Half Term Ahead: Rest or Revision?
Half Term Ahead: Rest or Revision? We’re asking the February half term question that has parents across the UK tied in knots: should students be revising or resting? Maybe you recognise the conversation. You suggest a “bit of revision” and get that look – the one that says you’ve suggested something truly unreasonable. They insist […]
When Letters Dance: Understanding Your Dyslexic Child’s World
When Letters Dance: Understanding Your Dyslexic Child’s World You know your child is clever. You see that they are bright in the way they solve problems, the questions they ask, the connections they make that surprise you. But put a book in front of them, and everything changes. The brightness dims. The shoulders slump. And […]
Is Tutoring Right For Your Child? An Honest Answer From a Teacher
Is Tutoring Actually Right For Your Child? (An Honest Answer) I’m going to tell you something most tutoring companies won’t say: Sometimes, tutoring isn’t the answer. I know that sounds strange coming from someone who runs a tutoring service. But after 40+ years of teaching, I’ve learned that honesty matters more than bookings. So let […]
Why Weekly Tutoring Works Better Than Cramming | Neuroscience of Learning
Why Your Child’s Brain Needs Weekly Tutoring (Not Monthly Marathons) I had a phone call yesterday that I’ve had a hundred times before. A mum rang to ask about booking four intensive tutoring sessions — back-to-back, all in one weekend, right before her son’s mocks. “Will that be enough?” she asked. And I had to […]
New Year, New Start: Gentle Goal-Setting for School Success
January Fresh Starts: Setting Up Success Without the Pressure How to Help Your Child Begin the New Term with Confidence There’s something about January, isn’t there? New year, new term, that unmistakable feeling of a fresh start. The decorations come down, school uniforms go back on, and suddenly it feels like the perfect moment to […]
Gentle Holiday Learning: Preventing Learning Loss Without the Pressure
Why a Little Learning Goes a Long Way Over the Holidays How to Maintain Momentum Without Adding Pressure The term is nearly done. Mock exams finished. Your instinct says: “Let them rest completely. They’ve earned it.” But here’s what 30+ years of teaching has taught me, and what neuroscience confirms: The students who maintain even […]
A Level Law: The Subject That Opens Doors
A Level Law: The Subject That Opens Doors After numerous parent requests last year, we’re thrilled to announce A Level Law tutoring at The Community Schools. But this isn’t just about adding another subject—it’s about offering something that transforms how students think, write, and approach their entire academic future. Why We’re Launching Law Now “My […]
Why Bright GCSE Students Struggle at A Level
Bright GCSE Students Struggle at A Level 68% of high-achieving GCSE students report struggling with the transition to A Levels. This isn’t a small adjustment period – it’s a fundamental shift that catches even the brightest students completely unprepared. Last month, I spoke with Lisa from Suffolk. Her son had sailed through GCSEs without breaking […]
Maths Problem Topics
The 5 Maths Topics That Trip Up Every Student (And How Your Child Can Master Them) “I literally don’t understand anything about surds. Are they even real numbers?” If your child has said something like this, you’re not alone. Every year, the same topics destroy GCSE Maths grades. With Paper 1 on 5th November, Paper […]
English Language Papers
English Language Paper 1 vs Paper 2: What Your Child Needs to Know “Mum, which paper has the one where you describe a picture again?” Every November, I see students walk into English resits confused about which paper tests what. With Paper 1 on 4th November and Paper 2 on 6th November, if your child […]
Half-Term Revision
5 Ways to Help Your Child Maximise Half-Term Revision (And Actually Enjoy It) “I’ve been revising for hours but nothing’s going in!” I hear this from parents every October – their frustrated teenager has been highlighting notes for hours with nothing to show for it. With November GCSE resits starting 4th November and mocks looming […]
GCSE Resit Success Guide: November 2025 Exam Preparation
GCSE Resit Success: Your Complete Guide to November 2025 Triumph Unexpected results in August hurt—but November offers a genuine second chance. With a focused plan and the right support, students can turn things around quickly and confidently. Who Can Resit in November? Eligible students can resit GCSE English Language, English Literature, and Mathematics in November if […]
