Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle

Prioritise your child’s education with our stellar selection of schools, learning tools and online platforms

Getty

From a flexible at-home tutoring platform to one of the oldest girls’ schools in the country, we’ve rounded up some of the UK’s best educational experiences and aids — suited to every type of student.

Gain acceptance to your first-choice university with A-level retakes

(MPW)

One of the UK’s leading fifth- and sixth-form college groups, MPW has a proven track record of improving students’ A-level grades.

MPW offers a wide range of subjects and formats for retake students, with A-levels available in both short-course (January to June) and full year formats.

Oxbridge-style tutorial groups of nine students or less, one-to-one tutorial support, dedicated exam preparation and testing and expert UCAS advice all contribute to MPW’s record of outstanding Russel Group university placement for retake students.

Discover more

Prepare your child for their tests with helpful workbooks

(AE Publications)

Simple to follow with step-by-step instructions, AE Publications’ range of workbooks, testbooks and testpacks have been used by thousands of students alongside their parents, tutors and teachers.

The books encourage both coworking and independent practice, and the short nature of the tests is ideal for daily or regular use.

Testpacks can be used to prepare children for their 11+ exams and contain practice papers that may be completed as standard or multiple-choice tests. Help your child to aim high and receive 10% off the range by using the code BACKTOSCHOOL10. Offer expires 31 October 2024.

Shop now

Develop their life skills with an International Baccalaureate

(Southbank International School)

Southbank is one of London’s leading International Baccalaureate (IB) schools for children from ages two to 18, with three central London campuses in Hampstead, Kensington and Westminster.

The IB gives students a unique opportunity to connect what they learn at school to real-life situations, encouraging them to become confident learners and independent critical thinkers.

Designed to create well-rounded individuals who can contribute to solving the problems of the future, an IB education equips students with the dispositions needed as they begin their career paths.

The school’s mix of nationalities, cultures and languages contributes to a fantastic atmosphere and sense of community, with London as the classroom.

Discover more

An outstanding education for girls in Bristol rooted in heritage

(Redmaids)

Redmaids’ High School is an independent day school for girls aged seven to 18.

As the oldest surviving girls’ school in the country, Redmaids’ High School prides itself on its distinguished past and acclaimed expertise in educating young women.

The independent day school, which was named by The Sunday Times Parent Power league table as one of the top independent schools in the South West, is committed to providing outstanding all-round education for girls.

Renowned for its inclusion and supportive environment, Redmaids’ High ensures that every student is known and valued, and the young women can enjoy spacious grounds with first-class facilities, set in 12 acres in a leafy area of Bristol.

This autumn, you can attend the senior school open morning on 28 September, the Sixth Form open evening on 10 October or the junior school open morning on 9 November.

Discover more

Embrace flexibility with an exceptional online school

(Cambridge Home School Online)

Cambridge Home School Online (CHS) is one of the UK’s leading selective online independent schools, with over 20 years of excellence.

Dedicated to providing an exceptional British education, CHS prepares students for top universities worldwide, including Cambridge and Oxford.

The online school provides a comprehensive curriculum to those aged between five and 19 years old, spanning primary prep, lower school, GCSEs and A-levels. With no more than 10 pupils per class, CHS offers students a personalised learning experience from subject-specialist teachers, all holding at least a master’s degree, and many with PhD qualifications.

With a desire to pave the way for students to achieve academic success from the comfort of their own home, CHS is a place where stellar education meets flexibility, catering to the needs of various types of families across the world.

Find out more

Discover a holistic education amid the countryside

(Saint Felix School)

Saint Felix School in Southwold, Suffolk, has introduced an innovative, pioneering curriculum and provision designed to provide students with a comprehensive and holistic educational experience.

Harnessing its unique coastal and rural environment, the school offers an expanded range of life skills to enrich students’ academic experiences and equip them with the essential capabilities needed for future endeavours.

With a robust academic foundation, the curriculum is enhanced by a focus on pastoral support through mentoring and clear, exciting co-curricular pathways and opportunities.

Discover a transformative education at Saint Felix School and explore its innovative curriculum and opportunities.

Find out more

Supplement your students’ or child’s passion for STEM

(STEM@Home)

Spanning biology, chemistry and physics, STEM@Home ’s range of boxes contain everything your student or child needs to carry out science practicals away from the classroom.

Within each box, all equipment and workbooks — which also contain guidance for parents as well as exam practice papers for children — are included.

While the biology box covers osmosis, photosynthesis and field investigations, the chemistry box spans neutralisation, water separation and chromatography practicals. Meanwhile, the physics box spans insulation, radiation and absorption, as well as spring extension practicals.

Ideal for those with a passion for STEM, these boxes are designed to prepare children for an exciting career in the sciences and to engage with students aged 14-16 with STEM subjects in a fun way, maximising their GCSE potential and potentially improving their results.

Order your boxes now and use STEM25 to receive 25% off the RRP. Offer ends 15 September 2024.

Order now

Select a school that prioritises enrichment and academic success

(Thorpe Hall School)

Located on the increasingly popular ‘Essex riviera’, Thorpe Hall School is an award-winning independent all through-school.

Open to children from ages two in the nursery, four to 11 in the prep school and up to 16 in the senior school, Thorpe Hall provides every student with an opportunity to pursue their passions, encouraging them to expect more from themselves and their futures.

Offering a scholarship awards programme for academic high achievers, performing arts prodigies and sporting stars, the school prides itself on preparing children for future success, supplemented by its extensive enrichment programme and co-curricular clubs.

Find out more

Opt for award-winning SEN tuition for students facing learning challenges

(Bright Heart Education)

Bright Heart Education, a leading SEN (Special Educational Needs) tutoring agency, offers a nurturing approach to education tailored for students with learning challenges. Awarded Tuition Business of the Year in the 2022 National Tutoring Awards and a runner-up in 2023/4, Bright Heart is also an accredited provider of the National Tutoring Programme (NTP).

Specialising in students with SEN, SEMH needs, those struggling with confidence and motivation, or those who have fallen behind in school, Bright Heart’s dedicated team of education experts and carefully vetted and trained tutors are committed to helping students reach their full potential.

Bright Heart provides in-person tutoring in London and Surrey, as well as online sessions nationwide. Working with private clients, local authorities, and schools, they offer comprehensive support to enhance learning and boost confidence.

Discover more

Introduce your child to a world-driven curriculum

(Basset House School)

Based in Notting Hill, Bassett House independent prep school and nursery is welcoming boys and girls aged three to 11 into its bespoke early years building.

Designed by House of Kin, Bassett Bear House offers a home-from-home environment, with interactive learning zones for its youngest pupils.

The staff nurture students to build tenacity and malleability of mind through a world-driven curriculum, which includes everything from critical humanities to equestrian studies, in partnership with a local pony centre — children learn to ride on real and mechanical horses, while learning about all aspects of horsemanship, such as managing and grooming.

Year 6 pupils are well prepared to continue their journeys on to prestigious schools in and around London. Apply now for nursery and reception places for September 2025.

Find out more

Register your child for a versatile online learning platform

(MyEdSpace)

As one of the UK’s fastest-growing online learning platforms, MyEdSpace utilises online streaming to create effective, engaging and affordable teaching.

Spanning maths, English and the sciences for Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, GCSE and A-level students across the UK, the platform combines live online lessons with personal mentors, unique homework and detailed video walkthroughs to create a well-rounded learning experience.

All lessons are saved and stored on its versatile learning platform so they can be rewatched as many times as needed, while the teachers are fully qualified experts with a huge amount of teaching experience.

With the MyEdSpace Ultimate Pass, your child will have access to all subjects for the whole academic year, including access to Easter revision bootcamps and cram courses.

You can even get one week of free access to the MyEdSpace platform by visiting the website. Offer ends 30 September 2024.

Discover more

Enrol your child in the AI-powered problem-solving club

(NXTLVL)

As we enter the era of artificial intelligence (AI), predicting future jobs and challenges is becoming difficult.

That’s why investing in your child’s problem-solving skills is crucial. NXTLVL is dedicated to helping you do just that, by providing children aged seven to 11 with immersive, AI-powered learning experiences that teach them skills that are not traditionally focused on in schools.

With challenges that prioritise critical and creative thinking, collaboration, leadership and emotional intelligence, NXTLVL prepares children to become well-rounded thinkers. Each session is guided by an AI coach, which serves as an intellectual sparring partner, adapting to your child’s learning path.

Receive 20% off your first yearusing CODE24 at checkout and Offer ends 31 October 2024.

Prepare your child for anything that their future may hold and join the waitlist at nxtlvl.io.

Empower your child to make an impact in the world

(Haberdashers' School)

Offering the best of both worlds, Haberdashers’ Boys and Haberdashers’ Girls provide single-sex education on a stunning, co-educational, 100-acre campus in Elstree, Hertfordshire, for students aged four to 18. Haberdashers’ students are known for being bright, ambitious, globally curious and resilient, with a strong desire for self-improvement.

As two leading, academically ambitious schools, Haberdashers’ Boys and Haberdashers’ Girls challenge students beyond any exam curriculum. The schools prepare students for futures that are not yet imagined, emphasising the development of personal skills and attributes. With an outstanding range of co-curricular and partnership opportunities, the schools ensure students are equipped with resilience, empathy, creativity and leadership.

Discover more at the open day on 5 October. Tour the campus, hear from the heads, speak to students and see the schools in action.

Find out more

This content is brought to you by Living360, a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with health and fitness, food and drink, beauty, travel, finance trends and more.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.