Keystone Tutors Blog
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Upcoming Webinars
Here are details of our upcoming webinars. Do join us live to ask any questions you might have or register below to receive a recording after the event.
Homeschooling FAQs
Increasingly, families are choosing homeschooling for a variety of reasons, including the need for greater flexibility, personalised academic support, or a learning environment better suited to their child’s individual needs and goals. When structured effectively, homeschooling can offer a highly tailored educational experience, allowing students to learn at their own pace, focus on areas of interest, and build confidence through individualised teaching.
Webinar: Applying to Oxbridge
Keystone’s Managing Director Ed Richardson, Director of Asia Jenny McGowan, and Head of Consultancy Harriet Brook explained the Oxbridge application process. Their discussion covered the differences between applying to Oxford and Cambridge, course choice, the importance of super-curricular learning, admissions tests, interviews, and how to prepare effectively.
Applying to UK Universities
Applying to UK universities is an exciting yet complex process, with various application deadlines, course requirements, and university choices to consider. Understanding how to navigate UCAS, craft a compelling personal statement, and select the right course can make all the difference. In this guide, Jenny McGowan, one of Keystone's Education Consultants provides expert advice on the key steps in the UK university application process.
A Guide to the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO)
The British Physics Olympiad is one of the UK’s most prestigious physics competitions for secondary school students. In contrast to standard GCSE and A Level Physics exams, which typically test students’ abilities to recall formulae or standard exam techniques, the BPhO tests a deeper understanding of the subject and complex problem-solving ability.The BPhO is organised by Oxford Physics, with the support of a large team of volunteer teachers and academics.
A Guide to the British Chemistry Olympiad (BCO)
The British Chemistry Olympiad is one of the UK’s most respected chemistry competitions for secondary school students. The BCO goes beyond the GCSE and A Level syllabus in Chemistry, testing students’ abilities in applying existing knowledge to real-world situations, their critical problem-solving skills and creativity in answering challenging questions.
A Guide to the British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO)
The British Mathematical Olympiad is one of the UK’s most well-known mathematics competitions, specifically for students in secondary school. It is designed to test deep mathematical thinking, rather than routine exam techniques and topics you may encounter in GCSEs or at A Level. Unlike these tests, BMO problems often involve more steps, requiring creativity, logic and clear written reasoning.
Applying to Oxbridge as a US Student
For ambitious American students, studying at University of Oxford or University of Cambridge (collectively known as “Oxbridge”) is an exciting and realistic goal. Each year, both universities admit talented students from across the globe, including the United States.
A Guide to the TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions)
What is the TARA?TARA stands for Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions. It is a computer-based admissions test managed by UAT-UK and is used by select UK universities (including UCL and Oxford) as part of their admissions process for certain courses (a full list is provided below).UCL began using the TARA in 2025 for candidates applying for 2026-entry (primarily for Computer Science, Management Science and Social Sciences).
How to Apply to a UK Boarding School from Singapore: A Guide for Singaporean Families
British boarding schools have an established tradition of educating students from all over the world, including Singapore. For many Singaporean families, the prospect of a UK boarding school education can be appealing but also potentially daunting, particularly due to differences in entry points and curricula.
A Guide to Oxford University Admissions Tests 2026
Competition for a place to study at undergraduate level at Oxford University is fierce. On average, they receive over 20,000 applications for approximately 3,250 places every year. This of course should not put off the prospective Oxford student, who will be well used to competition and accustomed to embracing a challenge.
A Guide to Chesham Grammar School Admissions
As with other selective Buckinghamshire schools, Chesham Grammar – a coeducational secondary school of around 1,300 pupils, with over 400 in the sixth form – aims to strike a balance between academic achievement and preparing students for their place in a changing world.Parents are impressed and keen to stress the pastoral preparations that the school makes; and that the school foster kindness and humility in addition to creating a challenging academic environment.
How to Get Into a UK Boarding School from the US: A Guide for American Families
British boarding schools have a long history of educating students from all over the world, including the United States. For many American families, the idea of a UK boarding school can feel exciting, but also unfamiliar, given the structural differences in entry points, assessments and curricula. The process can be more formalised than US admissions, with earlier deadlines and assessments that can surprise families unfamiliar with the UK system.
Webinar: Finding the Right Boarding Schools: Expert Tips for Confident Choices
Keystone’s Managing Director, Ed Richardson, and Head of Consultancy, Harriet Brook, provide a comprehensive and accessible overview of how to choose the right boarding school for your child. They highlight the key considerations - from academic ethos and pastoral care to school life and admissions timelines - and offer expert insights to help families feel confident at every step. Perfect for parents seeking trusted guidance in navigating the UK’s vibrant boarding-school landscape.
Are Boarding Schools Still Worth It?
Given the increasing costs and how competitive top universities have become, is sending your child to a boarding school still worth it? .
Webinar: Finding the Right School in London: Practical Tips for Parents
In this webinar, Keystone’s Managing Director, Ed Richardson, and Head of Consultancy, Harriet Brook, guide parents through the key factors to consider when exploring London’s independent schools. They demystify the admissions process, explain what different entry points, from 7+ to 16+, really involve, and share practical advice to help families make well-informed choices.
A Guide to Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School
Buckinghamshire is one of the few English counties to have retained a fully selective grammar school system and is home to a number of outstanding state-funded schools that consistently rival the independent sector for academic results. However, while this education is free at the point of access, securing a place is highly competitive and often demanding for both pupils and parents.
A Guide to Beaconsfield High School Admissions
High-performing state-funded grammar schools are not limited to Kent. Buckinghamshire, which retained its grammar schools during the government closures of the 1960s and 1970s, is home to an impressive number of excellent schools. Four of the county’s state schools ranked in the top ten in the South East of England in the Sunday Times Parent Power survey. Even more notably, these same schools are among the top fifty nationally, across primary, secondary, and independent sectors.
A Guide to The Judd School Admissions
The Judd School is a selective, state-funded grammar school, based in Tonbridge in Kent. Established in 1888, the school admits boys from Year 7 to Year 11, and the Sixth Form is co-educational. Academics-wise, The Judd School has a reputation as being one of the strongest in the county. In the most recent academic year, around 83% of pupils scored between an A* and a B at A Level, which was one of the highest in the county.
A Guide to Dr Challoner’s High School Admissions
Like Kent, Buckinghamshire retained its grammar schools when selective state education was phased out elsewhere in the UK. The county is home to some of the country’s top state-funded secondary schools. Dr Challoner’s High School, alongside its local counterpart Beaconsfield High School, forms a powerhouse of selective state education that rivals the best in the nation, whether state or independent.
How an Education Consultant Can Help
Common FAQs on Working with an Education ConsultantThe decision on where your child should go to school or university is a critical one, and can be exciting, complicated, and even a little overwhelming for any parent. It can be the culmination of years of your child’s hard work and careful planning, and can open up avenues for their education and career that enable them to flourish – or close them off.
A Guide to Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Admissions
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is a selective, state grammar school, based in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Founded as a technical school in 1956, and becoming a grammar school in 1982, the school admits boys from Year 7 to Year 11, though the Sixth Form is co-educational. Parents considering grammar school education across the county should also see our guide to Kent grammar school admissions.In terms of academics, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys has a strong reputation.
A Guide to Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School Admissions
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School is a selective, state grammar school, based in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Founded in 1905 and having since gained academy status, Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School admits girls from Year 7 to Year 11. Academically, the school has maintained a strong record over the years.
Best Grammar Schools in London
London is home to some of the most academically successful state grammar schools in the UK. For parents searching for the best grammar school in London, this guide explains the leading selective schools, how admissions work, and what you need to know to give your child the best chance of success.
Best Grammar Schools in Buckinghamshire
Choosing the right school for your child is a pivotal decision, and for parents in Buckinghamshire, the selection of grammar schools offers a pathway to exceptional education. With some of the highest-performing selective schools in the country, Buckinghamshire offers excellent options for families looking for a rigorous academic environment, enriching extracurriculars, and strong university progression.
A Guide to Tonbridge Grammar School Admissions
Tonbridge Grammar School is a selective, state secondary school, based in Tonbridge in Kent. Having been granted academy status in 2011, Tonbridge Grammar was founded in 1905, and admits girls from Year 7 to Year 11, with a co-educational Sixth Form. Tonbridge Grammar sits within the highly competitive group of Kent grammar schools.Having recently ranked as the top grammar school in Kent (based on exam results), Tonbridge Grammar’s reputation for academia is well-established.
A Guide to Sutton Grammar School Admissions
Sutton Grammar School is a selective, state secondary school, based in Sutton in South London. Granted academy status in 2011, Sutton admits boys from Year 7 to Year 11, with a co-educational Sixth Form.Sutton Grammar’s academic standards have been consistently high for many years.
A Guide to Tiffin Girls’ School Admissions
Tiffin Girls’ School is a top, selective state school, based in Kingston upon Thames in Southwest London, accepting girls from Year 7 to Year 12. Tiffin Girls sits within the highly competitive group of South West London grammar schools.Tiffin Girls’ is known for its high academic standards. Most recently, 94% of A levels ranged from an A* to a B, and 81% of students who applied to university were awarded places at a Russell Group university, with 15 students gaining places at Oxbridge.
Webinar: A Level vs IB and GCSE vs IGCSE
In this webinar, Harriet Brook (Head of Consultancy) was joined by Ed Richardson (Managing Director) and Jenny McGowan (Director of Asia) to discuss the similarities and differences between A Levels and the IB as well as IGCSEs and GCSEs and which qualifications might suit students best. They will covered how to choose subjects to study at the different levels and the consequences of these choices for university entrance.
A Guide to The Skinners’ School Admissions
The Skinners’ School is a selective, state secondary school, based in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Granted academy status in 2010, Skinners’ admits boys from Year 7 to Year 11, with a co-educational Sixth Form.Consistently ranking within the top 5 grammar schools in Kent, Skinners’ has a strong reputation for academic achievement.
