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A Guide to Winchester College Admissions
Founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester (who also founded New College, Oxford), this is one of the oldest schools in the world. The College is situated in the beautiful city of Winchester, and its buildings and grounds are outstanding. Academic standards are extremely high with boys achieving exceptional results.
A Guide to St Paul's Girls' School Admissions
Since St Paul’s Girls’ School (SPGS) first opened its doors in 1904, the school has provided an ambitious and progressive education. At all stages throughout its history, the school has combined the best elements of a classical education with a commitment to innovation and a forward-looking approach. Their academic attainment has been consistently astounding.
A Guide to St Paul's Boys School Admissions
St Paul’s is an independent boy’s school set within 45 acres of open space in Barnes, South West London. The school was founded in 1509 by John Colet with the vision to provide an outstanding all-round education to prepare boys for a successful future. The school welcomes all academically eligible students, regardless of either economic or social circumstances.
How to Get an A* or A in A Level Spanish
Achieving an A or A star in A Level Spanish is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right approach and dedication, it's entirely attainable. This guide will equip you with essential strategies resources and tips to excel in all aspects of the exam.
Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools Admissions Guide
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. In this article exploring the best grammar schools in Buckinghamshire, as well as the admissions process, we aim to equip parents with the knowledge to make an informed decision that aligns with their child's needs and aspirations.
A Guide to Grammar School Entrance Exams
What is a grammar school? State funded secondary schools which select students based on their scores in competitive entrance exams are known as grammar schools. Where are grammar schools? Grammar schools were first created by the Education Act of 1944 but since 1998, no new grammar schools can be established. As a result, there are only around 163 grammar schools in England, and 69 in Northern Ireland; there are no state funded grammar schools in Wales or Scotland.
How to get an A* or A in A Level French
A Levels are challenging, and French is no exception. Even native speakers can struggle with the complexities of the language at this level. However, with the right approach and dedication, achieving top grades is entirely within reach. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the essential tools and strategies to excel in your A Level French exams.
How to get a 9 in GCSE German
Achieving top grades in GCSE German can seem daunting, especially given the language's complexities. Covering grammar, vocabulary and speaking skills, this comprehensive guide provides study techniques and examiner recommendations to ensure you are fully prepared to achieve a 9 in your German GCSE.
Webinar: Navigating A Level Results Day and UCAS Clearing
Keystone's Director of Asia, Jenny McGowan, and Managing Director, Ed Richardson, hosted this webinar about preparing for A Level results day and what to expect. They discussed what you can do before receiving your results, what to do on results day, what you can expect to hear from UCAS on the day and what to do if you don’t receive your predicted grades and their tips for navigating clearing.
Essex Grammar Schools Admissions Guide
Choosing the right school for your child is a pivotal decision, and for parents in Essex, the selection of grammar schools offers a pathway to exceptional education. In this article exploring the best grammar schools in Essex, as well as the admissions process, we aim to equip parents with the knowledge to make an informed decision that aligns with their child's needs and aspirations.
How to get a 9 in GCSE Spanish
Attaining a 9 in GCSE Spanish is achievable with the right strategic preparation. In this guide, you'll find techniques to help you excel in your Spanish exams.
London Grammar Schools Admissions Guide
Grammar schools are a distinctive and significant part of the UK education system, promoting opportunity to those with the ability to perform at the highest standards for their age. They are state-funded secondary schools that select their students based on academic ability. This is assessed through performance in the 11+ exam, which includes assessment in Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
A Guide to Oxford Classics Admission Test (CAT)
This guide is for anyone applying to sit Classics or any combination involving Classics at the University of Oxford. In the sections below you can find out if you need to sit the test and how you go about doing that. There is also some advice on how best to prepare for the test and how important the test will be to your application to study at Oxford.
Kent Grammar Schools Admissions Guide
Choosing the right school for your child is a pivotal decision, and for parents in Kent, the selection of grammar schools offers a pathway to exceptional education. In this article exploring the best grammar schools in Kent, as well as the admissions process, we aim to equip parents with the knowledge to make an informed decision that aligns with their child's needs and aspirations.
GCSE Results Day 2024 - What You Need to Know
GCSE Results Day 2024 is almost upon us (Thursday 22nd August) so we thought it might be helpful to share some top tips to help you to navigate the day.
A Level Results Day 2024: How to Prepare and What to Expect
With A level Results day almost upon us (Thursday 15th August), here is a helpful guide to ensure you are appropriately prepared.
Languages Super Curricular Activities
Super-curricular activities are intellectually enriching pursuits that extend beyond the standard curriculum. Super-curricular activities are essential for applications to top universities, demonstrating commitment and deeper engagement with a chosen subject.
Webinar: A Guide to Pre-Test Preparation
In recent years, many independent senior schools have incorporated ‘Pre-tests’ as an initial entry assessment for Year 7 and 9 entry. Pre-tests commonly form the first stage of the admissions process, and schools use them to identify the students who are most suitable to proceed to the next stage. Pre-tests can be administered in written form or on a computer, with the ISEB Common Pre-Test, CEM Test and the CAT 4 being the most widely used.
Webinar: 16+ Preparation
In this webinar, Keystone's Director of Asia, Jenny McGowan and Keystone's Managing Director, Ed Richardson discussed all of the key steps, from registration timelines to assessment and interview formats. They advise on how and when to start preparing for 16+ assessments and interviews, along with other application requirements including 16 plus personal statements. This webinar is useful for anyone looking to apply to join UK schools for sixth form.
What is the CEM Test?
As a parent looking for information about how best to prepare your child for the 11 Plus exams, you may have encountered the terms CEM and GL and wondered what on earth they refer to! When it comes to the 11 Plus, these terms refer to two of the assessment manufacturers who develop and provide the 11 Plus tests.
Sixth-form School Entry and the 16 Plus Exam
Enrolling your child in a new school for the final two years of their secondary education can be a big change, at a critical time in their pathway toward university. It can also be an enormous opportunity as well, if your child gains a place at a school that is a better fit for their needs and goals.
A Guide to Francis Holland School Regent’s Park Admissions
Francis Holland Schools comprise two sister schools: the first in Regent’s Park, founded in 1878, and the second in Sloane Square, founded in 1881. These schools aim to provide an outstanding education for girls and have a long-standing reputation for their exceptional pastoral care. With a strong focus on creativity, innovation and enterprise, Francis Holland Schools combine first-class facilities with a rigorous academic programme.
A Guide to Francis Holland School Sloane Square Admissions
Francis Holland Schools comprise two sister schools: the first in Regent’s Park, founded in 1878, and the second in Sloane Square, founded in 1881. These schools aim to provide an outstanding education for girls and have a long-standing reputation for their exceptional pastoral care. With a strong focus on creativity, innovation and enterprise, Francis Holland Schools combine first-class facilities with a rigorous academic programme.
Guide to 11 Plus (11+) Verbal Reasoning
What is verbal reasoning?Verbal reasoning tests a pupil’s ability to solve problems using a combination of letters and words. It assesses the extent of a child’s literacy, their vocabulary, and their critical and constructive thinking skills.
How to get a 9 in GCSE English Literature
How hard is it to get a 9 in GCSE English Literature? It is hard to get a 9 in English Literature and even talented students need to be on top of their game to gain the very highest level in this subject. But it is possible. Part of being successful is cultural and part of it is practical. The successful student of English Literature immerses themselves not just in the texts of the course but in books and reading more generally.
A Guide to A Level English Language
Is English Language a good A Level subject? English Language A Level is a really good choice if you have enjoyed the language aspects of your GCSE English course. Students will recall that study for the GCSE Language qualification is what we might call more ‘programmatic’: this is a more technical discipline, requiring a focus on technical aspects of language, and which looks as ‘texts’ that are sometimes a long way from the highbrow and romantic reading of the Literature qualification.
A Guide to Highgate School Admissions
Highgate School is one of the leading co-ed independent schools in the country. Situated a short distance from central London and adjacent to leafy Hampstead Heath, the school boasts an enviable location and is home to some best-in-class facilities among London schools, including a newly-opened Junior School building and an excellently equipped Art and Design Centre. Founded in 1595, Highgate is a school with a rich history paired with a modern and socially-minded outlook.
Guide to IB Revision Techniques
When to begin IB revision? IB exams begin as early as late April for some subjects, and your revision perhaps begins in earnest with your mock exams, which generally take place early in your final year of IB study. Revising for mocks will give you an opportunity to test what it is like to revise course material you’ve already covered, and rehearse some of the revision techniques that will become so crucial later on in the year.
Guide to A Level English Literature
Is English Literature a good A Level subject? Studying English Literature at A Level is a fantastic option for those who have enjoyed English at GCSE and want to take their study to the next level. But be under no illusions that this is a step up - in terms of the knowledge you will be required to retain and process, the language you will be required to use, and the general ‘seriousness’ of the course. And examinations.
Webinar: Gap Years
In this webinar, Keystone's Managing Director, Ed Richardson, was joined by Helen Hawkins, Head of Marketing at Raleigh International, to discuss options for Gap Years. Their discussion covered some of the pros and cons of taking a gap year, different gap year opportunities and the impact of a gap year on university application.
