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Guide to the London 11 Plus Consortium Entrance Exam
Parents who are interested in the top independent schools for girls that are part of the London 11 Plus Consortium need to ensure that their child is well prepared for the entrance exam the Consortium uses.In the article below, Keystone’s expert tutors have compiled a list of extensive answers to the key questions most parents ask about the Consortium and the exam itself, as well as their top tips for preparing effectively and achieving the best possible results.
A Guide to Rugby School Admissions
Rugby school is a historic, well-established, co-educational school that is steeped in tradition and is probably best known as the birthplace of the sports that shares its name. The school has been educating children since 1567 and went fully co-educational in 1992. Rugby has always been at the forefront of innovation in teaching methods. The popular Extended Project Qualification was developed here, and academic facilities are outstanding, in particular for Languages and Sciences.
Applying to Engineering Degrees at UK Universities
Engineering is one of the most diverse and dynamic degree choices available to students in the UK, offering both theoretical and vocational pathways across a broad range of specialisms. If you're considering pursuing engineering at undergraduate level, understanding the landscape of courses, entry requirements, and long-term career outcomes is essential.
A Guide to Oundle School Admissions
Oundle is one of the largest co-ed boarding schools in the UK with just under 1,120 pupils, around 820 boarders and 310 day pupils, set in a Northamptonshire market town from which it takes its name. Oundle is a true all-round boarding school, with strong academic results, some of the best DT facilities in the country and fantastic sports and music. The school has three main entry points: 11 plus,13 plus and 16 plus.
A Guide to City of London School Admissions
City of London School is set within the iconic City landscape, surrounded by instantly recognisable institutions. The buzz of the school exudes enthusiasm for the opportunities that the school provides. One of the school’s main visions is to encourage boys to be the best version of themselves, in order to make progress and flourish in the modern world. The City of London School (CLS) is one of London's leading academic day schools, with over 950 boys between the ages of 10 and 18.
The Modern and Medieval Languages Admissions Assessment at Cambridge
Most candidates applying to study Modern Languages at Oxford or Cambridge will have to sit a written paper as part of the admissions process, The Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) at Oxford and the Modern and Medieval Languages Admissions Assessment at Cambridge. This blog describes the latter.There are big differences between the two tests, from what they are testing to when they are sat.
The Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) at Oxford
What is the MLAT and do I need to take it? The MLAT, or Modern Languages Admissions Test, is an assessment that almost all students applying to study a modern languages course at Oxford are asked to sit. The assessment is administered by Pearson VUE and taken on a computer. It largely tests your grammar and translation skills.
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.
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.
13+ Common Entrance Reading List
13+ Common Entrance Reading List: Our Recommendations for children in Years 7, 8 and 9 For many young people, the 13+ exam is one of the most significant they will take in their school career, as it is not just about entrance. The outcome sets them on a particular course for their GCSEs and, likely, their A-Levels or IB studies.
A Level Results Day 2025: How to Prepare and What to Expect
With A level Results day almost upon us (Thursday 14th August), here is a helpful guide to ensure you are appropriately prepared.
GCSE Results Day 2025 - What You Need to Know
GCSE Results Day 2025 is almost upon us (Thursday 21st August) so we thought it might be helpful to share some top tips to help you to navigate the day.
Primary Summer Learning Recommendations
Creative Ideas to Keep Children Engaged Over the HolidaysSummer holidays are a wonderful opportunity for parents to explore enriching, creative learning opportunities with their children without the usual term-time rush. At Keystone, we believe the best summer learning happens when it aligns with your child’s own interests, whether it’s a favourite artist, animal, historical period, or a country they are curious about.
Secondary Summer Learning Recommendations
Creative Ideas to Support Summer Learning for Secondary Aged Students Summer holidays provide a well-earned break for secondary-aged students, but a complete pause in learning can make the return to school in September feel overwhelming. As the summer holidays approach, many parents find themselves with more time to explore enriching, creative learning opportunities with their children.
How to get a 9 in GCSE English Language
Achieving a grade 9 in GCSE English Language requires a clear strategy, consistent habits, and a strong understanding of what the exam demands. In this article, Florence has compiled some useful insights and guidance on how best to prepare for the GCSE English Language exam along with her top tips for achieving a Grade 9.
How to Write a Modern Languages Personal Statement for Oxbridge
When it comes to writing a Modern Languages personal statement for Oxbridge, anxiety tends to run quite high.
Philosophy Super Curricular Activities
Super-curricular learning is where a student explores their subject beyond what is required by the school or by the exam specification. It is therefore inherently self-motivated, allowing you to explore what you find most interesting, on your own terms. It is most impressive when evidencing a genuine passion for the subject, rather than being just a hasty means of plumping out a UCAS personal statement or preparing for interview.Philosophy is an active subject.
Applying to Study English at Cambridge University
Securing a place to study, or ‘read’ English at Cambridge University is a challenging task. Extremely able candidates from around the world compete for a limited number of places, and it is essential to prepare for this competitive process effectively.In the article below, Keystone Tutors provide an overview of the best approach to take, some top tips, and even an inside view on the application process from a tutor who read English at Cambridge.
Applying to Study English at Oxford University
In the article below, Oxford alumnus and Keystone Tutor Florence outlines the best approach to take when applying to study English at Oxford. Florence is an experienced tutor who has worked across the age range, helping over 170 Keystone clients. While first completing a DPhil and then working as a research fellow at Oxford, Florence held several teaching and lecturing roles.
Politics Super Curricular Activities
Super-curricular learning is where a student explores their subject beyond what is required by the school or by the exam specification. It is therefore inherently self-motivated, allowing you to explore what you find most interesting, on your own terms. It is most impressive when evidencing a genuine passion for the subject, rather than being just a hasty means of plumping out a UCAS personal statement or preparing for interview.
Guide to Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) at Oxford
Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) is one of the best-known undergraduate courses that you can read at Oxford.It has been offered since 1921, and it’s rooted in the view that it’s helpful to approach problems in society from the perspectives of several complementary disciplines and frameworks. In Oxford terms it is a relatively young course at only 100 years old(!), so PPE is known as ‘Modern Greats’ where Classics is the original ‘Greats’.
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+ personal statements. This webinar is useful for anyone looking to apply to join UK schools for sixth form.
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.
ISEB Pre-Test Scores and Pass Mark
For many families applying to UK independent schools, the ISEB Common Pre-Test is one of the first academic hurdles in the admissions test process. Yet, many parents are unsure how the test is scored, what constitutes a good score, or if there is even a set pass mark. In this article, we break down the key information you need to know about ISEB Pre-Test scores and how they are used by senior schools.
How to Write an English Personal Statement for Oxbridge
When it comes to writing an English Literature personal statement for Oxbridge, anxiety tends to run quite high.
Studying Law at Oxford University
The undergraduate Law course at Oxford University is called ‘Jurisprudence’, which signals its historically broader approach to include Law’s underlying philosophical principles. Unlike other universities, the final award is a BA (Bachelor of Arts) rather than an LLB (Bachelor of Laws). It nonetheless has the same official status as a qualifying law degree for those wishing to become a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.
The Eton List Test & Interview: A Guide to Eton College Admissions
Eton College is one of the United Kingdom’s best known and most prestigious independent schools, founded in 1440 AD by King Henry VI, and famous for having educated many British politicians, scientists, and creative talents. As such, the process of securing a place is highly competitive. Entry at 13+ requires students to pass several stages, including the Eton List Test, the ISEB Common Pre-Test, and an interview.
The LNAT Exam Guide
The National Admissions Test for Law, or LNAT, can seem like a formidable hurdle for many students applying to read law at university; this is particularly the case when one considers the historically low average scores (usually around 50%) and the fact that many students do not know what to expect.
The Oxford Maths Admissions Test (MAT) Guide
What is the MAT?The Maths Admissions Test (MAT) is the admissions test used by Oxford University for degrees in Mathematics. If you’re applying for a Maths or Computer Science degree at Oxford, then you must take this test. (The MAT is no longer used by Imperial College, who now use the TMUA).If you apply to study Maths at the University of Warwick then you may be encouraged to take the MAT.
A Guide to the TMUA
This guide is for anyone applying to a university programme where applicants must first complete the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). 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 mathematics at university.
