Independent School News Over the past few months, there have been some notable developments in the independent sector, particularly here in London. Several smaller schools have sadly announced closures. Old Palace of John Whitgift School in Croydon, which has been educating girls since 1889, shut its doors this summer after finding it could no longer remain financially viable. Other London preps, including The Village School for Girls in Belsize Park and Falcons School in Putney, have also...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Why Mock Exams Matter After our recent mock exam session last Sunday, I was reminded again of just how valuable these experiences are for children preparing for 7+, 8+, 11+, GCSEs and beyond. Parents often ask why mock exams are so important — here are some of the key reasons: A true test under pressure – A child who performs confidently at home or in lessons may react very differently in an unfamiliar setting, under timed conditions, surrounded by other children. Mocks highlight how well...
4 months ago • 1 min read
A New Chapter Begins As the new school year gets underway, I would like to take a moment to congratulate the students who sat their entrance exams last year and have now begun their first term at their new schools. This is a wonderful milestone, and it is the result of a great deal of hard work, perseverance, and determination. Preparing for these exams requires commitment not only from the children themselves but also from the families supporting them, and it has been a privilege to watch...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Navigating The Shifts In London’s Private School Scene - What Parents Need To Know By Ilana King If you’re a parent with a child in the private school system — or thinking about heading down that path — you may have noticed some unsettling headlines lately. A number of independent schools across the UK, including right here in London, have announced plans to close their doors. Understandably, this is causing worry for families who value the benefits of a private education. But it’s also part...
9 months ago • 2 min read
Is The 4+ Entry Point Right For Your Child? By Wendy Frankel 4+ assessments have always been controversial. When I mention socially that I prepare 3-year-old children for independent school assessments, it provokes a range of responses from confusion and disbelief from the uninitiated, to fascination and interrogation from those considering it. With many selective independent schools reducing or sometimes abandoning their 7+ intakes, the 4+ is becoming an increasingly popular entry point. So,...
9 months ago • 2 min read
6 Steps to Support Your Child Through Exam Preparation By Dominique VElluntini Supporting your child through entrance exams like the 7+, 11+, 13+, or GCSEs can feel like being the coach of a very unpredictable sports team. One minute, they’re confidently tackling a past paper, and the next, they’re face down on the sofa, claiming their brain has “stopped working.” You want to guide them, but how do you do it without accidentally turning their revisions into a daily battle? As a yoga...
9 months ago • 4 min read
How The 13+ Entry Point Is Evolving The Government imposition of VAT on school fees is arguably hitting the boarding sector harder than independent day schools, polarising the market into two distinct halves. Tougher competition for top schools As with the day market, VAT seems to have driven an ‘in for a penny, in for a pound’ mindset that has rewarded the top, selective boarding schools. The ‘premier league’ schools (Eton, Winchester College, Wellington College, Brighton College, Sevenoaks...
11 months ago • 1 min read
Celebrating Success & Market Trends in the 7+ and 11+ Exams This year has seen some incredible successes for my students! I’m delighted to share that they’ve received offers (including two academic scholarships offers) at: City of London Junior School City of London School for Girls Highgate School The Perse School (Cambridge) University College School South Hampstead High School Juniors South Hampstead High School Seniors Frances Holland RP Frances Holland SS Latymer Upper North London...
11 months ago • 1 min read
Interviews For Children To Senior Schools - A Changing Picture Brodie Bibby The interview section of senior school assessments at 11+ and 13+ is evolving to reflect a shift towards a more holistic approach. Gone are the days when candidates were simply asked about their favourite hobbies, subjects, or school experiences. While these questions are still a small part of the process, they are increasingly being replaced by more engaging and thought-provoking activities. Schools are now placing...
11 months ago • 2 min read
