Keystone Tutors Blog

FILTER: 
Topic   

The Spectator has published its annual table showing which schools received the most Oxbridge offers last year. Over the years, both Oxford and Cambridge have increased the proportion of acceptances from state schools, which now account for 72%, up from 52% in 2000. Of the 80 schools considered, 29 are independent, 29 are grammar or partially selective, 17 are Sixth Form Colleges, and 5 are comprehensives or academies.

Read more

In this webinar, Charlotte Wilson, one of Keystone's knowledgeable Client Managers, was joined by Keystone's Managing Director, Ed Richardson, to discuss 11+ entry with a focus on London day schools. Ed and Charlotte covered all key aspects of the 11+ entry process to London schools, including advising on how and when to start preparing for 11+ assessments and interviews, and how to finalise a shortlist of schools.

Read more

Do I need to sit the TSA?The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is a form of assessment used to measure aptitude in critical thinking and problem-solving. The TSA is a requirement only for those looking to study certain courses at Oxford University: Philosophy, Politics and EconomicsEconomics and ManagementExperimental PsychologyHistory and EconomicsHuman SciencesPsychology, Philosophy and Linguistics.

Read more

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.

Read more

This guide is for anyone applying to sit Physics or a number of STEM courses 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.

Read more

Wycombe Abbey was founded in 1896 by Dame Frances Dove to create a girls’ education that was every ounce as good as boys’, through pursuit of excellence, development of talents, and an understanding of the needs of others. It has become one of the leading girls’ schools in the UK, renowned for its long-standing academic excellence and outstanding results.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

What is the PhilAT (Philosophy Test)?The PhilAT is a 60-minute online test for those applying to study Philosophy and Theology at Oxford University. The parameters are simple - to test a candidate's philosophical reasoning skills – and there is zero expectation that applicants will have studied philosophy in any formal way. This is not a test of your philosophical knowledge.

Read more

Do I need to sit an entrance test for Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Cambridge? The admissions process for those wishing to study PBS at Cambridge has changed for 2025/6 entry. Candidates will no longer required to sit the PBSAA (Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Admissions Assessment) which is no longer in use.  Some Cambridge Colleges will however require you to sit what is called an at-college assessment.

Read more

What is the Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT)?  The BMSAT is a 90-minute test of your scientific knowledge and its application.   There will be 80 questions in total, 20 each for Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. These will be multiple choice questions and marking of your responses will be automatic.

Read more

What is the AHCAAT? The AHCAAT (Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test) is a new online test - introduced in 2024 - for all candidates applying for Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at Oxford University.  For the first two years of its running, the test should be considered as a pilot. It will be used only to supply ‘extra information’ on a candidate's application.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Places to study at medical schools in the UK are highly sought after, by both domestic and international students, and require a great degree of commitment from prospective applicants. Understanding just what medical school involves can really help you decide whether it’s right for you and, once you’re sure it is, give you the very best chance of securing a place at the school of your choice.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

What is the MLAT and do I need to take it?   The MLAT (Modern Languages Admissions Test – previously the Modern Languages Aptitude Test) is a computer-based assessment that all students applying to study a modern languages course at Oxford will be required to sit.

Read more

The History Admissions Test (HAT) – previously the History Aptitude Test – is a source-based test that all History students applying to study at Oxford University must sit.  The test format might be unfamiliar to A-level or IB History students, being a test of skills, rather than substantive historical knowledge. It is therefore well worth familiarising yourself with parameters and format, as well as details of registering for the test as set out below.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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 should not put off the prospective Oxford student, who will be well used to competition and accustomed to a challenge.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

With A level Results day almost upon us (Thursday 15th August), here is a helpful guide to ensure you are appropriately prepared.

Read more

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a critical assessment for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate courses in engineering and science at some of UK’s leading universities.  It is used to assess candidates in conjunction with your UCAS application and is an important part of your application. Make sure to check the entry criteria for your desired course to see if the test is a requirement.

Read more

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

In the press

Knight Frank
Ed Richardson
Times Educational Supplement
The West Journal