Keystone Tutors Blog
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Webinar: Study Skills
Poppy Dundas, Keystone's Head of Elective & Homeschooling, was joined by Emily Briars and Rory Maybery, two of Keystone's long-standing Professional Tutors, to discuss recommended study skills and techniques. This webinar covers how best to support students in their revision, note-taking, timetabling and general organisation ahead of the summer exams period.
A Guide to the 13 Plus Common Entrance Exams
The 13 Plus Common Entrance (or CE) Exam is crucial in securing a place for your child at your chosen independent school.
Guide to 13 Plus Common Entrance English
The 13+ Common Entrance English exam is a key milestone for students applying to top independent schools. It assesses reading comprehension, creative writing and analytical skills. In this guide, Keystone's experienced 13+ Common Entrance tutor, Ben, breaks down the exam’s key components and shares his preparation strategies and top tips to help students feel confident approaching the exam.
Primary Enrichment Recommendations
Primary enrichment enhances learning by fostering curiosity, confidence and critical thinking beyond the curriculum by helping children explore subjects in greater depth. In this guide, our primary tutors explore the benefits of enrichment activities and recommend some of their favourite resources.
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.
Guide to UK Summer Schools
Attending a summer school or summer course can be an unforgettable experience for students and is a fantastic opportunity to learn and gain new skills whilst meeting new friends. There are a huge range of summer school options available which can sometimes be quite overwhelming. We thought it would be helpful to answer some frequently asked questions and list some of our recommendations for summer schools in this article.
11+ Creative Writing Guide
The creative writing section of the 11+ exam is often one of the most daunting parts of the assessment. Examiners look for originality, structure, and engaging storytelling—skills that don’t always come naturally. In this article, we’ll explore key strategies to help your child succeed in 11+ creative writing, answering some frequently asked questions and then sharing insights from Cameron, an experienced 11+ Creative Writing tutor.
Applying to Postgraduate Courses in the UK
In this webinar, Keystone's Asia Director, Jenny McGowan, was joined by Jessica Wärnberg to discuss applying for postgraduate study in the UK. They summarise the different courses available (e.g. MA, MSc, MPhil, PhD) and give an overview of what the application process looks like. Jenny has a Masters and PhD from Oxford and Jessica completed her PhD at St Andrews and both have significant experience of supporting students apply for such courses.
A Guide to Postgraduate Options
Deciding whether to pursue postgraduate study is a significant step, with many factors to consider - from choosing the right course to navigating applications and funding. In this article, Jenny McGowan, one of Keystone's experienced University Consultants, shares her insights on the benefits of further study, application strategies and key tips for making an informed decision.
Webinar: Applying to US Universities
Keystone's Head of Consultancy, Harriet Brook, was joined by Sam Harris and Seema Wadhwani from ESM Prep. Sam and Seema are experienced advisors when it comes to US university applications and cover a broad range of questions.
Webinar: Applying to Universities Outside of the UK and US
In this webinar, Keystone's Head of Consultancy, Harriet Brook, was joined by David Hawkins, Founder of The University Guys, to discuss applying to universities outside of the UK and US. From large, open-access public universities in northern Europe to increasingly-popular private universities in cities such as Madrid or Milan, and from the historic universities of Ireland to specialist institutions in Switzerland, Europe has so much to offer.
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.
The GCSE Grading System: A Guide for Parents
Understanding the GCSE grading system is essential for parents supporting their child’s education, especially with the shift from the traditional letter (A*- G) grades to the numerical 9-1 scale. This article, written by Ben, one of Keystone's experienced GCSE tutors, simplifies the grading structure, explains its significance and highlights how GCSE results, along with predicted grades, can impact university applications.
What is the Difference Between IGCSE and GCSE?
For parents and students navigating the UK education system, understanding the differences between IGCSEs and GCSEs is crucial when making an informed decision about which option to choose. Both qualifications have distinct structures, assessment methods and suitability depending on a child's learning style and future aspirations.In this article, Ed Richardson, Managing Director of Keystone Tutors, breaks down the key differences between these two qualifications.
Should my child take A Levels or the IB?
When it comes to deciding on the best educational path for students post GCSE, the choice between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a topic of debate for many families. Both qualifications offer unique approaches to learning and present opportunities for children to excel academically at school and beyond.
Webinar: Choosing the Right School for Your Child
In this webinar, Head of Consultancy, Harriet Brook and Director of Asia, Jenny McGowan, provide an overview of what parents should consider when choosing an independent school for their child and what the admissions processes involve. They cover the various entry points from 7+ to 16+ as well as day and boarding schools.
How to Get All 9s in Your GCSEs: Expert Tips for Top Grades
Preparing for exams across so many different GCSE subjects can feel overwhelming. Success at GCSE level starts with a well-structured study plan, consistent revision and mastering exam techniques. Top-performing students focus on understanding the subject material in depth, practicing past papers regularly, and refining their time management skills under exam conditions. In this blog, our GCSE tutors explore essential tips to those students hoping to achieve all 9s in their GCSEs.
School League Tables
Using School League Tables in the UK: What you need to know?When it comes to choosing a school for your child, one of the first places many parents turn to is school league tables. These tables, which rank schools based on their academic performance, can seem like an easy way to identify the “best” schools. However, while they provide useful data, it’s essential to understand how to interpret them and recognise their limitations.
How to Choose a British Independent School for Your Child
Over the years Keystone has successfully helped many families in their search for suitable independent schools for their children through our Schools Advisory Service. We have outlined the key points that you should consider when looking for a school for your child and where to find the information in this article.
Overview of the UK Independent Education System
The UK education system can be confusing, especially for international families whose children are being educated elsewhere. This blog aims to give an overview of the system and to define the key terms you might see when conducting research.Before reading the rest of the blog do take a look at our Educational Roadmap linked here, which will allow you to determine which UK school year your child is in. The age cut-off date is September 1st in the UK – e.g.
11 Plus Interview Questions
Preparing for 11 Plus interviews for independent schools is a crucial step for students aiming to secure a place at their chosen secondary school. In this guide, Keystone’s 11 Plus tutors share valuable advice and practical tips to help students showcase their full potential at interview.In this video Keystone's founder, Will Orr-Ewing, and Managing Director, Ed Richardson, share their insights on tackling the 11 Plus entrance interviews for independent schools.
Webinar: A Level vs IB (Inc. GCSE vs. IGCSE)
Keystone’s Managing Director, Ed Richardson, was joined by Jenny McGowan, Keystone's Director of Asia, to discuss the similarities and differences between IGCSEs and GCSEs as well as A Levels and the IB. They also covered how students might choose subjects to study at the different levels.
How to write a standout personal statement for Oxbridge
Last year, only 16% of applicants successfully gained a place at Oxford or Cambridge. Making your application stand out requires more than just exceptional grades—it demands a personal statement that demonstrates not only your academic achievements but also your passion for your subject and your readiness for the rigours of Oxbridge’s academic environment. Crafting a standout personal statement for an Oxbridge application can be challenging.
How to Write a UCAS Personal Statement- updated for 2026 entry
How has the UCAS Personal Statement Changed?The UCAS personal statement has undergone significant changes for applicants seeking university entry in 2026. Instead of submitting a single 4000-character, one-page document, applicants will now complete a statement divided into three separate sections. UCAS refers to the new format as having a ‘scaffolded structure,’ where applicants will respond to a series of free-text questions.
Webinar: Top Tips for School Entrance Interviews
In this webinar Keystone’s Managing Director, Ed Richardson was joined by Director of Asia, Jenny McGowan, and Head of Consultancy, Harriet Brook, to discuss school entrance interviews.
Webinar: A Guide to University Interviews
Keystone’s Managing Director, Ed Richardson, was joined by Jenny McGowan, Keystone’s Director of Asia, to discuss university interview skills for applicants to Cambridge, Oxford, and courses that typically require interviews, such as medicine and veterinary science. They covered the benefits of practice interviews, recommended reading before your interview, how to approach the interview process, and shared their top preparation tips.
A Complete Guide to Oxford University Interviews
Interviews are often considered to be the most intimidating and mysterious elements of the Oxford admissions process. This guide is designed to demystify the Oxford interview process so that you can approach your interview as confidently as possible.
A Complete Guide to Cambridge University Interviews
Interviewing for a Place to Study at Cambridge UniversityCambridge University, founded over 800 years ago, supposedly by scholars fleeing from irate townsfolk in Oxford, is one of the world's greatest universities and a historic seat of learning. Graced by the stunning architecture of its colleges, and filled with keen minds from around the world, Cambridge is an amazing place to study your chosen subject.
Webinar: The 7 Plus and 8 Plus
In this webinar Keystone's Managing Director, Ed Richardson, was joined by one of Keystone’s most experienced Professional Tutors, Steph Kitson-Smith, to discuss 7+ and 8+ entry processes and considerations. Ed and Steph looked to cover all key aspects of the 7+ and 8+ entry process, from registration timelines to assessments and interview formats. They advise on how and when to start preparing for assessments and interviews, and how to finalise your shortlist of schools.
