Keystone Tutors Blog
Sign up to our newsletter to be kept up to date about our latest news and offerings.
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.
A Guide to Oxford University Admissions Tests 2024
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.
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.
A Guide to the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)
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.
A Guide to Cambridge University Admissions Tests
Gaining entry to Cambridge University is a process that requires you to be curious and committed from day one. It is a multi-facetted process and you must be across all elements of your application. You may even want to choose your A Levels with your Cambridge course in mind! –Cambridge requires you to apply earlier than you would if applying elsewhere, finesse your subject knowledge and think outside of the box. This all before you sit your exams - and achieve top grades.
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.
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.
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.
The LNAT Exam
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.
Webinar: How to Use the Summer Holiday to Maximise Your University Application
In this webinar Keystone's Managing Director, Ed Richardson, was joined by Jenny McGowan, Keystone's Director of Asia, to discuss the sorts of preparation students can complete over the Summer Holidays of Year 12 to ensure they submit a strong UCAS application. The discussion covers how to prepare effectively with particular reference to the importance of super-curricular learning, admissions tests and the personal statement.
Webinar: Study Skills
Keystone's Managing Director, Ed Richardson, was joined by Poppy Dundas, Keystone's Head of Elective & Homeschooling and, Michael Roderick, one of Keystone's long-standing Professional Tutors, to discuss recommended study skills and techniques. This webinar covers how best to aid students in their revision, note-taking, timetabling and general organisation ahead of the summer exams period. It will be a useful resource for students approaching Common Entrance, GCSE and A Levels.
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.
Webinar: US University Applications
For this event, Keystone's Education Consultant, Suzie Bradshaw introduced Josh Davis and Sam Harris, both experienced counsellors from established US university specialists, ESM Prep.
Webinar: The Graduate Market
In this event Keystone's Managing Director, Ed Richardson, was joined by James Darley, the Founder and CEO of Transform Society, to discuss graduate employment.
Webinar: A Guide to Oxbridge
Keystone's Director in Asia, Jenny McGowan, was joined by Keystone's Managing Director, Ed Richardson, to discuss the Oxbridge application process. Their discussion covered the differences between Oxford and Cambridge, course choice, the importance of super-curricular learning, admissions tests, interviews and how to prepare effectively.
Applying to UK Universities
This video provides an overview of the application process and will be helpful for any students (and their parents) looking ahead to their UK university applications. The blog below provides further detail and there are many links to resources which students should find helpful.Occasionally there are changes to deadlines, admission test requirements etc. and this guide aims to provide a general overview.
Webinar: Choosing Schools & School Entrance Process
Keystone's Head of Consultancy, Harriet Brook and Director in Asia, Jenny McGowan discuss different school options for your child. They provided a fantastic insight into the entrance school landscape for any parent considering entrance options for their child.
