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 […]
Welcome Back: How 11-Week Terms Build Academic Confidence
Welcome Back: How Academic Success Grows Over 11 Focused Weeks September always brings that mix of excitement and nerves. Whether you’re joining The Community Schools for the first time or returning to our extended family, welcome back! Here’s how our 11-week terms help students grow stronger in knowledge and confidence. A Summer of Real Results […]
Why 11 Weeks Transforms Learning: It’s a Journey, Not a Sprint
August 2025 | Claire Meadows-Smith Why 11 Weeks Transforms Learning: It’s a Journey, Not a Sprint The Question Every Parent Asks “Why 11 weeks? Why not a quick intensive course or just a few sessions to get my child back on track?” It’s a fair question. In our instant-everything world, the idea of committing to […]
Your Free 20-Minute Consultation: What Really Happens
August 2025 | Claire Meadows-Smith Your Free 20-Minute Consultation: What Really Happens Beyond the Sales Pitch: A Real Planning Session Let’s address the elephant in the room. You’re probably thinking: “What’s the catch with this free consultation?” We get it. Too many “free” calls turn into high-pressure sales pitches that leave you feeling overwhelmed and […]
Solo vs Group vs Live: Finding Your Child’s Perfect Learning Match
August 2025 | Claire Meadows-Smith Solo vs Group vs Live: Finding Your Child’s Perfect Learning Match The Format Dilemma: Getting It Right Matters You know your child needs support, but here’s the tricky bit: choosing the wrong learning format can actually hold them back.Will your quiet, thoughtful child get lost in a group? Would your […]
