January mock exams can make the Christmas break feel less like a holiday and more like a countdown. For i/GCSE, IB and A-level students, there is often a real pressure to “make the most” of the time off. At the same time, tired teenagers are rarely at their best when they've not had a proper break. A balanced approach can protect rest, keep anxiety down, and help students return to school feeling more prepared. Building in moments of fun and rest is essential over the Christm

Bullying can be hard for children to label, but anti-bullying Week gives schools and families a gentle opening to talk about kindness, difference, friendship and what to do when something doesn't feel right. What is Anti-Bullying Week? Anti-Bullying Week is an annual awareness week in England, usually held in November. Schools typically use the week as an opportunity for assemblies, classroom activities and stories that help students of all ages recognise bullying, know how t

A mock result can feel bigger than it really is. One grade can spark relief, worry, frustration, or a sudden rush to buy every revision guide on the shelf. For GCSE and A-level students, mocks often land at a tense point in the year, when the real exams feel close but there is still time to improve. For Year 6 children doing SATs practice papers, the same thing can happen on a smaller scale. Ultimately, the key is to treat mocks seriously, but not dramatically: they are usefu

A few weeks into the school year is often when the “new start” feeling wears off and things start to feel... challenging! Homework takes longer, lessons start to move faster and all of a sudden a child who seemed confident in September may suddenly seem tired or reluctant to talk about school. This step up is common, especially in key academic years like Year 6, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13, but it usually isn't anything to panic about - it often means a student just needs mo

It can be hard to know whether your child is “on track” during the school year - especially when there are a limited number of opportunities to understand their progress, like parents' evenings, school reports and exam results. At every key stage, schools are looking for a mix of subject knowledge, study habits, independence and confidence in different areas. We've put together a guide to help parents make sense of each key stage in their child's educational journey, from pri

September has a way of arriving all at once with timetables, deadlines, early alarms, packed bags, and a calendar that suddenly looks full! Getting off to a strong start doesn't mean becoming a completely different person overnight - it means finding small ways to make the first few weeks feel less chaotic. Planning the first week back is essential to getting September off to a smooth start. Start the transition before the first day The best September starts rarely begin on t

Whether your child has struggled to pass key GCSE subjects like maths or English, or their A-level or IB results are lower than expected, it’s natural to feel worried about what comes next.

Results day can feel like one of the most stressful moments of the academic year for both students and parents. Whether you are excited, anxious, or unsure about what to expect, preparing well can help you stay calm and make the best decisions so you can navigate results day with confidence. Understand What to Expect on Results Day Knowing the process can reduce anxiety. Most schools and colleges release A Level results early in the morning, often around 8 am. You will receiv

The government's SEND reforms have major implications for all schools and many families in England.