Our blog.

The long-awaited return to school is finally here, but we understand for many it brings its fair share of anxiety and conflicting emotions. So as lockdown lifts, we wanted to lift the spirits by focusing on everything children have to look forward to – and how we can help make the return to classrooms smooth. […]

Beccie is an experienced psychologist working in a National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service at The Maudsley Hospital in South London. She works with young people of all ages, specifically between the ages of 13 and 18, who have a range of complex needs. With the return to school looming, we asked Beccie […]

This is certainly a time of mixed emotions. Whether you’re counting down the days, feeling uneasy about the week to come – or perhaps a bit of both – here are our suggestions to make the return to school a positive experience for everyone. A problem shared… You’re probably not the only one feeling anxious […]

The online dilemma   Following on from Children’s Mental Health Week – and increasing reports citing the profound impact of COVID-19 on children’s wellbeing – we wanted to share some strategies to help families take care of their emotional needs this month. One of the biggest concerns we’re hearing from parents is the increased amount of […]

With all the focus on school closures and homeschooling, it’s easy to forget that parents are missing their usual activities (and little luxuries) too. So we thought we’d share a few of our favourite things to help lift lockdown spirits. Enjoy! Food and drink Wake up and smell the sourdough, with a doorstep delivery from […]

As schools close and exams are cancelled, the following few months are set to be a turbulent time for students and parents alike. Here’s our guide to surviving another lockdown – and how you can put the right strategies in place now, to ensure success for the remainder of the academic year.   Get ahead […]

The school closures earlier in the year had an impact on every student, but for those preparing for the 11-Plus, it was a particularly stressful time. As the Year 5s looked set to miss their last full term before exam season, and Year 4s faced the prospect of entering their final year of preparation on […]

At Figtree, we’re always looking for new ways to equip our students for the challenges ahead. And while our creative writing class is focused on preparing children for the 11-Plus, the ability to write passionately and persuasively is a skill that will stand students in good stead throughout their academic career.   Developed specifically for […]

We are in close contact with many of the schools our students are considering, and are following government guidelines carefully, so that we can provide the most appropriate support for each child. We are receiving updates all the time, as each school tries to navigate the ever-changing circumstances driven by the pandemic. We’ve included some […]

Interviews are likely to play a bigger role in the selection process this year, so adequate preparation is critical – particularly as they will probably be conducted online. All of our 11-Plus tutors receive regular training and resources to build students’ confidence for the interview, with practice questions and top tips (be yourself, be truthful […]

Like most things in this extraordinary year, the 11-Plus is set to look a little different. Recognising the ongoing disruption – and the requirements for social distancing – many schools are shifting their approach. In what we know is already an anxious time, we wanted to focus on navigating uncertainty, and reassure families that we […]

September may mark the return to school, but it’s far from a return to normality. With many children anxious about missed time, or new challenges ahead, here are our top tips to help navigate the coming months. Know the signs of stress Loss (or increase) of appetite, trouble sleeping, appearing withdrawn or tearful and repeating […]

This month, we talk to Katie Denyer, Career and Wellbeing Coach.   Can you tell us a little bit about what you do? I am a certified coach helping people slow down and think differently about who they are, what they do, and how they do it. My clients typically feel as if they’re “not […]

The return to school has brought great excitement, but also its fair share of anxiety. There are new rules to learn, new processes to follow – all while getting back up to speed after more than five months out of the classroom. So, as the long-awaited term gets into full swing, we look at some […]

Students across the country have been opening their A-level results, and for many it’s been an exciting moment. The numbers achieving A and A* grades are at a record high, with independent schools in England witnessing the greatest improvement, at 4.7 percentage points. However, late changes to the system and concerns over the moderation process […]

Finding the best way forward With the disruption to schooling this year, many parents are wondering how their children will cope with the new term – and what they can do to help prepare for September. So this summer, we’ll be offering our academic assessments for children across the board, providing critical insight into progress […]

Alongside the direct impact to learning, school closures are taking their toll on children’s mental health too. As the Childhood Trust warns of increasing risk of mental illness, including post-traumatic stress disorder, we look at ways we can support during this emotionally turbulent time.  In its recent report, the Childhood Trust warned that the ongoing […]

At Figtree we’ve always been committed to diversity and equality, but we believe that true change will only come when we all step up to play our part. That means recognising our own unconscious biases and having the courage to confront them. As Jennifer Eberhardt, author of Biased, explains: “Unconscious bias is not a sin […]

While recent news suggests online schooling may be missing the mark, there’s growing evidence around the ability of tuition to fill the gap. And here at Figtree, we’re already seeing the benefits of additional, dedicated support. Here’s how our one-to-one and small group sessions have helped students over lockdown – and a sneak peek into […]

With most pupils unlikely to return to school until September, a recent report from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of online schooling. As the long summer stretches ahead, we take a look at how families are coping across the country. Headteachers have said a third of […]

As families face another school break at home, we wanted to share a few ideas to keep everyone happily occupied. From our very own Figtree student’s book review channel on YouTube, to the very best banana bread recipe, we hope our suggestions will help with half term planning. Ria the reader’s book reviews Nine-year-old Ria reads her favourite […]

Life before lockdown I only started at Habs in September, and although I was very excited it did seem daunting. Only one other person from my primary school was going, so at first I was nervous, but everyone was very welcoming and I found my feet within a week. I really like the amazing sports […]

We understand that school closures have been particularly stressful for GCSE and A-level students, with changing – and often conflicting – guidance adding to this anxiety. With that in mind, we wanted to share the latest updates from two major exam bodies and reassure our families that no matter which process your school eventually implements, […]

In this week’s update, we’re looking at ways to support children in Years 4, 5 and 6 keep up with their studies. These are critical years, with the 11-Plus around the corner, and for many, the major move to secondary education come September. Here’s how we can help ensure the last years of primary school stay successful and fulfilling.

In this week’s update, we’re focusing on support for our youngest students. For early learners, primary school is a formative experience and any time out can be particularly challenging for young children. We’re here to help keep critical learning on track to mitigate the risk of falling behind and ease the load a little for parents too.

In these extraordinary times, our commitment to learning stays exactly the same. With schools closed and travel plans put on hold, the next few weeks will undoubtedly be challenging for parents and students alike – so we hope our regular posts will equip you with strategies to stay ahead and shape a new routine. From […]

We all feel stressed at times, and at Figtree we understand that family life is a constant juggling act. School commitments, extracurricular activities, work, finances, friends – keeping on top of everything can take its toll. So this month, we’re sharing our top tips for staying on top of stress, and maintaining a happy, healthy […]

Whether it’s the morning rush, as you try to get everyone out of the door, or the evening squeeze of fitting everything in before bed, family routine can be stressful. Add to that career, financial or personal strains, and it’s understandable that parents are feeling the pressure. But what’s the effect of all this stress […]

This month, we talk to Becca Okot from The Ed Psych Practice, about the effects of stress on learning, and how parents can lead by example to help their children stay on top of stress. Can you tell us a little bit about your role at The Ed Psych Practice? My day-to-day role is very […]

With so much at stake, choosing a school can be overwhelming. And as our lives get busier, and the process gets more complicated, it can be difficult to know where to start. But follow our top tips, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the right school for your child.   Think about […]

For children entering primary school this September, this month marks the deadline for state school applications. While location and catchment area do place certain limitations, parents are facing increasing choice when it comes to selecting schools – both at primary and secondary stage.   And though it may seem that academic performance is top of […]

This month, we talk to the Admissions Registrar at the Dragon School, Kate Heath, about what parents should be looking for in a school for their children – and how the Dragon is supporting modern family life.   Can you tell us a little bit about your role at the Dragon School?   As the […]

Bring everyone together this Christmas with our holiday-themed brainteasers. Perfect for the whole family, who will come out on top in your household?   Which one of Father Christmas’ reindeer can be seen on Valentine’s Day? What’s so special about the Christmas alphabet? When Father Christmas leaves the North Pole on Christmas Eve, in which […]

Now a mainstay on the Christmas carol list, the earliest known version of The Twelve Days of Christmas was first published in a children’s book in 1780. So with little ones in mind, here are our top tips to sharing a wonderful holiday season.   On the first day of Christmas… why not involve your […]

From past papers to interview prep, we support children throughout their 11- or 13-plus journey. And we’re proud that many of our students have gone on to some of the best schools in the country. So as exam season starts again, we caught up with a few of our past pupils – and their families – to get their thoughts on the test and how best to prepare.

As Christmas cheer begins to appear on our screens and in our shops, the holidays can still seem a long way off for children applying to independent schools around the country. We’re now in the midst of the entrance exam season, with students sitting the computerised ISEB tests throughout November.

Perhaps one of the best ways in which you can support your child is by understanding the challenges they’re facing. So why not try your hand at our sample 11-plus questions (without the help of a calculator!) to get a taste of the test? Remember, these would be completed under timed conditions so try not to overthink.

What is private tuition? In a nutshell, private tuition is a way to continue education beyond the classroom, or another formal learning setting. It can cover one or more subjects, and is designed to improve the student’s ability and confidence in a particular area.   A tutor, with the relevant academic expertise, will work one-to-one […]

Once the preserve of expat or military families, international schools are becoming increasingly popular with students around the world. With pupil numbers rising 7% year-on-year, we look at what international schools can offer – and who’s signing up.

As we explore the advantages of a global education this month, we look at the mainstay of international schools – the International Baccalaureate (IB). What can it offer, and why are more British schools picking it up?

This month, we talk to Maria Rosengren, Admissions Director at Halcyon London International School, about her role, how Halcyon is creating a student-first community, and the advantages of an international outlook.

This month we talk to James Kassam, Head of Marketing at RoosterMoney, about how the app is helping parents to raise more financially savvy children. Read on to discover more, and to receive your exclusive discount code.

In a world where smartphones and tablets are ubiquitous, there are thousands of apps out there promising to revolutionise our lives. So this month we thought we’d share a few of our favourites that really can make family life a little simpler.

As schools around the country settle back into a new academic year, some classrooms may not look – or feel – quite the same. With educational technology, or edtech, on the rise, we look at the latest tools to shake up teaching.

Brainteasers aren’t just good fun. They encourage creative, lateral thinking – and are a great way to keep learning alive over the long summer holidays. So challenge your family to these ten riddles and see who comes out on top.

While part of the joy of summer is switching off, doing a little prep before September rolls around will help ensure a smooth start to the new school year. So here are our top tips to ease you into the autumn term.

Keeping children engaged with their studies over the summer can be a challenge. Last year is already a distant memory, and September seems so far away. But with ‘summer slide’ a genuine concern, how can parents help their children stay on top of their learning, without sacrificing essential downtime?

This month we talk to mindfulness teacher Mary-Louise about her work with teachers and students, mindfulness at home, and the importance of self-compassion.

Decreased anxiety. Improved attention. Stronger relationships. Practicing mindfulness can be of benefit to the whole family, so here are our top tips to bring your attention back to the present.

Earlier this year a new mental health trial was launched in 370 schools across the country. The two-year scheme will teach children relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and mindfulness, in an attempt to help them navigate the increasingly pressured world around them. But it’s not just schools taking part in the trial that are turning to mindfulness as a way to better equip their students – so why is mindfulness taking off in classrooms, and can it really help?

This month we spoke to A-level tutor James about how to choose A-level subjects, his top revision tips and what he’s learnt from his own A-level journey.

A-levels aren’t just the gateway to higher education – they can be the start of your whole career. With so much at stake, here are our top tips to help you make the right subject choices for your future.

Choosing which A-levels to take can be daunting, and with many degrees and careers requiring set subjects, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. As the Russell Group launches a new A-level advice site, we look at how students can ensure they pick a winning combination.

This month we talk to sleep expert James Connolly about the importance of sleep, why he believes it holds the key to living optimally, and how we can all improve our bedtime routine.

Exam season is almost upon us, and with scientists stressing the importance of a good night’s sleep, here are our top tips to help you wake up refreshed and ready to take every test in your stride.

Whether still at school or already in higher education, students around the country are preparing for exam season, and for many this means studying until the very last minute. But is this extra revision, at the expense of their sleep, actually doing more harm than good?

Rage, despair, breathlessness – these are just some of the symptoms children with ‘maths anxiety’ may face. And according to a recent study conducted by the University of Cambridge, the number of students suffering is on the rise. What’s causing this increased panic around one of our core subjects, and what can we do to help children overcome?

Alongside literacy, a good grasp of mathematics is one of the most important skills we gain at school. From navigating future finances to toting up the bill, it touches every part of our daily lives – so as anxiety around maths increases, here’s how we can help children to master the subject.

This month we talk to maths tutor Joshua about the importance of the subject, how students can overcome their anxiety and why his mantra is ‘practice, practice, practice’.

With the rise of globalisation, evolving technologies like social media and the increasing ease of international travel, the world is getting smaller. But as different countries and cultures become more accessible, language learning in the UK is still lacking. How can we address this linguistic deficit and ensure we continue to play a part on the world stage?

Whether you’re looking to learn a language from scratch, or brush up existing linguistic skills, here are our top picks for the most important languages to learn this year.

This month we talk to language tutor Timothee about why it’s important for children to learn another language, how he suggests students improve their linguistic skills, and which language he’d choose to speak fluently.

Already recognised as a valuable academic discipline, environmental science is gaining momentum as the subject of choice for students looking to make a positive impact on the world. But what does it involve, why does it matter more now than ever, and where can a degree in environmental science lead?

From melting ice caps and raging wild fires, to plastic waste and air pollution, the world around us is increasingly under threat. But as global catastrophes continue to grab headlines, the study of environmental science is stepping up. What can this relatively new subject teach us, and how are schools harnessing the field to make positive change – both for students and the planet?

This month we talk to environmental science tutor Vasiliki Kioupi about how she approaches this critical subject, and what parents can do at home to encourage an environmental conscience in their children.

As we head into 2019, many countries are facing a year of instability. Political shake-ups, power shifts and economic upheavals loom – and yet many of today’s students lack an adequate understanding of the world that waits.

Geography teaches us about difference – different countries, environments and people. And in today’s increasingly diverse world, that’s more important than ever. So here are our top tips to inspire a love of geography at home, that will see your children go far.

This month we talk to Richard Maurice, Lead Geography Consultant for the Harris Federation, about the importance of geography, his passion for the subject, and where it can take today’s students.

Whether we’re supporting students overseas, or busy families here in the UK, we’re always looking for new ways to put technology to work. Here’s a sneak peek at how we bring a digital dimension to our lessons.

This month we talk to Tom Hamilton Stubber, Director of Operations at TutorCruncher, about the benefits of technology in tuition – and what the future holds for education in a digital world.

Traditionally behind the curve when it comes to emerging technologies, the education sector is finally beginning to harness their potential. As a result, classrooms are undergoing their biggest makeover in decades, and students are benefitting from a newly immersive experience. As 2019 looms, what are the top trends likely to impact learning in the new year – and beyond?

With creativity coming under threat in secondary schools around the country, we share our thoughts on why the arts matter – and how you can ensure your child receives the well-rounded education they deserve.

This month we talk to drama tutor Charlotte Wyatt about the important role the arts play in education, and how cultivating creativity benefits students across every discipline.

According to a survey conducted earlier this year, increasing numbers of secondary schools are cutting back on the creative arts. Fuelled by funding pressures and limited resources, what’s the true cost of cutting creativity from the curriculum?

This month, Figtree founder Ariana shares her thoughts on what makes a great tutor, how she goes about finding the right fit for Figtree – and who she’d most like to see join her team.

As the demand for private tuition grows, so does the wealth of tutoring talent on offer. From retired schoolteachers to young graduates, English experts to maths masters, the tutoring community is wonderfully diverse – but what does it take to become part of the Figtree family?

The private tuition industry is booming. Increasing competition, over-stretched schools and an ever-increasing pace of change are prompting parents to turn to tutors to give their children the edge. But with a proliferation of agencies, freelancers and online giants all promising results, what should parents really be looking for when choosing a tutor for their family?

This month we spoke to Kian, a Figtree student and keen tennis player about the benefits of tuition, his hopes for the future and why he’d most like to have dinner with Roger Federer.

September – the time of year when children across the country leave the nest and head off to university. But why are increasing numbers choosing to fly that bit further from home and attend colleges in the US? With a 31% increase in British applications to American schools over the last four years, what’s driving students to look Stateside for their further education?

This month we reported on the rising number of British students heading to America for their further education. But how do you decide whether this is the right direction for you? We spoke to our US college advisory team to find out what students need to consider when choosing to study abroad.

Get your brain back into gear and get ready for the new school year with our fun, family riddles. Shown to improve memory and boost mental agility, see how many you can solve.

As September approaches, our thoughts inevitably turn to the new school term – and for some, this can be a time of intense anxiety. With children and parents potentially feeling overwhelmed by the impending change, we share our top tips for beating those back-to-school blues.

While the new school year heralds new opportunities, it’s becoming an increasingly difficult time for parents and children alike. With a recent study revealing 61% of parents struggle to sleep at this time of year, what’s causing such anxious nights and stress-filled days?

With this year’s 16-year-olds the first to sit the majority of their GCSEs under the new system, we spoke to some of our Figtree students to find out how the changes affected them – and what year 10 pupils can do to prepare.

The stressful summer exam period is over, but following the introduction of a new GCSE assessment structure, many students are facing an anxious wait to results day.

Give your brain a workout this month with Figtree’s quick-fire quiz. Perfect for long car journeys or rainy afternoons, you’ll need the whole family to crack all twenty questions.

With the weather brightening and the end of term looming, thoughts are turning to that glorious two-month stretch of freedom. But as our lives get busier, and academic pressures increase, how do families make the most of their summer holidays together?

Get your summer off to an entertaining start with our fiendish family brainteasers. Designed to get everyone thinking, these riddles are a great way to give the mind a workout and have some fun at the same time.

According to a survey from activity app Hoop, one in four parents suffers from ‘FOSH’ – fear of the summer holidays. And with increasing numbers of families relying on two, full-time incomes, it’s no wonder that the expense – and sheer logistics – of the summer holidays strike dread into parents’ hearts.

First established in the late 1960s, the International Baccalaureate (IB) was once the preserve of globetrotting families and diplomats’ children. But with 155 schools in the UK now offering the IB to its pupils, and universities placing increasing value on IB applications, the higher education landscape is looking decidedly more global.

With increasing numbers of schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) instead of A-levels, how do pupils decide which route to take? A necessary step to further education, it’s vital students make the right choice to ensure they get the very best from their last two years of school. Here are our thoughts on how the two stack up – and what to consider before making a decision.

Figtree tutor and One Degree volunteer, Rudi Moghaddam talks to us about maths, mentoring and the magic of a little self-belief.

Established English tutor, accomplished writer and passionate founder of Figtree’s first creative writing class, Khaled Naim is helping children rediscover the joy of the written word. We talk to Khaled about his tutoring career and how creative writing can benefit students across the curriculum.

Studies have shown that stress can adversely impact children’s exam performance. So with changes to the GCSE assessment structure coming into full force this year, proactively coping with stress is more important that ever. Here are our top tips on how to spot – and stay on top – of exam anxiety.

Last year saw the introduction of a new assessment structure for GCSEs across England. Part of a parcel of revisions to the curriculum initiated in 2014, the bulk of the changes to GCSEs come into effect this summer. So what exactly is happening, and what does it mean for students preparing to take their exams in just one month’s time?

Whether it’s in preparation for an exam or for support in a specific subject, to boost your child’s confidence or boost their chances of entry to a top school, the decision to start private tuition can be a difficult one.

Increasing numbers of parents are turning to private tuition. But with their children already attending often excellent – and sometimes expensive – schools, why do they feel the need to top up their education?

The Internet continues to revolutionise the way we live at an extraordinary pace, with digital technology now an integral part of family life.

This month, we’re looking at why increasing numbers of students and parents are switching on to the benefits of online tutoring. With the trend clearly here to stay, here are our thoughts on how technology is changing tutoring for the better.

This month we talk to Rishi Sankar, our resident 11-plus expert, on how his former career at the BBC has shaped the tutor he’s become.

Social media has become a huge part of the way we interact in the digital age, but a recent report by Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield paints a worrying picture of young children dependent on ‘likes’ and comments for personal affirmation.

This month, we talk to Figtree tutor Aoife Loftus about what makes her tick and the secrets of a successful tutor-student relationship.

This month, we reported on a study into social media use by Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield. Her findings raise considerable concerns about children’s increasing dependence on ‘likes’ and comments for acceptance and affirmation. But with social media here to stay, is switching off the answer?

Your insider guide to tackling entrance exams at any age.

This month, we talk to founder Ariana Azad about her career, her work and her vision for Figtree – both now and into the future.

Last month, the North London Independent Girls’ School Consortium announced they’d be scrapping the 11-plus exam from 2019. Concerned about the wellbeing of children in the face of pushy parents over-prepping, the 12 schools in the group will instead ask for a verbal reasoning test and an interview with applicants.