthday, thank you and holiday cards to practice their writing.

5. Apps

While parents often search for ways to get their children away from handheld devices, there are some fantastic apps available that support learning and help develop some of the necessary skills needed for the 7 Plus in an engaging way.

DoodleLearning is a great example and is curriculum aligned. The platform is split across a few sub-platforms like DoodleEnglish, which is an award winning programme designed to support children aged 7-11 with reading, comprehension, spelling, grammar, writing and punctuation. They also offer DoodleSpell as an extension that focuses on spelling but also aims to teach children the meaning behind words and how to use them in sentences which they can then take forward into school and exams like the 7 Plus. 

DoodleMaths offers a number of interactive exercises for KS1 to KS3 so you can even continue using it throughout your child’s progression or to challenge your child if they’re performing at an above average level.

IXL Learning is another great app to help with both English and Maths development and can be tailored to suit the curriculum from reception up to university level, with skills grouped together to suit relevant key stage levels. IXL’s English practice supports reading comprehension, creative writing and understanding of phonics, all of which are essential for the 7 Plus. The maths practice offers interactive questions to help children develop their maths and problem-solving skills.

The interactivity of each of these apps helps make learning fun and engaging so your child can practise the crucial skills they need for the 7 Plus in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. 

++

Useful resources

IXL Learning

DoodleMaths

DoodleEnglish

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Wondering how to help your child excel in their exams? Here are some useful exam tips on how to optimise revision time and how to keep stress to a minimum.

1) Core understanding is crucial

Revision is very important, but if your child struggled with a subject the first time around you are fighting a losing battle. Make sure your child has a firm grasp of the basics before they get going with revision exercises. If they are about to take an 11+ exam, for example, test them regularly on each topic. Repetition is key here, so try and factor in a few questions on percentages, fractions and shapes every day, even if it is just in the car on the way to school.

2) Practice makes perfect

Some exams are very formulaic. 11+ exams, for example, test the same skills every year. It is worth investing in a large wad of practice questions, therefore, and helping your child work through them. That way, they become familiar with the format of the test and know exactly what to expect. Innate ability is not everything, and there are plenty of books on sale to give your child the practice they need.

3) Draw up a revision timetable

Nobody wants to feel like they should be working all the time. It is very useful, therefore, to allocate specific times of the day for revision. Many children are most alert and productive in the morning. If it is school holiday time, therefore, put aside an hour or so before lunch for your child to practise their spelling, creative writing or arithmetic. Research has shown we work best in 30 to 40 minute bursts, so bear this in mind when you are designing a schedule. If your child is older, encourage them to make their own revision timetable and to factor in regular breaks. It will help them to manage their time and keep on top of their work.

This BBC Bitesize page is a fantastic resource for all things related to timetabling:

https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/articles/zn3497h

4) Make sure there’s time to relax

Yes, hard work always pays off. However, it is essential your child has some downtime where they can just relax and have fun. Whether they like seeing friends, baking or going to the cinema, encourage them to keep doing what they enjoy. Doing something completely different will help clear their head, ward off stress, and make the time they spend working more productive.

5) Sport can be beneficial

There’s lots of evidence that suggests physical activity can improve brain functioning. Fresh air is wonderful thing, and sport helps to reduce stress and improve sleep — the ancient saying ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ isn’t still famous for nothing. Plus, if your teenager is spending time exercising, it means they are spending time away from their phone and computer, which can only be a good thing.

6) Look into revision courses

Revision courses are proven to boost exam performance. Hampstead and Frognal Tutors run two day revision courses throughout the year in GCSE English, Maths and Science, along with 11+ English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. 13+ Revision Courses in Maths, Science and English are also available. Fun and focused, these revision courses impart both knowledge and confidence.

For more information, click here: https://hampsteadandfrognaltutors.org.uk/contact-us/

7) Don’t start revision too early

Feeling burnt out is a real risk for diligent students. If teenagers start revising too early for their GCSEs or A Levels, they are likely to peak too soon and not be at their best when exam season finally arrives.

Things are slightly different for younger students. If your child is due to sit the 11+ in the next year so, you might want to consider starting some gentle revision. For more advice on when to begin preparing, take a look at our 11+ blog post: “Can I Tutor My Own Child?”

8) Stress is contagious

Everyone wants their children to do well in school. However, children and teenagers easily sense when their parents are anxious, and often feel more stressed as a result. Sometimes you need to explain that exam results are not the most important thing in the world, and that you will be proud no matter what. Ironically, the soothing effect of these words often leads to children doing better in assessments as they approach them with less apprehension.

9) Mock exams work wonders

Regardless of how old they are, it is likely that your child will be nervous before an exam. It is sensible, therefore, to organise a mock exam before they sit the real thing. GCSE and A Level mocks teach students how to manage their time, how to keep calm under pressure and how to improve their exam technique. Younger children are often fazed by the formal nature of assessments, and a mock gives them time to adjust to the strange new set-up.

It helps if the mock takes place in an unfamiliar place and is invigilated by someone who does not know the child well. That way, the test feels more real. It is also worth noting that mark schemes can be hard to understand. If have hired a tutor, give them the answer paper to look at, as they will probably be able to mark it more accurately.

10) Consider hiring a tutor

If you have decided to employ a tutor — be it a GCSE Maths tutoror an A Level English tutor— you have probably made a good decision. One-to-one teaching is hugely powerful, particularly in the run up to exams. Whether your child needs help in a specific area, or general academic support, tutors can make a real difference.

For more information, take a look at this article which appeared in The Telegraph last year.

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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.

The post Can I Tutor My Own Child? When is the Right Time to Hire a Tutor? appeared first on Hampstead and Frognal Tutors.

Exam season is upon us, and parents everywhere are seeing their children struggle with revision.

Revision is really hard to do. It has the pressure of a looming deadline, the requirement to try and remember what seems like an insurmountable stack of information, and the fear having to write it all out in an exam in precisely timed chunks. For younger children it is especially difficult – avoiding distraction, and even understanding why this torture has to be undergone produces the possibility for a constant battleground with parents.

How to revise is a very individual process, based on learning style and various other factors. Some children work well with flash cards, others with reciting the text, and others by putting up paper on every available wall. Although these techniques can be perfected (especially with the help of a tutor), trying to write an all encompassing ‘guide’ in a blog would be at best, useless, and at worst misleading.

However, there are some broad elements of revision that can be adjusted to optimise your child’s revision and learning capacity. I’m confident that parents are already doing many of the points below. However, if the quality of these points can be improved then it could make all the difference.

5 revision tips to help your child succeed in exam season.

1. Revision Space

A child needs a set space, which is free from distractions in which to revise. The continuity will help concentration. If possible, it should be somewhere that is calm, and doesn’t have any distractions nearby (such as computers, or siblings!) Kitchen tables and open spaces are fine as long as there is calm in the room whilst the child is working.

2. Revision Timetable

Put together a revision timetable in advance with your child. Again, continuity is the key – copying the timings of school day is a not a bad approach. Make sure that there is a copy of the timetable somewhere public (kitchen etc) that can be ticked off – giving a sense of achievement. This is very important to stop the overwhelming feeling! The timetable must be rigidly stuck to – no last minute excuses from children (or parents!) This is why drawing it up together is important.

3. Sleep

This is possibly the most important aspect of good revision. Research from Harvard has found that consolidated sleep for a whole night is optimal for memory. In addition, lack of sleep hugely affects attention and concentration. A slightly sleepy 13 year old has been shown to have cognitive function of a child two years younger. One of the key things to avoid is the use of backlit electronic devices before bed. Research has recently shown that using devices an hour before bed suppresses melatonin by 22%. Melatonin controls the body clock – so affecting it can really hurt sleep patterns. Avoiding it may just help improve your child’s sleep.

4. Food

Food is fuel. Ensuring your child is taking on the right type of food is very important. Sugar has been shown to hugely affect memory and concentration, so try to avoid non-natural sugars. A classic example is on cereal in the morning. A good mixed diet will help your child. But remember – something fun once in a while, such as chips can be a good reward.

5. Take breaks & Exercise!

Taking formal time out from revision is crucial. Regular breaks help relieve monotony by having a scenic and mental change, which allows your child to return to the revision task with renewed vigour. They also allow the brain time to process the information. Try doing some ‘brain gym’ exercises in between revision topics. Getting out of the house and doing some exercise during the day can be really beneficial. The activity can range from the easy to the energetic – from taking a walk, to playing tennis, or going for a swim. It’ll allow you to have some time with your child that isn’t as ‘revision schedule enforcer’, and give them some space to take their mind off the revision and exams each day. It’s also a great stress reliever (for both of you!)

Ensuring that these points are being adhered to can really help your child’s revision. However, how to apply them is down to you!

How to apply this information now:

1. Share and comment on this post. By sharing you can gain other insights by parents on how they improve their child’s revision session Hearing other people’s experience can really help your confidence and give you tried and tested techniques.
2. Contact Hampstead & Frognal Tutors. We are happy to talk through any information about your child’s academic development, without any pressure. We believe in helping children grow, and want to help you achieve that with your child.

By Jonathan Coates @coates_jonathan

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The trend in question is called ‘progressive education’. The word ‘trend’ may, in fact, be a bit of a misnomer, as progressive education began to flourish in the 1960s and 1970s, and has remained somewhat prominent. Without knowing it, many students and parents will have come into contact with at least some aspects of the progressive theory of education. Progressive education is formulated around the idea that children are better learners when they are given the freedom to experiment, explore, and discover things for themselves. This view holds that teachers are most effective when they avoid a didactic method, wherein they stand in front of a class presenting knowledge to students to commit to memory. Rather, teachers should be more like facilitators, setting the stage for students to learn on their own.

Peal claims that the lackadaisical approach to building bodies of knowledge espoused by this teaching ideology, as well as a permissive approach to behaviour in schools, has led to increasingly poor outcomes for students, a persistent ‘dumbing-down’ of the curriculum, increasingly bad discipline, and high turnover rates for teachers, to name but a few.

JV, a primary teacher in Brent, notes that things have changed quite a bit in the past few years, “ Every school I’ve ever taught in has recommended a blend of child-centred and more formal teaching, but I know from some of the older teachers that I’ve worked with that this is a new-ish development. But I do think that the progressive approach might be clinging on a bit more when it comes to discipline, and maybe even expectations.”

The merits, or not, of progressive education will not be discussed here. As with most things, implementing education policies and practices that tread the middle path between progressive education and more traditional ideas, taking elements from each, seems the best way to serve students, and Peal makes this argument as well. However, Peal’s book inspires some interesting questions in regards to private tuition.

The pervasiveness of progressive ideas in education may also help to explain why tutors can be such an effective tool in increasing a student’s ability levels. While the one-on-one atmosphere most certainly helps, the true driver behind success may very well lie in the fact that many tutors use more traditional, didactic teaching styles with their pupils.

Private tutors don’t have access to resources or funds for complex, interactive lessons, nor are these types of activities particularly useful without an entire class to work with. Rather, tutors focus on imparting the key information and knowledge that unlocks subjects for students, helping their students remember and apply that knowledge, and deploy that knowledge across a range of skill sets. Additionally, time constraints mean that tutors must teach in the way that is going to achieve the greatest impact in the shortest time, regardless of whether that method is necessarily the most fun.

For instance, at Hampstead and Frognal, our tutors who work with students preparing for the 7+ use phonics to increase literacy, rather than the whole-word teaching style recommended by advocates of progressive education. While phonics is often perceived as tedious and boring, students progress much more quickly when this style of instruction is used.

Indeed, Peal points to a shocking statistic that our tutors are too familiar with. Nearly 20% of students in British schools are classified as having Special Educational Needs. This figure stands well above the numbers for any other OECD nation. For our tutors, discussions of children being ‘dyslexic or borderline dyslexic’ are quite common. When tutoring is undertaken, and progress is made, it becomes clear that Peal’s analysis holds quite a bit of weight; the majority of the students classified as having Special Educational Needs, don’t, in fact, have Special Educational Needs. Rather, they are being failed by the educational practices of their teachers and schools.

The same may be said of students who are diagnosed, somewhat casually, as having ADHD. When students, from the time they enter schooling, are never required to focus on a teacher or lesson for an extended period, because lessons are designed, always, to be child-centred, interactive, groupwork-based, or discursive, they never develop the skills necessary to sit still, maintain attention, or follow instructions closely.

In a one-on-one setting, where tutors are better able to exercise discipline over an individual pupil, the problems with attention tend to fade. This is, of course, due in no small part to the more personalised attention. However, if a student can focus in a one-on-one environment, it throws into question any ADHD labels, and leads to a questioning of the classroom environment instead.

In reality, the best way to instruct students is by using a combination of teaching styles, a variety of lesson structures, and a range to techniques. In recent years, it appears as though more schools have been moving away from a strictly progressive teaching and administration style, and towards something a more around the middle ground. This benefits students immensely, and underlines what makes private tuition successful; the ability of the tutor to complement what the pupil experiences in the classroom.

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Little Pim– Offering a variety of languages, including Russian and Chinese, Little Pim effectively consists of flashcards, with accompanying audio, that help children learn a basic range of vocabulary in the chosen language. There is nothing too impressive here, however, the variety of languages on offer is great to whet the appetite for more!

Daisy the Dino – A great introduction to computer coding to young children, Daisy the Dino uses a dinosaur animation that the child controls using basic commands. This programme introduces children to the logic and sequencing commands used within more sophisticated programming. There are two modes, one allowing the player to create any sort of animation they choose, and another setting specific challenges that grow more complex as the child progresses. Hopscotch, the makers of this app, also make other coding apps, allowing children to progress to more difficult challenges once they have mastered the basics.

BrainPOP UK– BrainPOP provides a series of short educational videos across a range of subjects, including science, technology, and the arts. Children watch the videos, then take quizzes based on what they just watched. There are three free movies per subject area, with more available to purchase. This app is best suited for the older kids in the age group (7-8).

Planet Geo– Planet Geo presents children with a series of map-based challenges on various aspects of geography. Puzzles include locating UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a global map, fitting countries into their respective continents, grouping countries by location. There are 6 puzzle types, only one of which is entirely free, but with interesting geography puzzles and bold graphics, this app is a great way to challenge and extend geography knowledge.

Spellinglish– Spellinglish is a pretty straightforward spelling app. The app announces words and asks the children to spell them, keeping track of their statistics as they progress through the levels. The vocabulary is varied, and many of the words will be quite a challenge, even for the older children in this age group. However, it’s a great app for introducing new words, and stretching the abilities of those children with more developed spelling and phonics skills.

Language! – This app, by Tribalnova, has three very basic games contained within it covering vocabulary, sentence formation, and listening comprehension. While these games are likely to be vastly too simplistic for native English speakers, this app would be a great way of helping very young children who are learning English to grasp the basics. The vocabulary and listening games require children to identify items that are hidden around the screen, while the sentence formation game presents them with a selection of verbs and nouns in picture form, and asks them to create short sentences by placing the words in a sensible order.

Johnny Grammar’s Word Challenge – This app, produced by the British Council, is perhaps the best entirely free grammar and spelling app available. Children can choose from ‘Grammar’, ‘Words’, or ‘Spelling’ categories, and choose their level of difficulty within each category, allowing the app to grow with the child’s abilities. Each category has a selection of interesting topics to choose from, and the app produces a quiz on each. This app also introduces a number of unique language challenges, including introducing young children to idiomatic expressions and the foundations of more complex grammar.

Storytelling– The Storytelling app walks children through three activities related to a single story- reading it, illustrating it, and writing it. Children read along with an illustrated story to familiarise themselves with it. They can then complete a challenge wherein they match illustrations from the story with the appropriate story point. Finally, they are able to use the illustrations from the story as inspiration for their own story. This app is a great way to introduce young children to key storytelling concepts such as structuring and presenting, describing, and resolving problems or conflicts.

Grammaropolis– Grammaropolis walks children through the different parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, and interjections. Taking a page from Schoolhouse Rock, each section presents a series of short videos which explain and demonstrate the usage of the part of speech in questions, after which children complete quizzes which demonstrate what they’ve learned. The videos are catchy and colourful, and are a great way to make learning grammar less dry!

Maths Trainer– This app is great for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division drills. There are no frills here, just basic question and answer. Despite the basic nature of the app, it is a good app for helping children practice basic calculations.

DoodleMaths– DoodleMaths is a very comprehensive maths app. To begin with, children complete an assessment that determines their strengths and weaknesses across numerous mathematics topics, including calculations, geometry, and fractions and decimals. Once the app has determined the child’s strengths and weaknesses, it presents daily maths problems to build competency. Covering a vast range of problem types, as well as accommodating the child’s age and ability level, this is a great app to try!

Maths Wiz– Another quiz-style app, Maths Wiz covers a range of topics from addition through to basic geometry. Children can either complete quizzes, or enter ‘study mode’ which presents them with a range of questions and tracks the ones that they perform the best on. While not as sophisticated as DoddleMaths, this app allows children to practice different maths subjects, and to progress to more difficult material as they master one area.

Maths, Age 3-5 / 4-6 – These apps, part of a series aimed to grow with the child, begins with the very basics, such as sorting, matching, counting, and comparing, and progresses to more basic calculations. These apps are a great way to introduce young children to the concepts that form the foundations of a strong understanding of maths in a way that doesn’t necessarily focus on numbers.

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